Many people ask why do I write? That’s a tough one as I’m not sure. Sometimes, it’s a dream that intrigues me and I sit down and flesh it out into a story. In fact, my second book, Emerald Beach (soon to be published) started that way. I had a very vivid dream that introduced the two main characters to me and the story was born. Other times it is something I see or hear that gets under my skin and I cannot stop thinking about it. My third book, Glen’s Song, came from personal experiences in the health care field. Most of the time, however, it just comes to me, like the sudden inspiration of an unexpected event or experience.

My undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology and graduate degree in Counseling Psychology, set a foundation for me to observe and ask why. The motivation of individuals, even animals, plays a big part in character development. Going beneath the surface of a character and delving into his or her soul can bring about many unexpected twists and turns in a plot. Sometimes, it can bring predictability, which isn’t bad when the reader knows that the character is likely to do something and this can create suspense in and of itself. Sometimes, it stuns the reader, even the writer!

I believe most writers are observers. We tend to study the world and the things in it as they interact. When thinking in terms of “what if”, or  “wonder why”, this creates a lot of possibilities. Even when a dream or experience gives birth to a story idea, answering these questions becomes the foundation for my work. Many authors employ a different process to their writing. Some are fascinated with history and the lives of people in the past. Others think of the future and the possibilities it may contain. Writing is as unique from one author to the next as one’s DNA is specific to one person.  Regardless, authors still seek answers to the questions by telling their story. However, there is no one “right way” to do it. And that’s called creativity.