A while back, I asked my readers what they wanted to know about me. Well, it’s time to answer another one of those questions.
Tess Hilmo asked: “I'd like to know more about what specifically you write and maybe why you like to write that genre (you know, what influences your writing choices)”
Thanks for the great questions, Tess. I started writing short stories for children and then moved to YA romance novels. Those were back in the days when I was in high school or when I taught junior high, so I was involved in the lives of young people. After I quit my teaching job, married my husband, and moved to the US, I felt I was finally adult enough to write what I read: romantic suspense.
I’ve played around with different styles and finally discovered my voice is a lot darker than I’d expected. Unfortunately, that means starting over with my current manuscript since the killer wasn’t sick enough and wouldn’t be able to become more psycho because of a backstory and character issue. In any case, while there’s more work involved in re-writing a good portion of my story, I really like this new version better. It’s so much closer to what I read and love.
Why am I choosing to write the darker, edgier romantic suspense? Maybe I’m a little demented myself. You should see my home library. It’s filled with true stories about murders and there’s a whole section on serial killers. I’ve just always been fascinated with the psychopaths of the world. What makes them tick? How do they get away with the horrible things they do for so long? Even the TV shows I watch are crime based. One of my favorite shows is Criminal Minds which is about FBI profilers. If I could go back, I’d consider that profession. Or maybe not. It’s much safer to become a profiler in a novel than in real life, right? Actually, in order to write about a serial killer, I really need to have an understanding of what he’d do if he were in the situations I put him in. So, in a way, I have to profile him before I write his story.
What about you? What genre do you write and why? Do you have any questions you’d like me to answer? Ask away.
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I read and write Ya. I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering...does your writing have any religious views?
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ReplyDeleteSorry, I had an embarrassing typo--let's try again.
ReplyDeleteI never would have guessed you write about psychopaths. I can't go there at all. It's a visceral thing I can't shake.
I write YA fantasy, which can be dark but no psychopaths.
Question: Does it ever get under your skin, freak you out so much you have to put it aside?
Wow! I would have NEVER guessed that and love knowing it -- thanks! I recently attended Bouchercon Mystery Convention and met all sorts of people who write thrillers in various forms. It was fascinating to learn of their process. Cool stuff -- and congrats on the win over at my blog party. I'll look for your e mail...
ReplyDeleteI write contemporary romance and chick lit....I love a coming of age story even if the MC is in her 20's or 30's...I love when a character learns about themselves and matures. I love a good roance but these days it seems so many are becoming cookie cutter and very predictable. I know romances are almost always HEA....but I like to at least think for a moment that it might not end that way!! I try to keep my reader guessing exactly what will happen at the end of my stories!
ReplyDeleteI think that even though I don't write romantic suspense as you do, I always did have a love for the darker side of things so my writing tends to lean that way. But I don't really know what genre I mostly tap into when I write as for now I stay with personal ramblings. I suppose the more I do it, the better I'll get at that.
ReplyDeleteCM is a very good show btw. (:
I write historical romance (with an inspirational bent). I've read historical fiction for as long as I can remember, particularly medieval and regency. I guess that's why my first WIP is a medieval. It's what I love. :)
ReplyDeleteI talked a little bit about this today on my blog--my taste is all over the place. But I think I've found my voice suits sexy, humorous romance the best (although I do go a little darker with my characters' backstories.)
ReplyDeleteSounds intriguing, but I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat myself. I write for children--middle grade. I love their open take on life.
ReplyDeleteI love to read romance and the scary criminal stuff, but I write chapter and picture books. ;-)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to see what some of you write. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
Wow ... how interesting! Thanks for sharing your background! I write picture books and personal essays/articles!
ReplyDeletei admire anyone who can write about murder and not be creeped out by it. also suspense - i have a hard enough time in my stories not giving away things too quickly, but i couldn't do suspense.
ReplyDeletei write fantasy with romantic elements, or romance with fantasy elements - take your pick. i prefer making up my facts. i tried chick lit, but it didn't work for me.