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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Dawn Kunda: Latest Update and a Giveaway

Today we have our own Dawn Kunda, here to update everyone on her latest project and giving away a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble! Be sure to leave a comment with contact information for a chance to win! Check out what's new with Dawn.

The life of a writer is never stagnant, no matter how long it takes to finish writing a novel, hear a response from an editor, or think up the next scene or story.

I’m in the middle of all-of-the-above right now.  My romantic suspense, In Plain Sight, the first in a proposed series, From the CIA, is wandering the inboxes of selected agents and editors while you read this.  The sequel to Court of Lies, Window of Lies, is awaiting its last two chapters, which I continually swear I’ll finish today-okay tomorrow, but soon.

I have no set schedule for writing or thinking up my next step in a story.  Rather, it all happens when the time is right.  Matter of fact, I’ve always been a panster-little preplanning of plot- for the most part, but when I start the next two (I’ve turned into the author who has two novels going at once) I decided to make a lengthy plan for each.

Why would I do something silly such as change my system?  I think it’s because the next novels will have more complicated plots and sub-plots.   Or maybe I like to drive myself crazy and pull more hair out as the screen and I have “staring” contests!

Either way, I love every part of writing novels.  Writing the novel is great, editing the drafts are a nice change of pace-to read scenes I’ve forgotten about supply my own surprises, and the thrill of working with an editor at the publishing house is inspiring and always full of lessons. 

And even more fun, is chatting with the readers!  I always want to know what you’re thinking, your questions, your expectations of a great story, and I’m excited to be here with you today :-)

Ask Dawn a question or leave a comment for a chance to win! 

9 comments:

  1. Dawn,
    Oh, I have stared at the screen many times, praying a word, any word, would suddenly pop into my head! Better yet, a whole scene! It does come, sometimes it just takes time (I would recommend not pulling your hair out...that kinda hurts).

    I like the idea of trying something new (going from panster to one who plots and vice versa). I'm trying something new as well and writing without a detailed plotline....it's exciting but scary at the same time!

    Hope those agents and editors get back to you quickly....I'm looking forward to reading In Plain Sight!
    Marie

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  2. The series sounds fascinating. Did you have to do a lot of research for it?

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  3. Looks like you're going the opposite way than me, Marie, with changing from plotting to not-so-plotting! I find it exciting also. I'm looking forward to having another book to market, which brings me to my evening event (and why I didn't answer immediately)...I went to a talk given by Lisa Scottoline! She's funny and it was fabulous. Also, she is going to refer me to her agent. Imagine where doors open!!

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  4. Hi bn100!
    Actually, I did do quite a bit of research for this series and will be doing more as I go. I'm continually gathering info about the CIA, weapons, tactics, personnel, and geography characteristics of places such as Egypt, Turkey, and other foreign lands as these stories travel many places.
    The more I discover, the more stories come to mind! Thanks for asking:)

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  5. This weekend I had to do something I've never done before. I had to write a synopsis for a book I haven't written yet. I know this used to be the norm, but it was a first for me. Definitely stretched the ole brain cells of this pantser :-)

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  6. Dawn,
    Lisa Scottoline! Oh my gosh! I love her stuff....I am so crossing my fingers for you.....you go, girl!!!!

    Marie

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  7. Hey Lexi, I guess you had to do what we do best-make things up! I haven't had to do that and I doubt the characters would follow an initial plan for me, but I bet it's a nice place to start after you got it done!
    Thanks, Marie! It's always nice to have something positive happen along the trail!

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  8. It seems every book I have written I did differently--sometimes total pantsing, other times (like for NaNoWriMo) totally plotted. Sometimes I write scenes that flash into my brain, figuring I can string them together later. I am fascinated by the whole process of how my brain decides what is right for each book. Still, the older I get, the more books I write, the more I find myself enjoying plotting more than pantsing. I wonder if it's a function of age or maturity as a writer. Whatever, I'll lead where it follows. Thanks for an interesting post.

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  9. Talk about interesting-your comment made me think a lot, Sharon! I wonder if the more books I write that I'll do as you are-more plotting? And it's always great to hear other "systems" that writers use. I'll never stop learning. Thanks so much Sharon.

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