Kate Lansing

So This Is A Blog Hop…

Thank you to the brilliant Jamie Raintree for including me in this Blog Hop! Admittedly, I didn’t know what a Blog Hop was before participating in this, but I’m always excited to explore more of the blogger-verse realm. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to share what I’m working on, talk about my writing process, and connect with other writers.

So, without further adieu, let’s Hop on!

What are you working on?

I’m working on my first cozy mystery titled Helluva Monday, sort of The Office meets Murder On The Orient Express. It’s the first of a potential series of companion novels, one for each day of the week.

The idea took root while I was working in a corporate office and stumbled on an article about an L.A. woman who died in her cube. And no one found her for an entire day. After that, I took extra caution in my swivel chair, and got to thinking about what a fantastic setting a modern day office is for a murder mystery. The thin cardboard-like walls, war zone politics, and a sense of closeness while not being entirely sure who your co-workers are. It’s really great fun to write!

How does your work differ from others in its genre?

My work tends to be edgier and features a hipper protagonist than traditional cozies, a la Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker. Also, the office humor and setting are wholly unique from anything I’ve read in the genre.

Why do you write what you do?

I write what I love to read!

I’ve always loved murder mysteries, especially the puzzle of trying to figure out whodunit. There’s an innate trust with mysteries, an agreement between the writer and reader. The writer’s goal is to stump the reader, but has to do so fairly (i.e., no punchlines or last minute twists). That being said, I’m enjoying constructing clues and suspects even more than unraveling them!

You’re never too old for YA. And right now YA books are pushing artistic boundaries in style, voice, and creativity. Some of the most interesting risks are being taken in this genre, for example: 13 Reasons Why, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and The Book Thief. I wrote two YA Fantasy novels previously (which are currently marinating in my desk drawer), and both are books I would love to have read.

How does your writing process work?

I’m continuing to learn this, but have found it depends on which genre I’m working in. For YA, I prefer doing a Zero Draft to figure out characters, plot, etc.. But with my cozy mystery, writing a Zero Draft didn’t work. There were too many threads to keep straight with all the clues and suspects. Thus, I’ve been outlining and progressing by Act, leveraging a dynamic grid for plot structure. In addition, writing is mostly re-writing. Editing, distilling words so they’re unique to my voice, is the most time-consuming part for this author.

Thanks again, Jamie, for including me in this Writing Process Blog Hop! I met Jamie at the RMFW Conference last fall and since then have continued to be amazed by her positive attitude and motivational messages. http://jamieraintree.com/

Jamie Raintree writes Romantic Women’s Fiction about women searching for truth in life and love. She has completed her first novel and is seeking publication. In the meantime, she posts original fiction online, as well as motivational messages for all the other dreamers out there. She lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and two young daughters.

And here are the three people following me next week! Be sure to check out their posts!

I also met Abby at the RMFW Conference where we shared a mutual appreciation for mermaids. I’ll forever be in her debt for introducing me to the addictive Australian TV show, H2O.  http://abbyjreed.com/

Abby J Reed writes YA sci-fi novels that ask what if, whether set in a parallel world or in deep space. She snuck away from Wheaton College with an English and Writing Concentration degree and is one measly hour from finishing a Certificate in Christian Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary.

Abby wrestles with Chronic Migraine and is an active member of the Art Students League of Denver, where she lives with her sexy husband. If her hands aren’t on the keyboard, they are stained purple and blue with paint.

I’ve been fortunate to be in a critique group with Jonna for the past year and a half. As I’ve stumbled my way through the art of novel-writing, her guidance and wisdom have been invaluable! http://jonnagj.wordpress.com/

I live in sunny Colorado, where I write fiction and hang out with my Golden Retriever, Dulcinea. I’ve published short stories, poetry, and non-fiction.

I grew up on a sheep farm outside Fargo, an experience that left me with a lifelong appreciation for the smell of wet wool. Later, I got a Ph.D. and worked as a professor, teaching creative writing in Scotland and film studies in the States.

My name is Norwegian in origin. Jonna rhymes with Donna, and Gjevre mostly sounds like chevre.

I connected with Tonia recently over a shared admiration for the artistic genius of Van Gogh, and have since enjoyed reading her blog, especially her #BeBraveIn2014 challenge. http://passionfind.wordpress.com/

Tonia Marie Harris writes YA speculative fiction and poetry. She wants to be a ghost-hunter when she grows up. Chocolate is her kryptonite.

What I’m Reading: Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

What I’m listening to: Shakira featuring Rihanna – Can’t Remember to Forget You

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