Hello Everyone! Welcome to my October Symposium!
Every author has they own method to writing, but one of questions we’ve all been asked is: are you a pantser or a plotter?
What does that mean? Do you plan out the details before you write, do outlines and lay out the entire plot in notes, or do you just wing it and go with the flow? It’s always interesting to see how stories come to each author, so read on and find out what everyone had to say!
LAURIE ROMA: I tend to be a combination pantser and plotter, but I prefer to plan. Most of the time, a storyline comes to me fully formed. That means almost every scene is playing out in my head like a movie and I just have to keep up and write it down as I see it. Other times, I have a general idea where I want the story to go and I outline basic scenes and fill in the gaps as I write. Then there are the times when I simply know the characters well enough to let them tell the story as I go. When that happens, it’s the most frustrating for me. Basically, I love it when a plan comes together…
Katra Tesera is a female Dragon Warrior on a mission. Unsatisfied with the life her family wishes for her back on her home world, she seeks something more for her own future. When the opportunity to visit Earth arises, Katra is eager for the excitement and adventure of traveling the stars. She believes she is ready for whatever lies at the end of her journey, but nothing can prepare her for meeting her mate…the dark and dangerous Tarin warrior, Lord Jaden Tor.
Warlord Jaden Tor is a dedicated leader who is fighting a civil war to save his people. He has always known his path in life, but everything changes the moment he meets the dark-haired beauty with glowing silver eyes. Jaden wants to claim her for his own, however, there is more at stake than his own happiness…
When legacies are challenged, and with Tartarus in turmoil, can Jaden and Katra find a way to be together, or will their love be shattered by the chaos that threatens everything around them?
Warlord Jaden Tor is a dedicated leader who is fighting a civil war to save his people. He has always known his path in life, but everything changes the moment he meets the dark-haired beauty with glowing silver eyes. Jaden wants to claim her for his own, however, there is more at stake than his own happiness…
When legacies are challenged, and with Tartarus in turmoil, can Jaden and Katra find a way to be together, or will their love be shattered by the chaos that threatens everything around them?
BUY LINKS:
EVE LANGLAIS: When it comes to writing, I am an absolute pantster. I don’t outline at all, rather, I start with an interesting premise and then tend to let the characters tell me where the story is going. It’s a fun way of writing because they often take me in directions I never expected. I find by letting the story evolve naturally rather than forcing it into a structured plot, the words just flow. To make sure, I don’t screw up, I keep track of specific things like character names and descriptions on sticky notes. My desk is covered in them lol. As I’m writing, I’ll even jot questions to myself, or do a quick summary of a plot element. It might seem like a chaotic method, but so far, it works for me lol.
Big deal, so he kept losing the oar. It wasn’t Adexios fault the Styx monsters were working against him, but tell that to his dad. Charon is determined to make a man out of him—whether his mother likes it or not—and Lucifer has offered to help. Help means sending Adexios in to the wilds of Hell with an Amazon warrior as his companion.
The savage fighter doesn’t know what to think of her geeky partner. Adexios attracts Valaska with his brains instead of brawn. He also shows a cunning courage she can’t help but respect.
They’ll need all the skills they can muster, though, if they’re going to prevail against the newest threat to Hell. With the wilds submerged by seawater, and monsters hungry for flesh, they’ll have to fight to stay alive, and learn opposites not only attract, they explode. (With passion, not guts, in case that wasn’t clear.)
BUY LINKS:
S.E. SMITH: I am a total pantser of the ultimate degree. I admit, I don't even have a story bible (which is on my list of things to do). For me, each world is so individual, just like the characters, that when I start writing, it is like visiting with old friends. Stories often come to me in dreams (I dream in technicolor, btw), through songs, words, and places. An excellent example was when we went to the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas this past summer. As we were walking through the observatory, I had the idea for a five book grounded science fiction story that I will be publishing this next year called the Gliese 581g series. It was as if this world suddenly blossomed in my mind and I could 'see' it as if I was there. To discover another wonderful adventure that captured my attention and wouldn't let go until I ended up writing it, check out Gracie's Touch: Zion Warriors Book 1.
Gracie Jones was little more than a child when the Earth was invaded by an alien species. Escaping into the subway tunnels of New York City, she hid in fear of being captured. Discovered by four men who became her protectors, she fought alongside them and they became known as the Freedom Five. At seventeen, she made a decision that turned the tide on the war between Earth and the Alluthans but in exchange she gave up all that she knew.
Kordon Jefe is a Zion Warrior and commanding officer in charge of the Confederation of Planets military. When an unknown species begins attacking some of their outer settlements, he is assigned to discover who they are and stop them…at any cost.
Gracie unknowingly finds herself stranded millions of light years and hundreds of years in the future in a distance galaxy on an undeveloped moon. When an old enemy threatens once more, she does not hesitant to use her knowledge to try to stop them once again. Only this time, it is not just Earth she will be saving but the Confederation itself.
When their two worlds are thrown together, Kordon is unsure what to do with the strange, delicate creature that fights and behaves unlike anything he has ever encountered before. One thing he does know, he plans to keep her.
BUY LINKS:
JOEY W. HILL: As far as “how do your stories come to you?”, I usually say it was my fairy godmother. Or an incident of cognitive recalibration (a Gibbs slap upside the head). Or that it was triggered: an overheard conversation, an interesting-looking person in Walmart, or a snippet I read in the news. Yet it all comes down to the same thing—it’s inexplicable. I suddenly see a piece of the story in my head, and that’s my foot-in-the-door moment. Next thing I know, I’m inside and exploring all the lovely rooms. As far as how I turn it into a full book, I’m a mix of “plot” and “pantser”. I brainstorm random stuff – scenes, snippets of dialogue – and then organize it into a pseudo-outline. When I start to write the story, I’ll integrate new scenes and go in different directions than planned, but that outline gives me a starting point.
Lord Uthe, a member of the Vampire Council, was a Templar Knight centuries ago. Even up to the present day, he has attempted to honor the spirit of the Rule, despite the volatile and highly sexual nature of the vampire world. Yet now he’s caught the attention of the Fae Lord Keldwyn, liaison between the Council and Fae Court. Keldwyn challenges Uthe’s emotional isolation and dominant nature. When a quest from Uthe’s past requires Keldwyn’s help to protect both their worlds, Uthe will have to decide whether the Fae male is a gift from God to be cherished and trusted, or a curse that will make Uthe fail the Order he promised to serve all his life.
PRE-ORDER LINKS:
N.J. WALTERS: Writers usually fall into two major categories— pantsers (which means they write by the seat of their pants) or plotters. I freely admit I’m a pantser. If I plot too much, I lose the drive to write the story. For me, a book begins with the characters. Sometimes the hero comes to me first, and other times it’s the heroine. Once I know who they are, I want to know their story. Most times, I have a vague idea of the direction of the plot. I may even jot down an idea or two, but that’s pretty much it as far as plotting goes. I create character sketches on file cards and add to them as I write the book. Once I know the characters and have the first scene in my head, I start writing and trust the rest will come. It always does…almost always with surprises.
Sylvie LaForge Dubois knew coming back from the dead wouldn’t be easy, but facing her brother and his friends is harder than she imagined. The way Gator Rollins watches her every move makes her decidedly uneasy and excited.
After surviving a forced mating to the abusive Andre Dubois, having a rugged, dangerous werewolf like Gator sniffing around her is scary and thrilling at the same time. She never imagined she’d want another man, but her bone-deep attraction to Gator is too strong to fight.
Gator never got a chance to tell Sylvie he loved her before she was mated with another and, well, died. Now that she’s back, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her.
Once word gets out, Sylvie’s former pack will be coming for her. No one leaves the Louisiana pack, especially not a female werewolf. But Gator’s determined that this time he won’t let anyone or anything get between him and Sylvie, even if she can’t decide if his touch makes her want to jump his bones…or run for the hills.
KALI ARGENT: I suppose I’m a bit of both—a planter? LOL! I almost always outline my plot, especially more complicated storylines, but even then, I end up veering off course along the way. Other times, it’s less of a written roadmap and something more like a mind palace, (You’re welcome Sherlock fans!) where I wonder through crowded hallways, plucking ideas and information from different places until it forms a cohesive scene. As for the romance and character development, however, I prefer to let those elements develop organically. Sometimes, I’m just as surprised as everyone else by what ends up on the page.
Commander Ivy Dalton doesn’t believe in luck or chance. Everything in her life—her career, her ship, the respect of her peers—she’s worked hard to earn. When she and her crew are attacked during an exploration mission, sending her ship crashing onto an unidentified planet, her only concern is finding a way to contact the Alliance. She never expected a single, tiny incident in the infinite reaches of space to challenge all she thought she knew about fate, destiny, and…love.
For thousands of years, King Kai Blackthorn has ruled over the people of his planet with selflessness and compassion, never taking anything for himself. Recently, however, he’s grown weary, malcontent, and the loneliness that has plagued him for centuries has become too pronounced to ignore. Then all that changes with the unexpected arrival of one sassy blonde with luscious curves and a dangerously sharp tongue.
Caught in the midst of intolerance and corruption, two strangers from different worlds struggle to find a way to coexist. Kai can’t abandon his people, and Ivy can’t imagine a life grounded in one place. But fate will not be ignored. Decisions must be made, compromises that will change the course of their lives. For no matter which destination they choose, the journey will leave them forever altered.
After surviving a forced mating to the abusive Andre Dubois, having a rugged, dangerous werewolf like Gator sniffing around her is scary and thrilling at the same time. She never imagined she’d want another man, but her bone-deep attraction to Gator is too strong to fight.
Gator never got a chance to tell Sylvie he loved her before she was mated with another and, well, died. Now that she’s back, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her.
Once word gets out, Sylvie’s former pack will be coming for her. No one leaves the Louisiana pack, especially not a female werewolf. But Gator’s determined that this time he won’t let anyone or anything get between him and Sylvie, even if she can’t decide if his touch makes her want to jump his bones…or run for the hills.
BUY LINKS:
KALI ARGENT: I suppose I’m a bit of both—a planter? LOL! I almost always outline my plot, especially more complicated storylines, but even then, I end up veering off course along the way. Other times, it’s less of a written roadmap and something more like a mind palace, (You’re welcome Sherlock fans!) where I wonder through crowded hallways, plucking ideas and information from different places until it forms a cohesive scene. As for the romance and character development, however, I prefer to let those elements develop organically. Sometimes, I’m just as surprised as everyone else by what ends up on the page.
For thousands of years, King Kai Blackthorn has ruled over the people of his planet with selflessness and compassion, never taking anything for himself. Recently, however, he’s grown weary, malcontent, and the loneliness that has plagued him for centuries has become too pronounced to ignore. Then all that changes with the unexpected arrival of one sassy blonde with luscious curves and a dangerously sharp tongue.
Caught in the midst of intolerance and corruption, two strangers from different worlds struggle to find a way to coexist. Kai can’t abandon his people, and Ivy can’t imagine a life grounded in one place. But fate will not be ignored. Decisions must be made, compromises that will change the course of their lives. For no matter which destination they choose, the journey will leave them forever altered.
SUSAN HAYES: I am a total pantser. This is true to the point that if I dare to sketch out more than the most basic of character biographies and story arcs before I start writing, my characters invariably rebel. The more detailed the plan I’ve laid out, the wilder the rebellion becomes until nothing remains of my plot but ashes. I’ve learned my lesson, and now I let the plot unfold as I write. My stories begin with the characters. Who are they? What moments in their past forged them into the people they are when the story begins? What are their hopes and dreams? Some of that information I have when I start a new tale, some of it comes from the characters themselves. I often joke that I’m not so much a writer as I am a secretary, transcribing the story as the characters tell it to me.
Dani Moore barely escaped her abusive marriage. Six years later, she just wants to raise her little girl in peace. When she learns that her ex-husband is out on early parole, she goes into hiding, adopting a new name and starting a new life far away from the man who tried to kill her.
Detective David Wilde learned the hard way that romance and police work don’t mix, at least not for him. Since his divorce, he’s kept his heart closed off and his focus on the job. For Dave, being a cop isn’t only a career, it’s a way of life that defines every choice he makes…until he meets Dani.
Hired as the new cook at his family’s bar and grill, Dani’s a sweet and sexy package that brings light and color back into Dave’s life. When that light is threatened by Dani’s past, Dave will do whatever it takes to protect what’s his.
Can two battle-scarred hearts find the strength to love again, or will an act of revenge destroy their future before they’ve even begun?
Detective David Wilde learned the hard way that romance and police work don’t mix, at least not for him. Since his divorce, he’s kept his heart closed off and his focus on the job. For Dave, being a cop isn’t only a career, it’s a way of life that defines every choice he makes…until he meets Dani.
Hired as the new cook at his family’s bar and grill, Dani’s a sweet and sexy package that brings light and color back into Dave’s life. When that light is threatened by Dani’s past, Dave will do whatever it takes to protect what’s his.
Can two battle-scarred hearts find the strength to love again, or will an act of revenge destroy their future before they’ve even begun?
BUY LINKS:
JENIKA SNOW: Although I have a general idea of what the story will be about when I start to writ it, I’m a panster all the way through. There have been a few times I’ve tried sitting down and actually plotting out a story, detailing what would happen in the scenes and chapters, but as I started writing it the characters were not having the timeline I’d set for them. I’ve come to learn and accept to just take one chapter at a time, and let the story talk to me. That’s usually how my stories come to me anyway: a chapter here and there, a general idea of the characters, or even one scene. And at the end of it all I hope I’ve created a tale that is both engaging, but also sexy, and emotional.
Rook doesn't hide the fact he's a dominant man. He likes certain things when he's with a woman, things that leave marks on her body and have her calling him “Sir”. But ever since he's slept with Bobbie, she's all he wants. She’s far too good for the likes of him, so pushing her away seems like the right move.
When someone from Rook’s past comes to get even, Rook finally realizes how important Bobbie is to him. Can he get to her in time, or will he lose the only good and perfect thing he's ever had in his screwed up life?
BUY LINKS:
SAM CRESCENT: How do I write my story? A plotter or pantser? I’ve sat and thought about this for some time, and I’ve also gone through a lot of my notebooks. Even with all of my notebooks, I have to say I’m a mixture of both. There are times I just sit in front of my computer and write. The story just pours out of me, and I have no problem keeping up. The biggest problem is, I’m not a machine and I’ve not mastered the trick of writing a book in a day. I have to make notes about the characters names, what I have going on in the story, and it reminds me what I’ve done. In other stories that are heavily connected like, The Skulls and Chaos Bleeds, I’ve got no choice but to make as much notes as I can. So, I guess I’m more of a note taker than a plotter or pantser. I allow the story to write itself, and I just make notes to help me along.
Penny doesn’t want a biker as a husband. She can’t trust a club, and after watching her sister with a biker, Penny is convinced she’d never be happy with one. But Rage will not take no for an answer, and Penny can’t deny the attraction.
Together they explore Penny’s fantasies, and Rage is determined to make sure there’s not a chance for another man to take what belongs to him. He doesn’t share, and he’s claiming this woman as his and his alone.
When Rage’s feelings are put to the test when a rival gang takes Penny, he will stop at nothing to get her back. What will happen when he unleashes his namesake rage on the men who took her? Will Penny run, or will his show of protectiveness seal their future?
KYLA KINCAID: I’m definitely a pantser. I’ve tried outlining, but it feels too restrictive. I’ve also tried taking short walks and long showers to work out storylines, but that never works, either. I can’t seem to concentrate on the story at all unless I’m sitting in front of my laptop with my fingers on the keyboard. Once I’m in my zone, however, the characters take over, and the words just flow from there.
He claimed her to save her, but now that she’s his, he’ll walk through hell before he lets her go.
An Alpha in his own right, Draven Eckhart isn’t looking forward to returning to his birth pack, even if it’s only for a few days. The Alpha Council has questions that need answers, though, and they’ve decided Draven is the only wolf for the job.
When a human female is pitted against an untamed she-wolf during the annual Gathering, Draven steps in to save the young woman’s life. He never imagined the fiery redhead with emerald green eyes would end up being his mate, nor did he anticipate just how much he’d burn for her.
BUY LINK:
KD JONES: Every series I create, I do a series outline listing the number of books I plan to have in each series. Then for each book in that series I will create a plot outline and then a chapter outline. In some cases I will have the whole series plotted before I begin to write. There are times that a scene is in my head that gives me an idea for a new series or book. When I do the outline I will write that scene out and sometimes that scene will help direct how the plot should go. I use my outlines to guide my story. Sometimes there are things that I leave out and sometimes there are things that I put in that the characters bring about. This system has really helped me write 29 books in about 3 years, it works for me.
Haunted by the memory of an incredible night in the arms of an amazing woman, Ronin is frustrated that she now acts like she wants nothing to do with him. He refuses to accept that. Growing up with nothing of his own, he’s fought hard to leave behind a world of mindless fighting and drug abuse. He wants a fresh start, and he’s ready to fight for what he wants most.
Sersan has been lonely her whole life, despite having an overprotective brother and a handful of friends. As a Reptan, half human and half Leptan, she is too different to be easily accepted by either species. She’s always done what was expected of her, but she longs to do something for herself. One moment of weakness brought her a night of passion in the arms of a man she’s always admired, and for the first time she feels desirable and loved. Letting him go is a lot harder than she ever expected, and she realizes her moment of weakness has come with a cost.
With seemingly insurmountable odds against them, these two seem fated to go their separate ways, lonely and broken. Is there any chance they will find that the best things in life are worth fighting for?
BUY LINKS:
ELODIE PARKES: How do my stories come to me? Seeds of stories come to me from people and places. ‘Rescuing Cade’ was inspired by a sandwich shop. (Laughs) Work sent me to Dover to bring a chaise longue for restoration to the antiques place I work. The guy who was to travel with me from work called in sick so I drove down on my own having called ahead to find out if someone would help load the item. The man who helped me was just my type—dark hair, blue eyes, shade of stubble, dimple when he smiled, and wearing only a pair of faded Levis that hung low on his hips. I tried not to stare but he knew I was impressed and honestly, I think he liked what he saw, too. He stood really close when he signed the receipt and heleaned so that we were nearly nose-to-nose. His name was Owen. He and the chaise longue were the inspiration for the ghostly erotic romance I wrote a few weeks later. What a flirt huh? I’m a combination of both panster and plotter, and the story usually just drops into my head.
Liberty Venn longs for love after her alpha brother, Joshua, found it with Dani Cruz. It’s a year after the Cruz entrepreneurs have regenerated the town and saved Liberty from closing her cafe.
When a stranger arrives in town, he instantly captures lonely Liberty’s attention. Drawn to him by a deep undeniable instinct, Liberty loses her heart when Eden Farrell flirts with her.
Will he be the lover she’s begun to long for?
Eden Farrell, PI, wolf shifter, gorgeous, goes after what he wants, and now he wants Liberty. He recognizes the wolf in her long before she knows what he is. He ignites a passion in Liberty and she delights him with her response.
As a deep bond forms between them, danger follows Eden. He’s in love with Liberty, and believes nothing will keep him from her. Trouble is; danger is out to find them both.
BUY LINK:
TEHYA TITAN: Pantser or plotter...I think I could classify myself as both. When I start a story, I pretty much have the entire outline done in my head, but then the individual scenes take on a life of their own. There is nothing I like more than being surprised when something exciting and totally unexpected pops up in a scene of one of my stories.
Abigail Denton left home to start a new life, only to have it ripped away in a brutal attack. But second chances sometimes come in the most unexpected ways. Taken from Earth, Abby is brought to a new world to become the mate to an alien warrior, however, her past has left her hesitant to trust any male…
Larger and stronger than most other warriors on Vor, Prince Dracor Krell is the perfect Captain of the Guard, but his size makes him less desirable as any female’s companion. He has given up hope at finding happiness, but all of that changes the moment he meets his mate, Abby. Now, all he has to do is prove to her that a warrior’s devotion can lead to a love that will last them a lifetime.
Warrors of Vor - Book 2
Larger and stronger than most other warriors on Vor, Prince Dracor Krell is the perfect Captain of the Guard, but his size makes him less desirable as any female’s companion. He has given up hope at finding happiness, but all of that changes the moment he meets his mate, Abby. Now, all he has to do is prove to her that a warrior’s devotion can lead to a love that will last them a lifetime.
BUY LINK:
Hi Laurie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for inviting me to participate in the symposium. Loads of fab books. :-)