Last year, I was fortunate enough to befriend J. P. Barnaby, first online as fellow Dreamspinner Press authors, and then in person at GayRomLit in New Orleans. When she asked if I’d like to be a stop on the Little Boy Lost blog tour, needless to say I jumped at the chance! Like many others, I waited for the last book to be ready before I started reading the series; I’m halfway through as I write this, and I’m so glad I waited, because there’s no way I would’ve survived the wait between releases. It’s highly recommended reading for everyone. 🙂

My Writing Process

By J. P. Barnaby

J. P. Barnaby with her books set up at OutlantaCon in Atlanta

Shae Connor challenged me a little with her topic request. Until I sat down to write this blog post, I didn’t think I had a writing “process.” I’d start with a blank page—sometimes paper, sometimes electronic, and then I’d make use of it, writing until there’s nothing left to say. As I thought more closely about Shae’s questions, other things came to mind. I send my books for a read with my critique partner Rowan Speedwell at around 25,000 words because somewhere along the way, I lose my confidence. I don’t outline. I don’t plan. I listen to my characters and tell the story they want me to tell. So, I guess I do have a writing process after all. So, here it is—everything I’m consciously aware of—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright bizarre.

Continue reading →