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Robyn DeHart | It's all about the begnnings
March 3, 2011
It was a dark and stormy night… Beginnings. I know so many writers that love beginnings. They love them so much
they have drawers (really files since most of us don't keep our writing in
actual drawers) full of story beginnings. It’s nothing for them to whip up a new
proposal and send it off to their editor or agent. They love the excitement, the
freshness, the limitless possibilities. Me? Not so much. And that's really
putting it mildly. I hate beginnings. It’s not that I don’t love all the possibilities, that’s great, wonderful, even.
I mean that’s why brainstorming can get a bit addictive. I get the whole newness
thing, I can see where they're coming from, but I can't feel it. Getting and
shaping the idea is one thing, but when it comes to the actual writing, I'm a
bundle of nerves. Well, I’m nervous and stressed pretty much the whole time I'm
writing, but the beginning, especially. (And the ending, but that's a whole
'nother blog) The way I look at it, I've got a blank canvas with two people I
don't know at all (regardless of how many things I know about them, it's way
different once you let them loose on paper), a setting I'm unfamiliar with,
details I haven't quite worked out, I'm basically in uncharted territory. For
some this might be exciting. For me, it's terrifying. Frankly it’s like wading
through molasses. There's all this pressure. All these elements that need to be seamlessly woven
into the fabric of the opening chapters. Character GMC, enough backstory without
it being too much, sexual tension….I could go on. Pressure, I tell you! It's
enough to make a poor introverted writer blow her top. But I'm keeping my cool.
Because I know the good stuff is coming. The middle. It's just right around the
corner – somewhere after chapter 5 or so. I'm one of those strange writers who loves *gasp* the sagging middle. It's not
so sagging from where I sit. It's the fun part. It's the part where I know what
I'm doing. I've gotten the rhythm of the characters down, I know where the
storyline is going, and the conflict is really rising. Talk about limitless
possibilities. This is the stage where a lot of writers get bored, which just
has me scratching my head. All the stuff you’ve been setting up in the beginning
is actually happening in the middle, that’s cool. But back to the beginning, which is where I am with my current book. But I
suspect most of you are here on this blog looking for tidbits about my new book
that’s in stores. TREASURE ME is the
final book in my Legend Hunters trilogy and I finished it so long ago I don’t
even remember if the beginning was hard (though I’m guessing it was!) hopefully
though it reads easy. Take a look and see what you think. Then leave me a comment and you just
might win a signed copy of DESIRE ME, the second book
in the Legend Hunters series. If you’re a writer, tell me your least favorite
and favorite part of writing and if you’re a reader let me know if you enjoy
these inside peeks into a writer’s life. Loch Ness Scotland, 1881 Thunder crashed and fat, heavy rain drops pelted Graeme Langford as he
plunged the oars into the cold, murky depths of Loch Ness. The muscles in his
arms burned from rowing, and despite the chill in the air, sweat beaded down his
back. The storm made the loch choppy and his trek more difficult. Still he
rowed. Through the sheets of rain, he could see the rocky beach ahead in the
distance and the hills that rose behind the shore. Somewhere in those hills,
he'd find the abbey. A foolish wealthy American had recently purchased the
crumbling estate and intended to restore it to its former glory. They were
supposed to start construction next week so Graeme had to hurry and find what he
sought before it was too late. The small boat rocked against the angry waves, and Graeme fought against the
current. His progress was slow, and he was damp to his bones. The newly formed
blisters on his palms ached. Eventually he made his way to the beach. He jumped
out and pulled the boat onto the shore, cursing his aching muscles. Clearly life
in London was making him soft. The last ribbons of light were partially hidden behind the storm clouds,
compromising his visibility greatly. But he'd climbed enough hills throughout
Scotland to know that he would be able to traverse these in limited light. He
secured his bag across his body and started up into the hills. The highlands
weren't mountains; he'd seen true mountains in Spain. Still the rocky hillsides
were treacherous on their own account so he minded his steps carefully. The rain
slowed, and the thunder softened as the storm faded into the distance. The crisp autumn air filled Graeme's lungs as he climbed up the hill. As raw
and untamed as parts of Scotland remained, he loved this land. Loved the history
and the rough terrain, loved the people and their lore. Half of him rightfully
belonged here, his mother's blood, but it was his father's English blood that
ruled his life. Four years earlier, when his father had fallen ill and died,
Graeme had taken his place as the Duke of Rothmore. And he did his duty as an
English lord, though he longed for time to spend in his beloved Scotland. The pull from his Scottish heritage was what drove his quest, his burning
desire to find and restore what rightfully belonged to Scotland--The Stone of
Destiny, a biblical relic that held mysterious powers. It had belonged to the
Scottish monarchy for hundreds of years before it had been stolen by the
English. Or so everyone had thought. Graeme had recently come to believe that
the stone taken by the English was counterfeit. He intended to be the one to
locate the original stone. According to his latest research, there was a book that he needed to complete
his quest. And it lay somewhere within the dilapidated walls of this old
abandoned abbey. As if his mind had conjured the image, a massive stone building suddenly lay
before him, nestled into the next hill. Arches towered over crumbling stone,
like the ribs of some enormous animal picked clean by vultures. Only the
building at the main entrance remained. Graeme stepped through an opening in the
wall that had once protected the monks. Graeme was not alone as he’d expected.
The workers for the reconstruction were already here, or at least their
equipment was, as it littered the hillside. They were early, which meant that he
just might be too late. Robyn DeHart Remember, leave a comment and you might win DESIRE ME
Comments
46 comments posted.
Re: Robyn DeHart | It's all about the begnnings
Thanks for the post and the giveaway, Robyn.
I can't think of any phase of writing I don't like. Really. Nor any I enjoy more than the rest. But I doubt I'm a representative example.
Yes, I dig these glimpses inside a writer's life and the writing process. The more detailed and personal, the better. I say this as both a reader and a writer.
Good luck with your new and upcoming releases.
(Mary Anne Landers 1:12am March 3, 2011)
Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Robyn!
I enjoy reading about authors. It's always interesting to see how their personalities are reflected in their writing. I especially like to learn the process they use to build their characters and story lines.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 1:45am March 3, 2011)
I love reading about authors, authors blogs and finding out what gives them inspiration to write the stories and find the characters that they do.
(Darci Paice 2:01am March 3, 2011)
I do enjoy the inside peeks & the first sentence is all important to me.
(Mary Preston 2:44am March 3, 2011)
The first sentence is what draws me in! Me and my guy often do the first sentence when we watch people- a fun way to stay entertained! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into what it's like for you...I love the whole process. After years of always wanting to write, I am just now finding the time to do so.
(Patti DelValle 3:51am March 3, 2011)
I find beginnings difficult to read. But once I get the lay of the land, so to speak, that is when I can't put a book down. Good luck with the new book. I like the exerpt.
(Pam Howell 7:15am March 3, 2011)
Beginnings. So much like life. We start by learning to put one foot in front of
the other. Then comes a big grin. "Let's see where we can go from here."
Books like life are adventures with lots of possibilities. So many choices. So
many changes. All good. All enticing. We must start somewhere. Beginnings
of books unlike life can be revised, rewritten, relived. So just start somewhere
and know your readers are waiting, some with baited breath, to follow you
anywhere.
(Sandra Spilecki 7:42am March 3, 2011)
A Scottish historical! The very best subject!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 8:30am March 3, 2011)
I love it when the authors share their thoughts and ideas. It is fun to see where and how the characters are created.
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:31am March 3, 2011)
I'm a reader, and yes, I do enjoy the inside peaks of an author's life. I had no idea how rewarding and punishing writing could be. Well, the punishing part, yes. I admire an author because just writing this little bit is a struggle for me.
(Cynthia Netherton 9:31am March 3, 2011)
I always enjoy reading tidbits about how an author thinks, and what processes he or she uses when writing a book. I find it fascinating. I've thought about writing, but at this point, have not done so. Anyway, not only did I enjoy your blog posting, but I did enjoy the glimpse into your book. It's not something I would normally read, but you have a way with words that would attract a person into reading one of your books. Congratulations on your new book. I'm sure it will do well, and you now have a new reader!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:50am March 3, 2011)
I enjoy learning a little about the authors whose books I enjoy reading. Your books sound really good and you can never go wrong with a Scottish Highlander, or maybe that's just me?
(June Manning 10:03am March 3, 2011)
I am not a writer but can well imagine looking at a blank screen or blank page and trying to set words down.
(G. Bisbjerg 10:16am March 3, 2011)
I enjoy hearing a writer talk about their process when writing. What one writer loves another hates and so forth. Thanks for the insight.
(Maude Allen 10:37am March 3, 2011)
Robyn - Don't put me in the drawing because I already read Seduce Me and Desire Me (which I just re-read getting ready to read Treasure Me), but I hope that at some point you return to this series which I've loved. I know I'll love new your series but what about a Treasure Hunter book titled "Adore Me" - come on - just one more!
(Jeanne Miro 10:50am March 3, 2011)
Hello Robyn!
I really enjoy learning about the writing process. I follow a few writer blogs/vlogs and I find it very interesting how long the process takes from idea to finished product. Good luck with your new release! The trilogy sounds fun!
(Stacie Deramo 10:52am March 3, 2011)
I'm so glad to know that us writers don't bore you readers with our tales of
woe. :-) Even though writing can be challenging, I wouldn't trade it for
anything in the world, I just love it.
And I see some Scottish fans out there - this is my first book set in Scotland
and man, there is just something about a big hulking man in a kilt. And I had
to look at pictures of Gerard Butler to get inspired, boy my job is tough...
Jeanne Miro, hugs to you! Adore Me is a wonderful title. I won't say never
because I've loved the this series, glad to see I have a faithful fan out there.
Hope you love Treasure Me as much as the other two books.
And for those of you who haven't read me before, I hope you enjoy my books.
You can read more excerpts on my website.
(Robyn DeHart 11:05am March 3, 2011)
I love books set in Scotland! This books sounds like a great read!
(Marguerite Guinn 11:36am March 3, 2011)
Oh I love it all - writing the beginning and the end are extra special, but so is everything in between. The only thing I really don't like is revising, but oh well.
(Birgit Lehner 11:53am March 3, 2011)
Your books draw me in. Thanks you for this opportunity.
(Felina Pence 12:17pm March 3, 2011)
I enjoyed reading your comments about the creative process of writing your books. Desire Me has just what I like --- an exciting adventure, a mystery with romance as an added spice.
(Anna Speed 12:30pm March 3, 2011)
I'm a reader & I enjoy these posts about the writing process. It's fun to see the differences in how authors feel about and approach their profession.
(r w 12:40pm March 3, 2011)
I love your book, they are awesome. I love the little peaks into a writers life. If they are a favorite I want to learn as much about them as I can. Authors make our world so much better because they give us different places to travel to.
(Gail Hurt 12:40pm March 3, 2011)
Always enjoy little background bits from authors... alittle extra insight to their writing...
(Colleen Conklin 1:05pm March 3, 2011)
This sounds fabulous! I want to take a second and cheer you on, and thank you for this opportunity.
(Debra Simning-Chapman 1:52pm March 3, 2011)
I love, strong charactors always make for a good story.
(Tammy Sommervold 1:54pm March 3, 2011)
I enjoyed your post. This series sounds great. Thanks.
(G S Moch 2:16pm March 3, 2011)
your book will do great and would love to read and blog on them
(Desiree Reilly 3:28pm March 3, 2011)
I enjoyed the excerpt - I'd love to get a chance to read everything!!
(Jessica Brainerd 3:30pm March 3, 2011)
Who knew writing was so stressful.But good for us readers.
(Deb Pelletier 4:28pm March 3, 2011)
I'd love to win this book. Writing is a very admirable passion!
(Roseann Kies 5:05pm March 3, 2011)
I check Fresh Fiction everyday because I love to hear from all the different authors! I also love a book that jumps right into the action and the excerpt of your book definitely did that. Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway.
(Renee Pajda 5:05pm March 3, 2011)
The only writing I do is for my job and tends to be technical. When I write, I like to go where my inspiration takes me. Then I come back and do the logic of what I really need to do before I start to add, revise and delete. I almost always have to go back and add or heavily revise the beginning because I have to know where everything is going to get a beginning that makes sense.
(Carol Drummond 6:52pm March 3, 2011)
Robyn, I am a reader. I also wonder where the writer gets his/her inspiration for a story. You would think that writing is an easy job to come up with the story. It's great to know that through the peek in the writer's life, the writers are just like us but only they took the time to write and share their stories.
(Kai Wong 9:46pm March 3, 2011)
I always tell my kids when writing any sort of paper, getting started is the hardest part. As for the storyline, I always love when the heroine is a bluestocking, it usually provides for some humor along the way. Thank you for your work.
(Michelle Whitwam 9:54pm March 3, 2011)
I love reading about Scotland and its beautiful history. Love the excerpt and can't wait to read it! Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 9:55pm March 3, 2011)
Reading about Scotland just makes me want to go there so much more. My husband's family were from there.
dancealert at aol dot com
(Brenda Rupp 10:33pm March 3, 2011)
I do like the glimpses, it let's us readers appreciate what you all go thru - thanks for the work you do to entertain & enlighten us!
(Diane Sallans 10:34pm March 3, 2011)
I need a good beginning in a book. I want to be drawn in quickly. If it's only a so-so beginning, I'll struggle through, hoping it gets better; sometimes I get lucky and it does. This beginning is terrific, I love it, and can't wait to read the book. And I do like getting insights to the difficulties a writer experiences. Thank you for going through all that angst to give us your wonderful books!!
(Karen Cherubino 10:49pm March 3, 2011)
I enjoyed reading the excerpt from your book. Sounds like it's going to be good.
(Ginger Hinson 11:35pm March 3, 2011)
Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book,sounds wonderful. I would love to go to Scotland one day if I can.
(Linda Hall 11:54pm March 3, 2011)
Understand where you're coming from, sometimes it takes me half a day just trying to state a letter. Book sounds great.
(Sheila True 12:04pm March 4, 2011)
Thanks so much for joining me with my guest blog. I'm glad to know there are
so many readers out there who enjoy books set in Scotland. Hope you love
Treasure Me.
(Robyn DeHart 11:00pm March 4, 2011)
I love reading the bits and pieces that go into an author's writing process, so thank you! As to what I like best - the beginning is always exciting if it is done well (and yours are.) Something that draws in the reader, enticing us in some special way.
If I win (smile) an autographed bookplate would be wonderful, I own both books already, and can just add it to my copy. Maybe you can send the book to someone else, and send an electronic version?
(Mickey McCall 12:04pm March 5, 2011)
I've been to Scotland (and England) twice so far, and I love stories about both countries. Your story sounds attractive.
(Ann Garland 1:36am March 8, 2011)
Scottish characters seem to have a little extra something encompassing charm and a lilt in their dialogue. I do like to read about cultures and countries different from mine with the music, the neighborhood and of course, the food.
(Alyson Widen 12:17pm March 8, 2011)
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