Hello everyone! I hope all is well with you! I’ve got Sue Ford here with me today and she’s talking about her new release “Alone” and her writing process. Take it away Sue!
When I started writing my novel ALONE, I wanted it to be like the books I loved. So what was it about those stories that made me love them? What did they have in common?
- A likable smart female heroine put in a dangerous situation.
- A chance for romance with a hero who isn’t perfect.
- Tension and suspense.
- A story told in first person or close third person.
- Just enough place details that I wished I could visit the location where the novel was set.
- Specific details that made me desire something whether it was food, or flowers, an experience, or the ability to speak a foreign language or do magic.
- A book I didn’t want to put down.
- A happy or satisfying ending.
I can’t tell whether I’ve succeeded in those areas, although the editor who offered me a contract said this about the manuscript: “You were responsible for a very late night in Alabama last night! This book has ALL the elements I love. Suspense, romance, intrigue…” It’ll be interesting to see what more readers say now that the book has just released.
So what’s my advice about writing your book? After you’ve identified the books you love, look at what they have in common. Is it beautiful language? Humor? Historical details? Inspiration? Spine-chilling crimes? Make a list of at least five things. Try to include points the relate to different areas of writing.
Let’s look at my list again to show you what I mean:
Numbers 1 and 2 reference both character and plot.
Number 3 references plot and pacing.
Number 4 is back to character.
Number 5 and 6 refer to setting and sensory details.
Number 7 character, plot, pacing, setting, details.
Number 8 problem(s) solved (part of plot).
When I look at the summary of my points, I see the writing areas that standout are character, plot, pacing, and details.
What stands out for you from your list? Use your list and writing areas as you develop your story.
Now let’s find out a little bit about the New Release, “Alone!”
Ready for adventure in the snowy Colorado mountains, Cecelia Gage is thrilled to be employed as the live-in housekeeper for her favorite bestselling author. The twenty-five-year old doesn’t count on Mark Andrews being so prickly, nor becoming part of the small town gossip centering on the celebrity. Neither does she expect to become involved in Andrews family drama and a relationship with Simon Lindley, Mark’s oh so good-looking best friend. And certainly, Cecelia has no idea she’ll be mixed up in a murder investigation because of this job.
Will Cecelia’s faith in God get her through all the trouble that lies ahead?
BUY:
This ebook will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and iTunes.
Now let’s find out a little about Sue!
BIO:
SM Ford writes inspirational fiction for adults, although teens may find the stories of interest, too.
When she was thirteen, she got hooked on Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense books, although she has been a reader as long as she can remember, and is an eclectic reader. Inspirational authors she enjoys include: Francine Rivers, Bodie Thoene, Dee Henderson, Jan Karon, and many more.
SM Ford is a Pacific Northwest gal, but has also lived in the midwest (Colorado and Kansas) and on the east coast (New Jersey). She and her husband have two daughters and two sons-in-law and three grandsons. She can’t figure out how she got to be old enough for all that, however.
She also loves assisting other writers on their journeys.
Social Media:
Website: www.smfordbooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMFordwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMFordBooks
ALONE back of the book blurb:
Ready for adventure in the snowy Colorado mountains, Cecelia Gage is thrilled to be employed as the live-in housekeeper for her favorite bestselling author. The twenty-five-year old doesn’t count on Mark Andrews being so prickly, nor becoming part of the small town gossip centering on the celebrity. Neither does she expect to become involved in Andrews family drama and a relationship with Simon Lindley, Mark’s oh so good-looking best friend. And certainly, Cecelia has no idea she’ll be mixed up in a murder investigation because of this job.
Will Cecelia’s faith in God get her through all the trouble that lies ahead?
BUY:
This ebook will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and iTunes.
