Inquiring minds want to know . . .

The process of writing a novel appears to be of interest to many, at least it appears so from the questions I have been receiving since the publication of Secrets One – The Series. So today, I will answer the two most frequently asked questions!

"How did the storyline come about?" This is the most asked question. I must give credit to my co-author for this one; the main story idea came to him while he was living in London.  He came back to the states, we met in 2002, I was invited to work with him on the project, and the rest is history. We each contributed to the story as the work progressed, of course, but the genius backbone of this story is all his.

One of the fun things about writing is how a storyline can begin as a tiny seed, and then begin its growth. Some go in many different directions before evolving into the final version, and others are a straight path to the heart of it all. Emotions, happy or sad, add a richness to the creative process. Another way to look at it is as a tapestry, much like our lives. One color thread here, another there, and soon it is a beautiful work!

"How does one co-author a novel?" being the second question. I can say that from my viewpoint, it has been a wonderful process of collaboration even though, most of the time, we are in different cities. We each work on research and details, developing characters, and fleshing out the story. It has been quite interesting- and exciting- to see how each of our work comes together, completing the other. I can also say that when one is working with a writer who has such a brilliant and creative mind as I have the pleasure, it is an inspiration to strive for even higher levels of creativity and writing.

Writing has always been enjoyable to me; co-writing on this project is over the moon! It has been great fun, and a great source of satisfaction with the finished project!

Thanks for being interested and asking the questions!

Secrets One – The Series

The love of writing . . .

I recently read the trilogy written by Frank McCourt- Angela’s Ashes, Tis, and Teacher Man. For those who do not know, his books tell about growing up in New York and his native Ireland, his coming of age, and then, his years in teaching.  While I enjoyed reading all three books, I did not feel a connection to them or the author until a passage toward the end of the last book, Teacher Man.  McCourt talks about a writer’s mind. 

The gist of his comments are that a writer’s mind is never still, it is always working on some idea or searching for the rest of the story that has begun in thoughts.  The only release is to write the story. That short passage made me want to stand up and wave my hands in the air, and shout, “Yes!”  That is what it feels like to be a writer, to have a love of writing.

Many writers will say their work began with journals or diaries. I never really did either one.  I grew up as an only child, and my creating all begin in my mind, entertaining myself. I have to laugh now at the imagination I had; at one point I decided I was from another planet, and was only here to observe everyone else!

I became an avid reader at an early age, thanks to my family who made sure we had a steady supply of newspapers and books. I soon realized that I needed to do something with those thoughts that were so active in my mind.

I began writing for others in high school. When a journalism teacher named me co-editor of the high school newspaper, I found it humbling that something I loved to do brings enjoyment to others. And, that was the beginning of my journalism career.

Co-writing the novel Secrets One –The Series is a dream come true. To have it published is thrilling and humbling, knowing the many works that are never in print.  

By the way, I still enjoy observing people- but as a writer, not a child from another planet. Laughs!

Secrets One – The Series

My joy turned to excitement as the words become sounds . . .

Wow-writing a novel is pure joy, holding in my hand a published novel- Secrets One – The Series is beyond words! What could add to that thrill? The news from my publisher that an old-time radio show will also be made from the novel!

Radio dramas remind me of my childhood in Ohio. When I was very young, my mother and I lived with my grandparents. We had one of those old-fashioned radios- you know, the authentic old-fashioned radio with the tubes that light up. It was a beautiful floor model; I would say about three feet tall. I remember the wood being a lighter brown. In my young eyes, it was just beautiful. It sat in a place of honor in the dining room, which was the center room of the two-story house.

Even though we had a television, the adults would many times prefer to listen to the radio dramas in the evenings. I would try my best to stay awake and listen, usually to no avail. My grandparents’ room was right off the dining room, and sometimes they would let me take my blanket in there to rest while listening to the programs. (My room was upstairs, and it was no fun going to bed up there when everyone else was listening to the radio downstairs.)  I recall that one of the programs had an assortment of really spooky music. One night in particular, that music scared the heck out of me! I remember pulling the covers over my head and stuffing my fingers in my ears! I have to laugh now, but it still gives me the shivers to think about that strange winter night!

Despite that eerie evening, I am still an avid fan of such radio programs. Family memories contribute to my personal enjoyment of radio drama- when I can find it. I find it quite intriguing that the voice actors can draw the listener in while bringing the words on a page to life.

And thankfully, Bloodline Confidential – Part One based on the novel, Secrets One – The Series will be one of those radio dramas! 

Secrets One – The Series