I’ve been tagged by good friend and Regency author Collette Cameron to participate in the My Writing Process blog tour.
Here are the questions and my answers:
1 – What am I working on? 
I am working on a Regency set romance with some paranormal elements. I have completed the skeleton of an outline as a result of a plotting class I took recently. Since I am a pantser (which means I don’t do much plotting before I start), the class was a challenge for me. The end result was a roadmap for my story so I am happy about getting further than I ever have as far as planning out a story.
2 – How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I write traditional Regencies but the paranormal element makes it different. I don’t know yet that every book will contain paranormal elements but the paranormal is another topic that I am interested in and like to explore.
3 – Why do I write what I do?
I love history and the Regency period fascinates me. The Regency era was such a unique time. The Industrial Revolution taking place during this era had a significant economic and social impact on the lives of people. Daily life was affected in some way with the different inventions.
4 – How does your writing process work?
My process is still evolving. I am a pantser but I have been working on doing more plotting. I have taken several different classes to learn more about the plotting process. So far, the W Plot method has been the one that best matches the way I think.
I have plotted my book using the W Plot and have a general outline to follow while I am writing. I am certain however that it will change but having a plan of some sort is reassuring.
As I continue studying and learning I am certain more techniques will make it into my list of tools that I can use in my writing.
On March 17th, the following authors will be posting their writing process blog responses.
Kirstin Dansk is a historical romance author with a love for tortured heroes, troublemaking heroines and passionate twists on historical events. http://kirstindansk.com
Jess Russell is a multi-award winning romance writer, actress, artist and mom. Her Regency novel, The Dressmaker’s Duke will be available this summer. http://jessrussellromance.com
Terese Ramin lives in Michigan where she is an award-winning author, editor, mother, knitter, paranormal researcher, and animal rescuer. http://www.tereseramin.com
Good post, Cynthia. I am a pantser also–though I prefer to call it an “organic” writer. I’ve also tried various plotting methods and find it doesn’t work for me because I get to know my characters and then allow them to lead me in their journey. That being said, I do begin every book with knowledge of the inciting incident, the primary themes, the climax (black moment) and a basic concept of how the hero/heroine comes to resolution at the end.
I’m excited for your books to come out.
Maggie, I like “organic” writer over the word pantser. It does seem getting to know your characters is key.
I’ve written myself into corners and have a few abandoned projects as a result. I didn’t want to repeat the pattern with my current WIP and began my search for a plotting method that works for me.