I have four published books and reams of manuscripts that didn’t make the grade. I’ve lived in many places in the States and around the world including, Viet Nam—as a warrior—, the Marshall Island for two years, Budapest and for the past ten years in Thailand with my wife. We still have a small farm there that I miss very much. We’ve recently moved back to the States to the East coast of Florida. I have a love for the sea and have sailed quite a bit. I used to ride bike—motorcycles—and of late bicycles. No one bothered to tell me bicycles don’t have a motor… Did I mention I love to read—a must for any writer.
Chris has ‘taunted’ me on several occasions to write a post for his fascinating blog. I have enough trouble coming up with subjects for my blog, but I do enjoy writing so…
I want to tell you what it feels like when I’m writing a novel and maybe a bit of the process. I’ve never claimed to be a teacher for others who write. Most have their own style and way of making magic with words—and so it should be.
Before I begin (to write) one of the hundreds of ideas floating in my head moves to the front of the line and refuses to move. I’m sure it’s my muse who’s responsible. I do believe I have a muse because the thought of little ole me writing is scary. I read Steven King has a grumpy old cigar smoking muse that just sits and waits to see what he can do. Me, I have one that is pixie-like. She’s tiny with dragonfly wings and wears a very sheer, taffeta, wispy dress and it’s usually a shade of sherbet. She’s so beautiful I am only allowed to glance at her and only when I write. Nice, right?
I always start with a small idea and one or two characters. The idea can be so dumb it’s funny. My last novel, a thriller, started when I was thinking of what would happen if a character was in a serious situation and has gas, really bad gas. See, I told you some of my ideas are dumb. Then I work out the ‘first ten pages’. I do learn from others.
An idea—very vague—comes to me about where I want to go and I write the first scene. After that I get out of the way and the story unfolds. Nothing and I do mean nothing disturbs me while I write. Drove my wife crazy at first, but once I stop for the day I’m all hers or so she thinks. In the midst of a novel my muse won’t allow me to stray too far—in my mind—but does let me score some points with my wife. It’s so important to have someone who supports you.
When my fingers are flying and I’m deep in the story I always know it is good when I can feel the tiny dragonfly wings caress my ear—what a feeling. If I’m stuck my muse pushes me to just write. She sometimes leads me to write the ending halfway through so the rest with fall into place. When I write the final words of the first draft I feel a stabbing loss or it could be the dread of knowing I must now edit, edit, edit. And then send it off to a real editor who will slap my baby, but make it better.
As I said in the beginning, I’m no teacher—just a writer.
I want to thank Chris for allowing me to come to his great blog and for given me just the right shove. I’ve been in a dark valley of late—in my writing—and it’s nice to see the Sun. You see, I lived for the pervious ten years in Thailand. This last year I’ve moved back to the States and all the goings on have taken their toll on my thoughts. My muse even took a vacation or perhaps she stayed in Thailand. Now I hear the soft sift of her dress and occasionally a whiff of jasmine touches my senses and it makes me smile.
Thanks, Chris, and I thank your loyal readers for their time.
Oh and before I forget I can be found on:
Twitter – My blog and book website – Goodreads – Authors Den
The Books?
They can be found at:
Amazon:
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
Ha, Dannie! It’s so funny that you said: “And then send it off to a real editor who will slap my baby…” We always say “kill your baby” in this house when it comes to editing time. It’s brutal, but necessary. 🙂
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It’s great to learn more about you, Dannie and your writing process. I hope your muse finds the way here so you can get back to writing.
xoxo
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Your muse sounds adorable in her pixieness, Dannie (I imagine she’s on her way to Florida by sailboat from Thailand, you’ll be reunited in no time I’m sure!). I was interested in what you wrote about ‘getting out of the way’ of your writing. I have glimpses of that in my creative moments, nothing as intense as you writing a novel, but I get a sense of what you mean, the creative source just opens up and you are just a vessel and it’s important not to get in the way. Great post.
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Thank you, Letizia. I hope she hurries. Actually I’m doing the NaNo this month and my fingertips are surprising me. I believe that all artist at one point feel their creativity belongs to another and it feels so good.
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Glad to hear that you’re doing NaNo and that the words are flowing! I had planned on doing it too (a version… working everyday on my nonfiction WIP) but so far work has prevented me from being disciplined and I only worked on it one day this week, ugh.
I will start again on Tuesday when work quiets down and then work everyday for a month starting from then… a NaNoDecember-ish project!
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Best of luck. The doing or at least trying NaNo is a great experience. Please let me know if you need a reader for your WIP or at the very least when you publish.
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Thanks Dannie, that’s much appreciated!
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Love your style, Dannie ~ and your muse 🙂 Shared on FB, LI, Twitter.
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Thank you so much Tina!
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It is so wonderful to see one of my favorite men on this great blog. Dannie! As long as I live, I will never tire of learning more about you. Your muse sounds like the sweetest thing AND a taskmaster – probably a good thing 😉
Great to read your post, hon,
xox
eden
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She’s almost as pretty and talented as you, dear lady.
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Reblogged this on Dannie C Hill- The writer and commented:
Please join me at Chris Graham’s great site for a post I wrote about my writing muse. Chris is a great supporter of authors and if you need anything he is there to help!
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Thank you, Chris. I sometimes feel like I’m starting over with my writing, but this month I’m joining so many others in the NaNlWriMo and letting my fingers free to do their best. You are a great supporter of writers.
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Good luck with it Dannie 😀
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I love the sound of your muse, Dannie 😀 I hope she comes back full-time soon 😉
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She’s been visiting a bit lately. I think she’s enjoying the people I associate with. Thank you, Dianne.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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have you even been to China?
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Only in passing through, but I know a great many fine people from there.
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