historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
If you’re a part of the writing community, you’ve probably heard the term “beta reader.” What’s that, you say? Beta readers are part of the writing process. Let’s start from the beginning: When you finish that first rough (and awful!) draft, the rule of thumb is to set it aside for a few weeks, then … Continue reading Beta Me This
I’ve decided I’ve done all I can with Hope. I’m driving myself crazy trying to make it perfect and at this point I’m afraid I may be making things worse instead of better, so after a couple of weeks of self-cajoling I have started querying agents. Tally three weeks in: 10 queries sent, 5 responses … Continue reading Querying
1920 On my thirteenth birthday everything changed. I was up and out early to check my trap lines. The air was full of the sounds and smells of spring: the sweet scent of Ma’s favorite purple lilacs, the sing-song warble of mating orioles. My overalls were soaked to the knees from walking through the hay … Continue reading Teaser: Chapter 1 of “Hope”
I’ve just completed the umpteenth edit of Hope and I’m wondering: What more will it take to make this novel publish-worthy? According to my betas and developmental editor I’m getting closer. “Readers want a protagonist who takes charge, who wins against all odds,” is what I’m told. But that’s not what life was like in … Continue reading Editing Woes
Authors: How many times have you wanted to chuck this whole writing thing? C’mon now, I see you hiding in the corner. Fess up. Maybe it’s the bleak weather, but right now anything to do with writing is the last thing I want to do. Writing has become a chore instead of a passion. Having … Continue reading My Love-Hate Relationship With Writing
It's funny where a writing prompt may lead you. The prompt that resulted in the following excerpt suggested I write about something in which I have expertise. But what emerged (don't ask me how) was this story. Not only do I not have any expertise in the subject, I also have no experience in the … Continue reading Writing Prompts and Where They Lead You
Have you ever tried visualizing your characters as movie actors? I suppose it's rather like "If my novel were a movie..." but really it's more a means of finding an image that represents your characters' looks and personalities. I've spent some time looking for images that fit Hope and her friends. Sometimes an image will … Continue reading If “Hope” was a movie…
When you start a story you never know where it’s going to go. The earliest version of my novel, Hope, looks nothing like it does today. Here’s where it started: I was trying to come up with story ideas, and the thought struck me that it might be interesting to write an unlikable protagonist. Instantly, … Continue reading Origins: Hope
This week I’m spending time in one of my favorite places—the Adirondack Mountains—and the inspiration for the setting of my WIP Hope. We are near the hamlet of Indian Lake in the southwestern part of the Adirondack Park, one of the largest forest preserves in the country. Now most people think New York City when … Continue reading My (and Hope’s) New York State
I grew up in a house rich with history. It was built in the early nineteenth century by a Revolutionary War veteran, home to a future Civil War Surgeon, and--quite possibly--a stop on the Underground Railroad. Central New York is well-known for its participation in the emancipation of slaves and the women's suffrage movement. Seneca … Continue reading Story Origins: And Know They Love You
Susannah Willey Writes 