Spread the Love [Blog Tour]

art by mary wangerin

The deliciously talented Mary of The Turquoise Paintbrush (that's one of her dreamcatchers above -- I'm in love) invited me to be part of this creativity blog tour.  So delighted to be asked!  Here's what she wanted to know . . .

What are you currently working on? 
Right now I'm hard at work editing The Light Between Us for its mid-June release date (eeeee!! don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free copy).  I'm also writing the first draft of a new (and completely unrelated) novel, based loosely on Celtic myth.  My artwork is mostly on hold right now as a result -- it seems that I am unable to create in two very different mediums (words and painted visuals) at the same time.  So the art is resting for a while.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?
It tells the truth -- which is nothing new, I suppose.  Except that it's my truth that I'm writing into these novels, and that's something the world's never seen before.   And also, I am trying to write female characters who stand in their own imperfectly perfect humanity, fraught with strengths and weaknesses and foibles and beauty. 

Why do you write/create what you do?
Because I love it.  Because I can't help it.  Because I was born with ink and words in my blood.  Because it is my calling.  Because it is crazy fun.  Because it is my dream, and dreams are worth living.

How does your writing/creating process work?
I take my son to childcare for a few hours every weekday morning.  Because I'm paying for said childcare, this helps me to overcome my resistance and fear much more efficiently.  So once he's happily playing with trucks with his toddler buddies, I'm off to a coffee shop to lay down some words.  

I sit.  I think.  I procrastinate.  And then, at last, I just get 'er done (whew).   

Who should you visit next on the blog tour?
Check out my gorgeous and supremely brave and talented friends Jamie, Bethany, and Rachel on Monday, June 2, for their thoughts on the creative process.