It’s a new year, and that means I’ve started writing a new book. Along with new books comes all kinds of plot layers that have to be created. Even when I’ve thought deeply about the plot and the characters, I still find all the details I need to add as I start writing.
For example, this week I’ve had to find places for Savannah, the heroine, and Jett, the hero, to live. I’ve had to name Savannah’s kitten (Rhett, because she was confused on the poor kitty’s gender when she first got her), and am still trying to decide if Jett will have a pet.
I’ve had to find images for secondary characters that I know their role in the book, but hadn’t stopped to visualize them yet. If you’re curious, I’ve created a pinterest board with some of the images. Feel free to check it out.
I’ve had fun inviting my Facebook friends contribute to the fun by adding their ideas. You readers are an amazingly creative bunch. So I have a question for you. Do you enjoy it when writers invite you into the writing process and ask for input on details?
Also, I’m running a giveaway that ends on the 11th. You can participate by following the instructions on the form below. The winner gets their choice of my books. Good luck!
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I am reading Michelle Obama’s Becoming and Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke’s book You Don’t Own Me.
I’m reading ‘ A Lancaster County Christmas ‘ currently. Thoughts on character fir book, Troy.. worked his way through the minors, but has a eye problem, and won’t be able to pitch too long in the big leagues.
I am reading With this Pledge By Tamera Alexander . This book was fantastic. Hard to put it down. My idea would be a character that was homeless and wad found to be a great ball player . I would name him Clipper Jones.
I’m almost finished with The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel, so so good!! This new story you’re working on sounds great, I can’t wait to read it!! I would name a player Max “Speedy” Gonzalez, especially if he’s a fast runner.
I’m currently reading The Christmas Layover, by Robert Tate Miller. (Love his books!)
Baseball Player (Supporting Character):
Maybe you would consider someone with special needs? Perhaps he is high-functioning on the Autism spectrum disorder. He is well liked by his teammates, has an exceptional IQ, and a photographic memory of the games’ stats, (who they played/when, scores, rbis, pick-offs, etc.) He’s an exceptional physical player too, is ambidextrous, able to bat the ball out of the park more times than not. His name is Zachary, with the nickname Zach-Attack. His faults are that he obsesses over his failures (or what he perceives to be failures) and he MUST go through a complicated routine before every game or he can’t deliver. (E.g. he feels he has to watch an episode of jeopardy the night before a game, he must wear a particular brand of socks, must have a wad of gum in his cheek…)
This is fun, Cara! Thanks for including us in your writing process. 🙂
OMG This is the BEST suggestion!
I’m reading THE SNOW GLOBE by Laura V. Hilton. I’m loving it so yes I would and will recommend it. Love this author’s books and love Amish stories!
Reading Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano. So fun!!
I just finished an ARC of Margaret Daley’s Trapped. Suspense, romance,and inspiration all wrapped up in one story. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I love when authors allow readers to join in on the creative process – no matter how big or small the input may be. It doesn’t even matter if the author winds up using that input in the end (maybe it doesn’t wind up working with the story). It makes me feel more connected to the story even if it won’t be out for a while yet and eager to read it to see what the author might have used from the readers suggestions.
I love it when authors involve readers in the process because it makes the readers and the author seem like a team even though the author is doing most of the work. That involvement also raises the interest level of the readers in reading that particular book. As for a name for the baseball player, Slater (the “Slugger”) comes to mind.
Right now I’m reading As the Tide Comes In by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall; since I’ve just started it, I can’t comment yet about whether or not I’d recommend it. However, I’ve always loved Cindy Woodsmall’s books and am sure I’ll love this one too. I’m also listening to From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon; it’s about WWII in Italy and has really grabbed my attention. Although I’m only about half way through the book, I would definitely recommend it. Although WWII is always disconcerting, I’m finding the book fascinating and extremely well written.
Tanner would be the name of the supportive player. He grew up helping his grandfather care for his grandmother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early on. In their down time they would watch baseball games together. Tanner always had a passion for the game but family was were he was committed. Until one day he was given the choice.
Just finished Dead Drift by Dani Pettery. It was a phenomenal four book series!
Reading the first book in The daughters of the Kingdom by Amber Lynn Perry great so far. She writes historical fiction so well!
Hap Ridgemont for the ball player. He is trying to follow in a relatives footsteps as a great ball player of days gone by.
I’m reading the Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck. I would totally recommend it!
I an reading In Too Deep by Lynn Blackburn. It is very suspenseful and I would highly recommend it.
I’m reading The Forgotten Hours by Katrin Schumann. I’m only a few chapters in, but it’s good so far. Give it a try.
As far as a player’s name … OMG I am not even going to bother saying, because Cheryl Hart’s response is the BEST EVER! Please pick that one! It’s spot on. It would raise awareness, and at the same time be very fun to write. I can picture that character already!
Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White
I just finished reading When You Look At Me By Pepper Basham, it was okay.
I just started The Captain’s Daughter by Jennifer Delamere. Four chapters in and I can definitely say that I am enjoying it.
I think it is fun to be part of the creative process, but I often wonder if the author is way too inundated with all the suggestions?
I’m reading the Chronicles of Narnia series! One of my favorites. As for the character I say give him a problem with listening to other people and wanting to do everything his way. Another thought would be a special need. But I think if you really want to try something hard maybe make him blind or deaf. That would be super cool. And for the name I think Weston, Joshua, or Kaden sounds great!
Cara I love how you are letting your readers get involved in your process of writing! I think you should name the baseball player Boone Stutz. His backstory is that he had an injury and was sent to the minor leagues .He waiting to be called up to the major leagues after rehab.
I just finished reading The Dark Wood by Sydney Mann, it is about a world without the sun. It was such an excellent read, I would recommend this book.
I am reading the trilogy Tales from Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen. I would definitely recommend them! She does English Regency-era novels so well!
I’m reading As the Tide Comes In by Cindy Woodsmall. I just started it so I can’t say if I’d recommend it or not.
i WOULD LOVE TO BE APART OF HELPING WITH CHARACTERS OR ANY OTHER WAY.
I think it’s cool to help with brainstorming in any way: names, character descriptions, personalities, backstory. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
I’m listening to Chasing the Lion by Nancy Kimball. I’m only on chapter 3, but it is captivating so far.
I’m reading The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright. Just started it, but it’s already so good! It’s my first book by that author.
I’m reading The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr.
I’m reading Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan and yes I’d recommend it! I’m only 75 pages in, but it’s really good so far.
I’m catching up on my magazine reading before I start reading a book. Looking forward to reading a book.
I am reading Lights On The Sea by Miguel Reina. I just started it but my daughter said it was an enjoyable read.
Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano
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