My Writing Process, Part 1

My Writing Process, Part 1

Authors (and their writing methods) are as unique in their methods as in their fingerprints.

Beginning writers may study books, attend courses, learn from highly successful authors in one way or another, but eventually–through trial and error–they’ll figure out what works for them. There are no right ways, no magic bullets, no fantastic formulas, just as there are no wrong ways. Just as we all might set out from Atlanta, destination, Chicago–we’ll all get there taking a variety of personally selected routes. We’ll fly. Or drive. Take the interstate or back roads. Some will push through with 16 hour days, while others spend more time visiting stops along the way and arrive much later. Nothing wrong with any of it.

Given authors are individual about the process they use to create a book, I want to share my own methods–in case it piques your curiosity. In this Part 1 of a 2-part blog article, I’ll share the first half of my process: Branding, Software (Scrivener), Ideas are Everywhere, and 7-Point Story Structure.

Colorado’s Mining History, and Prosperity’s Mail Order Brides

Colorado’s Mining History, and Prosperity’s Mail Order Brides

Colorado has a rich and varied mining history. The influx of miners contributed significantly to the settling of Colorado. Many different minerals and precious metals were mined from Colorado’s mountains. Leadville, Colorado, a real town rich with silver mining history, plays a minor role in my novel The Bride Lottery–the nearest town with a railway spur. This article covers the history of Colorado mining in a nutshell, showcasing the fact behind my fiction.