My 500 words day three: the beginning of the writing process

So today's topic is about something I get asked in interviews and radio shows. I suppose it makes people curious how in a little over a year I can have seventeen stories published and have five currently in the works. It's more of a question of curiosity and for those who want to be writers I hope it helps them find motivation. What's the question? When do I find time to write? Are there specifics needed to create my writing space? How do I begin the process? How do I maintain the process? Okay, so that's more than one question but it all comes together for one blog topic.

First I think it's important to note. It helps that I have an amazingly supportive husband who works in the real world while I work at home creating fictional worlds and characters. This is perhaps the biggest contributing factor to having an abundant back list of books/stories. It also helps that I mix things up with novellas/short stories/full lengths. My largest book is over 115k words and my smallest comes in around 10 - 15k words. I'm proud of the number of stories I've produced but I also know length and time are contributing factors to their production.

I also split up my day between managing and cleaning the house, working out, chatting with my fans/street team, marketing my books, working with coaching clients, and somewhere in that midst I find time to write. Those of you who know me, know I'm at my best in chaos... this is not the same for everyone. I think for those aspiring authors my best advice is to create a schedule, stick to it as best you can, be flexible when needed (this is something I tell my coaching clients all the time ~ change is inevitable, don't fight it, work with it), and watch your story grow. You may not be able to produce a ton of books right away, which can have to do with time or self-confidence, but getting that first one out there is the biggest hurdle... it does get easier as time goes by.

As far as writing space, I really only need my laptop and some music. I can write by the pool, in the bedroom, or a moving vehicle (as long as hubby is driving). I also carry a mini recorder for ideas and to work out scenes if I'm struggling with writer's block or nowhere near my laptop. I used to carry around a notebook for that same purpose. Either one works great. The music I suppose is my anchor. I can write without it but the ADHD part of my mind needs a distraction which is what the music becomes in the background. As long as I distract the hyper part of my mind I can focus on the story and characters. When I do my final read thrus of manuscripts I can always tell the parts that were written without the distraction component.

The last two questions can be answered together. At any given time there are multiple manuscripts open at the bottom of my computer screen. Currently there are five stories running around in my head (Fire Master Rising ~ book three of Winters Saga, Daddy Made Me Do It ~ book one of Demon Ascension series, Dragon's Dream Dancer ~ book two of Demon Fairy Tales series, The Faerie King's Guardian ~ book two of Mystery Springs Series, and The Gator's Witch ~ book two of Shifter Love Tales)  and four more on the back burner of the creative process stove (Remote Paranoia ~ PBI Case Files book five, Spiritual AI ~ book three of Ghost Connection Series, book one of the Refuge Island, and the third book of Vanished Series).

I pop between manuscripts throughout the day adding new chapters to the stories. This helps me to keep things from getting stale. If you've read my work you know I like a lot of action mixed with romance, fantasy/paranormal blended with mythology, and a ton of twists and turns. I love it when fans tell me I bent their minds or made them think/wonder what if. I try hard to make scenes unique to the characters, especially the intimate scenes. As many times as I write a kiss or fight scene the challenge becomes making it different. Working on multiple manuscripts at one time helps me in that arena. It's an odd process, I know, but it works for me. I guess my advice here to aspiring authors is to find and develop your process. Every storyteller is different and the writing process changes from one to the next.

Thank you for reading my daily journal. I hope it helps you with whatever you're working on.

Since this post was about the beginning of the writing process I figured I'd share my Winters Saga in this post as part of the business side of things. Have you read Lone Wolf Rising and Vampire Princess Rising? Fire Master Rising is shaping into quite an action packed story and coming soon. This was my first series ever published and I wrote the story for mature young adult to adult fans of any age.

It started out as a story of a teen witch who became a werewolf in search of vengeance and grew into a family affair. Rebecca's Story in Lone Wolf Rising was so intense the first book only covered a week of her life. In book two, Vampire Princess Rising the focus went to the broken relationship between Rebecca and twin sister Savannah after Rebecca's actions in book one caused Savvy's transformation. Of course, those that have read it know there is a lot more going on in the background as the story progresses.

Book three has a larger focus on Hunter and his journey to becoming a powerful fire witch. There is still plenty of paranormal battles, traveling between universes, and alternate from different dimensions. All mixed with some romance. It's a great romantic adventure and one I hope you get a chance to check out.

Okay I guess it's time to get back to writing. I have a scene for Fire Master Rising running around in my head and want to get it finished tonight. Thank you for letting me share a little about myself and my work. I hope you have a wonderful day.

You can check out all my books on Amazon here.

Interview with a Fire Witch - Hunter Winters of the Winters Saga

                Ever wonder what it would be like to sit down with your favorite characters outside of the pages of the book? So do I. I love interviewing my characters outside of the books. Check out this interview I did with Hunter Winters from my Winters Saga Series.

                Hunter Winters entered my office with an easy, likable grin. He shook his blond head and shrugged his broad shoulders to shake off excess dampness. “Miss. Brumfield?”

                “Yes, hi Hunter. Please call me Jami.” I told him as I indicated the chair situated across from my desk.

                He sat down and gave me his full attention.

                I pursed my lips with a concerned frown. “Is it raining outside?” It was not common for rainfall in Phoenix, Arizona this time of the year.

                A red blush crept across his cheeks as he lowered his eyes and leaned forward in a secretive manner. “My sister, Savannah, called up a little rainstorm to put out a fire my dragon friend and I created.” He whispered. “I was one of the casualties.”

                I couldn’t help but smile. It had to be pretty fun being part of the Winters family. Witches, werewolves, vampires, dragons, psychics, angels, and all sorts of magical creatures were part of the tightly woven group of family and friends. “Your dragon friend, Freya? I was hoping you’d bring her along to this interview.”

                “My sisters Miracle and Mystery are watching her. She’s still getting acclimated to this world and has to learn that magic is not something used here in public as it was on the earth she came from.”

                I nod, “makes total sense.” I moved my eyes to his face. “How does it feel to know you have two more sisters raised by your recently returned from the grave father?”

                “Wow, you ask some tough questions. I guess it’s good to get down to business right away. I’m happy but also uncertain. They don’t seem as involved as we are in the supernatural war brewing on the streets of Phoenix.” He examined his heavily chewed fingernails. “They’ve been lucky enough to get magic training since the day they were born and would really be great assets in the battles but they’re more interested in their own lives, which I can’t blame them… it just disappoints me.”

                I nodded, having interviewed his sisters Savannah and Rebecca I completely understood. “Because for so long you and your sisters have always taken care of each other?”

                He agreed, “yes, for so long it’s only been Savvy, Becca and me… well grandma was there but she always seemed distant from us. Now that I know her distance was because she was keeping the secret of our bloodline from us makes the whole thing sad. We missed out on so much because of the secrets.”

                “Some would say it was secrets that made Savannah a vampire.”

                “Possibly, but we all know there’s more to it than that. Our two family lines, the Winters and the Matthews made us targets from the moment we were born.” He looked at me. “Some would say, secrets kept made Rebecca a werewolf. Heck, I got in a sticky situation a month ago because of secrets I kept. Thankfully, our family comes together when things are important.”

                “What secret is that?”

                The left side of his lips rose and a twinkle sparked in his sapphire blue eyes. “You’ll have to read Fire Master Rising to find out.” He teased.

                “Fair enough, so tell me what it’s like being a fire witch?” I went back to my questions.

                “Dangerous.”

                “How so?”

                “Well one time I hurled a fire ball at Rebecca by accident, which led to her sucking the air out of the room and making us all pass out. My girlfriend, Natalia got a head injury from that one.”

                “I remember reading about that in Vampire Princess Rising.” I grinned.

                “It’s funny looking back now, but scary in the moment. Then when I used blood magic to open the family grimoire I blew up Rebecca’s office. My sister just had to save Rebecca’s front yard from bursting into flames a few hours ago.” He shook his head. “I think it will be cool when I get these things under control but for now, dangerous.”

                “Who’s helping you get them under control?”

                “Many people; Natalia, dad, grandma, Mysti, Mira, even little Freya. It’s pretty sad when an eight year old dragon has better control over fire than a seventeen year old fire witch.” He admitted sadly. “But I’ll get there.”

                “I’m sure you will.” I agreed.

                “It’s the empathy that really gets the signals crossed.”

                “Oh?”

                “Oh yes, emotions have power and sometimes when I’m overwhelmed with emotions from others it can backfire into my fire power.”

                “That can be dangerous.”

                “Yep, especially because I can’t control other people’s emotions. I have to work hard at controlling my empathy in order to reign in the fire.”

                “And how is the empathy control coming along?”

                “Slowly and painfully.” He looked up at me. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m thankful for the gifts but wished I had better control. It’s hard to keep a secret like this from the rest of the world when you can’t even control when it flares up,” he chuckled, “no pun intended.”

                I couldn’t help but giggle myself. He really was an amazing character. So happy about life, reflective, and compassionate. It was refreshing to meet a likable character that held your interest and Hunter definitely did. “In Vampire Princess Rising, we read that you went off to the alternate universe because Ophelia told you the witches in her world could help you cure your sisters. Can you give us an idea of what happened?”

                “Ophelia lied.”

                “Why would she do that?”

                “Because she’s a bad guy.” He shrugged, “I can’t really answer to her motivations but she doesn’t like Rebecca and anyway she can hurt Becks she does. I learned a lesson in that situation.”

                “And what is that?”

                “I learned that family will always be there… and that family is not just those that share your blood, it’s a deeper connection and a stronger commitment.”

                “That’s an important lesson.”

                “One that I’ll never forget.” His phone buzzed. “Sorry.” He looked down at the screen. “I’m really sorry, I’d love to chat more but Freya needs me.” He stood up.

                “Sure, I completely understand. Can you just tell me what fans of the Winters Saga can expect when they read your story, Fire Master Rising?”

                He nodded and grinned. “I do a lot of growing in this upcoming book. You may remember the drugs I took in Rebecca’s story?” I nod and he continues. “I have some struggles with addiction as a side effect from the Black Death pills. Freya helps me work through it but it’s a difficult battle. I also need to learn to let my sister’s grow in their own direction. The former vampire queen, Violet goes on trial for the massacre of the wolf pack. Savannah plans her royal wedding and there is a showdown between Rebecca’s pack and Ophelia and her otherworld pack. Gosh, there are plenty more surprises. I guess you’ll just have to read it and find out.” He headed to the door as his phone went off again. “I’m sorry I really have to go.”

                I nod and tell him thank you and he disappears.

                He was right, there are plenty more surprises in store for the fans of the Winters Saga. Fire Master Rising is coming soon. If you haven’t read Rebecca’s story (Lone Wolf Rising) or Savannah’s story (Vampire Princess Rising) check them out on Amazon.

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Lone Wolf Rising book trailer Vampire Princess Rising book trailer More books from the mind of paranormal author Jami Brumfield