Every time I read a novel, I’m intrigued about the source of the inspiration and how the story developed in the writer’s mind during the writing. My own process has evolved over the years to the point where I consider myself to be in the role of transcriptionist as my characters take over and force me to tell their story. I used to plan everything and try to tell my stories. That didn’t work for me.
My most recent book had an interesting genesis, and how the underlying premise evolved might be interesting for other writers – or even my readers. I know it’s interesting to me! I wrote about it on my style blog, and if you’re interested, surf away…
I was going to call this “sharing some insights,” but only you, the reader, can ever determine if they’re insights for you. But they are insights for me!
I’ve been absent for so long from this space because I’ve been working on my YouTube series WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. and, as it turns out, a book series.
My books of late have been mostly contemporary, but my stories snake into history from time to time. That’s why when historical fiction writer, MK Tod asked me to write something for her popular blog “A Writer of History,” I jumped at the chance. The piece is out today. I’m focusing on some unconventional tips for writing a series since my experience defies most conventional advice out there.
If you’d like to read it (and explore Mary’s excellent writing blog), just click on the image below. Happy reading (and writing)!
Anyone who knows me personally or knows my work also knows that I’ve been writing nonfiction for over thirty years. I started my career as a health and medical writer. After moving into medical communication and working as an academic and consultant, my writing focused on communications. I occasionally was able to mesh health and communication in my writing. Some of you still use my textbooks – I know this because I still get royalty cheques!
Now, as a recovering academic, I spend the bulk of my writing time writing fiction. Today, I launch my latest novel, “The Inscrutable Life of Frannie Phillips.”
I never really intended to write this book. In fact, when I finished The Year I Made 12 Dresses that launched six months into the pandemic, I thought I was finished with the main character, Charlotte (Charlie) Hudson. Not so much. Have you ever had a character whisper into your ear? Keep talking in your head? Generally, bug you until you had to write about her again? That’s where Kat’s Kosmic Blues came in. But it seemed she wasn’t finished there.
So, today, I launch The Inscrutable Life of Frannie Phillips and here’s my little launch party where I tell you about writing this book…
Patricia J. Parsons 