Plain Talkin with Lori Adams

Today I thought I could do some serious Plain Talking about the writing process.

Every writer was a newbie once, and every writer has things they wished they’d known or done before it was too late. Or at least things that would have helped the process run smoother.

I’ve been developing my craft for some years now (always wishing I had started sooner) and am constantly learning new styles, techniques, and do’s and don’ts. I studied English Lit and Shakespeare in college but must admit that I am a self-taught writer. To this day I cringe thinking about college essay assignments. Something about being forced to write on a certain topic felt strangely stifling. I won’t say I didn’t learn a thing or two, but writing a short, confining essay was like a trip to the dentist.

Which leads me to the topic of the day: plain talk about writing a trilogy.

There is a certain amount of faith you must have in yourself to tackle writing a trilogy your first time out. As a paranormal romance, my debut novels involved heavy world building, tons of research, and roughly 288, 300, to 400 pages respectively. I can’t help it; I think big.

My editor thought she bought a single title with ‘possible’ sequels but I knew it had to be three books. I had already envisioned the ending. She said to put it all in one book and I thought Gah! I can’t do that! Lucky for me, she agreed (after hearing the full idea) and, as it turned out, the entire storyline filled up every bit of three books! In one phrase of ‘let’s do it’, the single title of Soulkeepers expanded into The Soulkeepers Series: Forbidden, Awaken, and Unforgiven.

So many of my non-writer friends tell me they can’t imagine writing a novel. I tell them I can’t imagine not writing one.

So, the first Plain Talk suggestion is: do not underestimate the demand for self-discipline. Huge amounts of self-discipline! If you have no contract and no real deadline, it’s all you. So I would suggest creating an artificial deadline. Be realistic. Set a goal based on how many words you can write per day.

Next, if you are serious about writing, take your writing seriously. Don’t view it as a hobby but as a career. And then act accordingly.

Third, find beta readers, people who will tell you the honest truth about your work. And listen to them! Heed their warnings and seriously consider any problems or holes they find in your writing or storyline.

Finally, once you’ve ‘finished’ your novel, put it away for a month and then read it with fresh eyes. I read somewhere that Stephen King puts his away for an entire year! I don’t have the patience for that so maybe somewhere in the middle will work. Read it objectively. Whatever you trip over, fix. Whatever doesn’t make sense, change. Be your own editor. If you want it bad enough, you’ll get there. Someone once told me, the best advise on writing they ever heard was simply . . . get your butt in the chair. Sounds like a great start to me.

(Thank you to Plain Talk Book Marketing for the guest blog invitation!)

Title: Unforgiven Soulkeepers # 3 by Lori Adams
Release date: April 21^st, 2015
Published by: Loveswept

Synopsis

Otherworldly desire and paranormal action reach new heights in the final installment of The Soulkeepers. As Sophia St. James moves Heaven and Hell to claim her destiny, questions are answered, secrets are revealed—and immortal love is tested.

After finally becoming a powerful Spirit Walker, Sophia St. James is shocked to discover that her conjured identical twin, Ka—along with her soul—have been dragged down to Hell by the relentless Demon Knight Dante. Sophia tries to hide the crisis, but there is little hope of keeping any secrets from her red-hot Guardian Angel. Growing suspicious, Michael has been making plans of his own that will bind him and Sophia together forever.

But Sophia is plagued with evil visions through Ka’s experiences in Hell. She is terrified that Dante will discover he has taken the wrong Sophia. Desperate to return to her original state before she withers away and dies, she risks everything to go where Michael can’t follow. To bring back Ka and save her own soul, Sophia must now enter the gates of Hell.

Add Unforgiven Soulkeepers #3 to your Goodreads shelf | Add the series to your Goodreads shelf.

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Praises for The Soulkeepers

“In a clash between heaven and hell, no one raises the heat like Spirit Walker Sophia and her Guardian Angel, Michael.”—Cecy Robson, award-winning author of the Weird Girls series

“As romantic as it is addictive, with witty writing, an action-packed plot, and a face-fanning romance all in one, The Soulkeepers is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal series.”—Cassie Mae, author of The Real Thing

“If you are looking for an amazing and unique paranormal romance that never has a dull moment, has an intense love triangle, fabulous characters, and a captivating, action-filled plot, then look no further than this highly addictive series.”—The Avid Book Collector

About Lori

Lori Adams is the author of the Soulkeepers series: Forbidden, Awaken, and Unforgiven. She wrote her first book—about scary sharks—at the age of eight. Now she writes New Adult, young adult, and middle-grade fiction. Originally from Oklahoma, Adams lives in Southern California with her husband and two daughters.

Connect with Lori: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads