Ask Away

For today’s “Writing Thursday,” I’m opening the floor to YOU.

Shoot me a question about writing in general, any of my books (either written or on the horizon), or whatever you feel like asking. If you tend to lurk and not comment, I encourage you to ask, too. It helps me to know you’re out there and blog readers do NOT see your email address so no worries about that.

I’ll be checking throughout the day and will answer any questions in the comment section.

Anyone?

~Elizabeth

Series vs. Standalone

This week’s discussion topic was suggested by blog reader, Chris C…

Q: What are some of the differences between writing a whole series vs. a standalone book (ie, the planning, deciding what goes into which book, what gets resolved in each book vs. what is carried on to the next or delayed to the last, etc)?

A: While I have not been published with a standalone in mystery, all three of my romances have been single stories so I think I can address this topic fairly well.

When I’m working on one of my series (either the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries or the upcoming Amish Mysteries), some of the work is already done when I come to the keyboard to work on the latest installment. I know the main characters–how they act, what they do, etc. I know the setting. And I know the kinds of things that can and can’t happen within the framework of my series.

When you write a standalone, it’s not like that. Everything is new all the time. Now don’t get me wrong, the first book in a new series is very much the same as a standalone in that regard, yet it’s different, too. With a standalone, your character’s arc is the length of the book. When you start a series, you have to think long range. You can’t box your character into a hole or do something that makes him or her difficult to redeem in future stories.  So the thought process from one to the other is very different.

In a standalone, what you have with your character in terms of issues, trials, etc must play itself out in one book. Yet, in a series, you can plant a seed in one book and not play it out until a future one (something I love, by the way). For example, in a standalone I’ve been working with for a few years now, I mention that my main character was swimmer in school. I don’t yet know why I said that but I suspect it will need to play out in the story.  With a series, I might mention that fact about my character in book one, but not address it until a future book, thus giving myself options.

As far as delaying storylines, I, personally, don’t do that. I don’t have any idea how I’m going to “wrap up” my series because, at this time, there’s no need to worry about that. My characters are thriving along with the series.  

 In a series, you need to continually introduce readers to your characters to benefit those who may start reading you at book 3. Yet, at the same time, you can’t introduce too heavily for fear of irritating your loyal fans. It’s a difficult balance. But with a standalone, one doesn’t have to worry about that. You introduce everyone once, what people know they know from that book, thereby making it easier for the writer in some ways.

Interestingly, I don’t find myself delaying anything from book to book in my series. I write the story I’m telling and wrap it up at the end. The  next book I do the same, though there’s usually something in the story that ends up using a tidbit from a previous book. For example, in books 1, 2, 3, and 4, my readers know that Leona Elkin doesn’t get too emotionally attached to anyone she dates. She kind of loves them and leaves them.  We don’t know why. We just know this is the way she is.  However, in book 5, readers will find out why she is the way she is…and because they’ve come to know her, they’ll care more now than they might have in book 1.

When I’ve written my standalone romances, I love the characters while I’m writing them, but I truly feel as if their story is told when the book is done. There’s no need to revisit them. My series characters are different. I find myself wondering what each woman is doing and why they are they way they are. In a series I can explore those answers. In a standalone it’s more of a delivery.

Interesting topic, Chris.

Any comments? And while we’re at it, I’m curious what all of you, as readers, see as pros and cons to series/standalones…

~Elizabeth

Spin-Off, Anyone?

Oooh. Oooh. Today’s question is a super fun one from Chris C. in GA.

Q:  What are your thoughts on a ‘spin off’ from your series? For example one of your old ladies going to NYC to see her niece graduate from NYU. What would/could you do different? Would it be good or bad for the series?

A: First, let me say I LOVE this question. I’d never thought of it…until now. And since I feel as if the ladies of Sweet Briar are truly my friends, it’s kind of fun to imagine for  a while. Hmmm.

Of course, not that you’ve got me thinking along that way, I find myself thinking, who could leave? And why? Leona could leave…on the heels of some uniformed man. This southern-to-the-core woman could end up in, maybe, Chicago?  (If you read this series, you know Leona has issues with Chicago–which we’ll learn more about in the November release).  Or mayBeatrice could go back to England…or take on a new family to nanny in, say, California–footloose and fancy free (she’s rather English proper so the change might be fun to see with her).

The differences potential spin-offs might provide would be a change in setting first and foremost. And for a while, that difference could play out in atmosphere/supporting character changes, I suppose. I also think that by removing a character like Leona–who is rather full of herself, largely because she’s comfortable–you’d change her somewhat. Would she be as cocky in a town where she didn’t know anyone? I’m not sure. I think I’d almost have to sit down and write a scene with her in an entirely new place with an entirely new group of people to find out how she’d behave/what she’d say.

As for whether it would be good or bad for the series, I think I’d have to say bad. At least at this point. With each new book that releases, I gain new fans. People who read the new book, enjoy it, and then search out the previous titles. And while the series has a main character in Tori Sinclair, each member of the circle as their place–with different ones being the favorite of different readers. As the writer, I can’t imagine Leona or Beatrice not being part of certain scenes. I need them for what their unique personality brings to the overall story/tone.

That said, if the original series had played itself out and there was any indication I could keep writing even one of them in a new series…depending on the character (like Leona), I’d certainly give it a try.

Great question, Chris!

Anyone else? Questions? Thoughts on my answer? Frankly, I’d be curious on what some of your thoughts are about spin-offs from series–either mine or others?

~Elizabeth

In the Batter’s Box

From Jenna in Tennessee:  

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Hi Jenna!  I just finished the mental plotting portion of book # 7 in the Southern Sewing Circle Series. This book will release in late 2012 so it will be my first official holiday book for the ladies of Sweet Briar.  Now that I know what’s happening in the story, I should be writing…but as always seems to be the case, a host of other “life issues” have come up in the past 24 hours to step all over that “should.” 

Namely, the break down of a car (not mine) which will necessitate more time behind the wheel and now, thanks to 5 + inches of rain in the past 48 hours (this, on top of 10 inches in August AND Hurricane Irene), I’m preoccupied with pump-watching duty to make sure a) the pump is keeping up with the rising water in the lower level and b) the pump doesn’t burn out because the water suddenly decides to disappear.

Fun, huh?

But the book will get done. It always does. It just probably means another cram-athon.

As for what’s next behind book # 7, I’ll take a week or so to recharge and then move on to a romance manuscript that is under contract with Harlequin American.

Have a question? Fire away!

~Elizabeth

Unexpected Blessings

Today’s Writing Thursday question comes from Ann V in Texas.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being an author?

A: I’ll be honest, the answer to this question has changed for me over the past few years. When I was first published, my favorite part was simply seeing my book on a bookstore or library shelf. It had been all I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl and having it actually happen was simply the best. I still love that part, I really do, but with each new book that releases, I find that my favorite part is the readers I’ve gotten to know along the way. Those books I always wanted to right have yielded me fans…many of whom have become friends. Amazing friends.

There is nothing like opening your email inbox and getting a nice letter about your books. Hearing how they put a smile on someone else’s face always puts a smile on mine. Always.

But what really amazes me is the absolute gems that have come into my life because of my childhood dream. I wish I could tell you a little bit about everyone…they’re all special in one way or another. Yet for this blog, I’d like to tell you about two fans–fans who have gone above and beyond in unimaginable ways.

First there’s Lynn V. who also happens to be from Texas. Lynn was a fan of my first mystery series–the Jenkins & Burns Mystery Series (written as Laura Bradford). She followed my Tuesday posts on a group blog I was part of at that time. The Good Girls Kill for Money–as we were known back then–reached a lot of readers.  So, to make a long story a wee bit shorter, it was during my blog stint with the Good Girls, that I first announced I had Multiple Sclerosis. Four or five months after that announcement, I put together a team of friends and fellow authors to walk for the disease. Friends, fellow authors, and a few fans contributed money in support of my first walk (again, special fans).  I think we raised $2,600 if I remember correctly.  Anyway, about the time I’m getting ready to walk, I get this email from Lynn V. telling me that since she can’t walk with us (she’s in Texas and I was in Missouri), she was putting together her own team to walk for me in Texas.

Can you imagine that?

And we’d never even met.

Which brings me to Mary H. in Wisconsin (she comments on this blog site from time to time). Mary, too, found me through that first mystery series and sent a really sweet email that I’m quite certain I’ve saved. That email led to a signing at her local library when SEW DEADLY debuted. Although we’d never met, she opened her home to me and we became friends. We’ve stayed in touch (she is an absolutely wonderful lady) in the two years since and I’ve come to count her as one of my true blessings in life. Several days ago, I got an email from her. Because of me and another friend of hers, Mary has signed on to participate in a medical study in her home state that is looking at mobility and M.S. The study is comparing M.S. patients with non-M.S. patients and requires four different 1-2 hour sessions on the part of participants.  Mary signed up as a non-M.S. participant to help the medical community learn more about this disease…because of me.

Me.

I can’t even begin to explain what that means to me. Since the day I was diagnosed, I’ve wanted to find a way to make a positive impact for people with this disease. I’ve done that walk, I’ve participated in a major drug study, I’ve participated in a study with the University of Illinois that looked at movement, I’ve let Washington University have some of my blood as part of some large scale genetic study, and I got to share my story at a President’s Circle event for MSAA in New York City.  But now, because of what I love to do–what I’ve loved to do since I was 10 years old–that desire to make a difference is spreading to people who read my books!!

I can’t even begin to verbalize how that makes me feel.

Without a doubt, my fans–people like Lynn V. and Mary H., and everyone else who has reached out to me because of my books–are my favorite part of being an author. They’ve touched my life and made it better. Richer.

So here’s a HUGE Thank You to Lynn V., Mary H., and all of my fans. I am blessed to have you in my life!

~Elizabeth

The Driving Force (And a Bonus Picture)

This question came from Michelle C. via my email (ElizabethLCasey@aol.com):

Q: Your bio says you’ve wanted to write since you were a kid. But what drives you to do it now?

A: Interesting question, Michelle. I guess I’d point to a few things that keep the drive going…

1) It’s a dream and the only way it can happen is if I make it happen.

2) It’s a good learning experience for my daughters who see what can happen with a dream and a lot of hard work. They know that this didn’t happen by accident.

3) It gives me a place to disappear to…where I (through my characters) can be someone different. I can be witty, I can be kooky, I can be serious, I can be someone’s first choice, I can seek justice. I can learn more about myself and life.  And the list goes on and on.  When I write romance, I can be a part of a fairy tale of sorts where someone looks at me like I’m IT. When I write mystery, I can have a hand in punishing the mean people in this world. And I guess I’m hankering to write women’s fiction one day because it allows me to go deeper than basic everyday conversation, to the part that really defines a person yet few people ever take the time to see/know.

Great question, Michelle! Thanks! Anyone else?

~Elizabeth

For those of you who read yesterday’s post, here’s a “self portrait” of me and my girlfriends during our concert last night (that’s me on the left)!

Comic Relief?

The title of this post should actually be, Comic Relief (And A Surprise Bonus)? So be sure to scroll down below my name this time, okay?

In each of my mystery series, I like writing a humorous character–someone who lightens the heavier scenes with memorable quirks or dialogue. In my first series (Jenkins & Burns written as Laura Bradford), that character was Dean. He was the staff photographer at the newspaper and he was a bit of a goof. In the Southern Sewing Circle Series, everyone seems to have a chance to be light and silly but Leonaand Margaret Louise are my go-to girls for comic relief. So far, in the Amish series I’m working on now (also written as Laura Bradford), that humorous character hasn’t come on the canvas just yet. But I know he/she will…when the timing is right. 

So tell me, what are some memorable comic-relief type characters you’ve come across in books. What’s made them stand out?

~Elizabeth

Oooh, I said there’d be a bonus, didn’t I? Well, on a completely different note, look what my friend dragged out of her picture file last night?  This is me (and her) on the night of our junior prom (before our dates showed up) many, many, many years ago. She, of course, is looking at the camera like a good girl. I’m laughing at her dad. He was 6’7” (which explains why I was looking up…up…up and to my left).  I LOVE old pictures. I also loved the fact that, last night, we were sitting on the couch that was directly across from the spot where this photo was taken 27 years ago. Cool, huh?

A Birds’ Eye View

For today’s “Writing Thursday,” I figured I’d treat you to a sort of birds’ eye view of the way I write…

*I’m a morning writer, plain and simple. The only time I stray from this is during the final days of a book’s deadline. Than I become a 24-hour writer. Literally.

*My writing environment of choice has evolved over the past few years…taking me from bookstores and cafes, to the kitchen counter, to my current favorite place–bed. 

*I don’t outline. I know the beginning and the end. I know my place. I know the basics of my characters. I may bullet point a few chapters ahead, but that’s it. The rest is literally created on the spot.  The one book I outlined from start to finish, changed twice.

*In addition to this blog, I try to keep an active presence on my Facebook Fan page.

*I’ve never gone off by myself to a remote location to write. That is something that may need to be rectified one day…provided there’s a beach in this “remote” location.

*I truly believe the more you live of life, the richer your writing will be.

*If I could have one author’s career at this moment, it would have to be Emily Giffin. That said, I’m truly happy with my own pace thus far.

*I’ve never been into reading “how to” books on writing. I guess I lean more toward the just-sit-down-and-do-it camp in that regard.

*I do better if I write everyday. Gaps in my writing time tend to take its toll on my motivation.

*When I’m between projects, I love to go on reading and  movie-watching binges. I suspect this is my brain’s way of refilling the creative well. But that’s just a guess.

*When I’m  under the gun on a deadline, I reach for Brachs candy corn and big glasses of milk (if you read this blog regularly, you already know this).  

*I’ve never put a real person into any of my books. I’ve put traits of real people into some of my earlier books, but never a person I know in their entirety. Though I suspect that’s about to change, especially on the villian/victim front.

Did I leave anything out you’d like to know? If so, fire away!

~Elizabeth

The Wonderful World of Beginnings

Every once in a while, I like to do a little writing challenge here on the blog and today is one of those days.

In fact, we’ve done one similar to this in the past only this time I’m tweaking just a bit.

Here’s the set up:

Character A:  Red head boy about 8 years old. Never been outside him small mid-western town until now…

Character B:   45 year old woman. Traveled extensively with work, rarely for pleasure. Never married–too busy.

Possible settings:  City street, small park, beach, carnival, street corner in whatever town/city you want.

Now here’s what you do. Write the opening paragraph of a story utilizing one of these characters and one of these settings. And watch how different each can be based on the character and the setting and any combination of the above.

Ready?

Go!

~Elizabeth

Goings on

I have some fun writing-related things to share with all of you…

**The wonderful folks at Greenwood Public Library in Greenwood, Indiana have put together a trailer for the Southern Sewing Circle mystery series.  If you’d like to check it out, CLICK HERE.

**Do you know why the numbers 8,9, and 10 (as well as 17, 18, and 19) are some of my favorites this week? Well, I’ll tell you.   The  first three–8,9, and 10–are how many books are coming your way in the Southern Sewing Circle Series!!!  Yay!!  And the second set–17,18, and 19–are how many books (either in print or contracted) that brings me to as a published author so far. 

Oh how I wish the me-that-I-am-now could go back and tell the little-girl-I-once-was how her dream was going to come true…

~Elizabeth