By Patricia Bradley
This cartoon captures exactly where I am now. I have a book due November 1, 2023, with the first chapter due by June 5...and I haven't a clue what this story is about.
Oh, I know what I said when I proposed three books set in the South Cumberland Plateau area just above Chattanooga: A politician is coming to Pearl Springs and someone is out to kill him. I know who the main characters are at this point -- Russell County Deputy Amanda Hart and TBI agent Maxwell (Max) Anderson.
I know why the antagonist wants to kill the politician -- the Congressman helped push through a bill to build a dam on the Pearl River that flooded the antagonist's land. Land he wanted to keep.
That's all I know. What I have to do next is to figure out why this matters to my hero and heroine, and what their internal struggle is. Sounds simple, doesn't it? If you think that, I have some swampland in Louisiana that is perfect for you to build a house on. I'll sell it really cheap...
And while this sound daunting, it's what I love to do. I love seeing a story come together with all the parts that make it exciting and scary and finding the HEA (Happily Ever After) for the heroine and hero.
What about you? Do you think it's easy for writers to do what they do? Do you think the story practically writes itself? I've actually heard writers say those very words...unfortunately, I've never had that happen to me. Every word is a struggle sometimes, couched in much prayer. In fact, I think I've prayed more since I've been a writer than ever before. ;-)
I've just turned in the second book in the Pearl River Series, Fatal Witness. The first book, Counter Attack, releases May 16, and it delves into the Dark Web, chess, and a serial killer. I can't wait for you to read it!
Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for one of my books in the photo below. Be sure to leave your email address! If the winner chooses one that's out of print, I'll send you a digital copy. Oh, and The Defender isn't in the photo but it's available in digital...and if you have KU you can read it for free!
Cherie J was last month's winner. But she didn't leave an email address...so Cherie, please contact me at pat at ptbradley dot com
If writing was easy all those who say ‘I have a great idea for a book’ would be authors. Hats off to you who put in the work so people like me can read your books. Lifting a prayer that God will guide you. Becca12901(at) yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becca!
Deleteinteresting post
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thanks, BN!
DeleteI think writing is a hard. Putting all those words, sentences and paragraphs into a story. Writers are superheroes in my book.
ReplyDeleteWriters rock!
Tammy G.
cluedn@mac.com
Aww, thanks Tammy!
DeleteOh my goodness! I find it difficult putting my thoughts together for a review on a book that's already been written sometimes! I don't like doing research and to me that would be one of the hardest facets of writing. I highly respect the hard work and long hours authors put in!
ReplyDeletedianalflowers at aol dot com
Thanks, Diana. And you write some awesome reviews!
DeleteAww, thank you, Pat. That means a lot coming from you!
DeleteBook 3 sounds good! I definitely don’t think it is easy to write books. But when an author is doing what they love, watching the pieces go together is amazing! Now that I am more knowledgeable about the process, I read every single word in a book. Barbara Englishathome01@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. I once offered a craft book to a person who helped me with research, and she turned me down. Said after she saw what I went through, she didn't believe she wanted to be a writer. :-)
DeleteSounds like an exciting new book! Can’t to preorder it!
ReplyDeleteduellonlysusataoldotcom
Thanks, Beverly!
DeleteSounds like a busy, but exciting, few months ahead for you. Can hardly wait to hear how it comes together. Mary G
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary G. It is a busy few months ahead. lol
DeleteAs much as I love to read, I have never ever wanted to write! It sounds harder than giving birth! :) Praying that it all comes together for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm off to look at The Defender; I've read many of your books, but this one isn't ringing a bell.
carrottopfromtexas2@gmail.com
L. you do know they give me nine months to write the story...lol
DeleteI think it sounds hard but the end results are worth all the work that goes into a book, that an author really enjoys writing and that us readers enjoy reading.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I often think about how what I spend months writing, a reader can go through it in a few hours...
DeleteMy daughter started writing her first novel a few years ago. She's taken classes from experts, attended workshops online, brainstormed for days with writing friends, and is now about 54,000 words in. She keeps having to adjust as finds better ways to do things. She's 18. I think writing is incredibly hard work.
ReplyDeleteamybradsher at gmail dot com
I'm so proud of your daughter for going for it at 18! I wish her the best! Just tell her to learn the craft!
DeleteSorry about not leaving my email address. I just emailed you. You should see an email from cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com from me. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeleteCherie, great! I'll hop over to my email now.
DeleteInteresting post. I'm looking forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeletedianah7272 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Diana!
DeleteI admire all your diligent research and hard work involved in writing books. Praying it all comes together well for you! Can’t wait to read more of your books!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeletePerhaps few people wanted the dam built. For your characters it may be closer to their hearts, but they still have to do the right thing. Great story so far even as it developes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.!
DeleteHello. I think sometimes the idea j
ReplyDeleteIs there any you have to hurry to get it on paper then I think sometimes you jot down a lot of little scenarios and eventually the right ones fit like a puzzle. It's work but I believe you can't do it unless it's your passion, calling, talent because who would? My dad was a house painter and it brought him peace. Of course, he taught himself to turn a blank wall into a piece that looked like wood, marble or a work of art or the finest lines you ever say. To someone who dances and can't paint it would be painstaking drudgery.. So God bless everyone who finds their passion and mesmerizes the rest of us with it. Otherwise, life would be boring.
I so agree, Daughter of the King!
DeleteLove this author
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
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