I’ve always loved reading books that are part of a series. Because of that, for years, I dreamed of trying my hand at writing a series. With my Porter Family books, I got my wish!
I discovered two things about series… #1) They’re tricky because I have to juggle a large cast of characters who will star in future books or have already starred in past books. I strive to bring those characters in just enough, but not so much that they dilute the force of the primary romantic and plot story lines. Additionally, I have to keep track of a master timeline and all the details of my fictional towns.
#2) Writing a series is every bit as wonderful as I’d supposed. Because I get to spend several books in the same place with the same people, the latter books in the series offer me a great sense of depth, richness, and homecoming.
I’m so enamored with series that I followed the Porter Family series with the Bradford Sisters series, and now I’m halfway through the writing of my current Misty River Romance series.
So far, two of the stories are available. Take a Chance on Me, the prequel novella, is free to download to your e-reader. Stay with Me, the first novel, came out in May.
On June 1st, I turned in my next book, Let It Be Me. Then took a month of vacation. On July 1st, I returned to my writing desk to plan, research, and brainstorm the Christmas novella I hope to release next year. That done, I planned/researched/brainstormed novel #3 in the series.
This phase of the writing process is my favorite. It’s fun and creative. The possibilities are intriguing and invigorating. I spent time scribbling notes.
I spent time doing a lot of online research for things like, “How to Run a Non-Profit Animal Shelter” and “Prisoner Reentry Programs”.
I completed “character interviews”.
I hunted Pinterest for setting and character inspiration.
I spent the first half of July working on all of the above. Then I received revision requests for Let It Be Me from my editor at Bethany House. So, I set aside my unwritten projects and focused my attention on rewriting the second full-length novel in the series. For those of you who read Stay with Me, Let It Be Me is about pediatric heart surgeon Sebastian (one of the Miracle Five) and Leah, a high school teacher and bona fide math genius. I hope to share Let It Be Me’s cover with you in October, ahead of its May release!
When I rewrite, like I’m doing at the moment, I start at page one of my manuscript and make my way through the book word by word. I expect to return the novel to Bethany House on September 7th, at which time I’ll begin the rough draft of novel #3 (which will be about Luke).
Do you have any comments or questions for me about my books or the writing process? If so, I’d love to hear them!
Becky Wade
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Do you usually plan the characters’ appearances and behaviour in the character interviews? I would usually plan how my characters look (like hair and eye colour) and their habits (like saying a particular word or phrase or some habitual things they do). It makes the characters seem real when they keep saying ‘you know’ or sticking out their tongues when writing etc.
Yes, I plan their appearance (with the help of Pinterest) and behavior using the character interviews before I start writing. That said, I’ve found characterization typically becomes clearer and clearer to me with each draft. I think I know my characters before I start. But I learn more things about them over time and usually realize, “I didn’t know him/her that well at the beginning, after all.”
Which, I suppose, makes sense…. It takes awhile to get to know someone in real life. For me, it’s the same with a fictional person. 🙂
What an interesting post, Becky. Thanks for the glimpse into your writing life and your writing processes. I’m looking forward to your novella and novels. Your characters are ones we always put in our hearts.
Thanks, Stacy!
how do you pick names for your books? When I pick names I know there is just that one name that is perfect for that book do you get that same feeling?
Like that name was just made for this cherecter
I usually pick character names off a list I keep of names that I like. When I’m creating a new book, I’ll go shopping on that list for a name that seems to fit the character of my imagination. If I can’t find one that’s just right there, I start searching other places. For example, baby name web sites.
Regarding picking a title for my books…. When I thought of the title My Stubborn Heart (while rewriting that manuscript) I definitely had a “That’s it!! That’s the title!!” moment. It hasn’t worked that way for any of my other books except Sweet on You. For the others, I brainstorm a list of ideas, send them to my editor and then we go back and forth until we settle on one we both like.
Hi Becky,
I don’t usually check emails on a Friday afternoon.
Glad I did, you’ve inspired and encouraged further work on a planned trilogy..
One of the Five – Hachette- Hodder and Stoughton, -called me to London,
( expensive trip ) then asked for five synopses, Mono/glandular fever didn’t help. No publishing deal, over to me, and now, more than ever, they’re my books.
Sending all my encouragement on your trilogy, Esther! 🙂
I love that you share so much of your process with your readers. You have been blessed with a talent, but you put in a great deal of hard work. I think it’s given me a new appreciation when I read a book!!
Before I started reading, I imagined that writers sat down at their beach-side desks and sipped iced tea while joyfully pouring out romantic stories motivated by swells of inspiration.
If only.;)
Just amazed by you!
Thanks, mom! 🙂
I just finished Take A chance on me and I Am so excited to Read stay with me! Let me know when you’re doing another Free Give away!
Thanks for reading Take a Chance on Me, Anna! I hope you enjoy Genevieve and Sam’s story.
I just wanted to say thank you for all of the hard work and prayer you put into your writing. The effects are far reaching in the many lives who read them as God speaks directly to each person.
Thanks so much for these kind and encouraging words, Katie. It’s always my prayer that God would use the stories to minister to readers.
WHEN are you going to admit to the public that you based Ty Porter on my husband?
Seriously.
Ahem.
::fans self::
Right, right, right because — based on what I know of your husband — the two men are practically carbon copies of one another. 😉
Right?!?!? I knew you’d recognize the obvious truth. 😉
Wonderful information! I am always in awe of authors and how they create.
Thanks for stopping by the blog, Betty!
Your top left ginger was the inspiration for the hero I wrote last November for NaNoWriMo! You might call him Luke, he’s Cade Callaghan to me. 🙂
Such a fun blog post! Thank you for sharing part of a character interview. How cool!
So Becky how old were you when you began Writing? I began writing when I was Eleven years old that’s when I found my passion for written stories
Anna, I was 22 when I began writing. When I was a child, I read, and I showed my love of story-telling by playing make-believe with my sisters and friends and “directing” plays in our living room. 🙂
Every time you post about your process, I’m inspired to sit down and write, like “maybe I can do it!”
Thanks for the free coaching. 🙂