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30 Mar

A new (and scary!) writing project!

Posted March 30, 2015 by dana mentink in books, fiction writing, giveaways, Uncategorized, writing tips. Tagged: , , , .

 

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Ever had a project that stretched you? I’m starting in on one of those “rubber band” projects that’s going to stretch me to be a better writer…or make me crawl under a rock and cry. I’ve signed a contract to participate in a continuity series. That’s a collection of six romantic suspense novels tied together by a theme (in this case, rookie cops and their canines.) I’m book three and I’m working away to understand how the overall plot connects book to book, and the zillion and one details that need to be kept straight. If Dimpled Drake has green eyes,  drives a beat up Buick and loves tacos in book one, I’m going to have to make sure he’s still eating those tacos, driving that Buick and flashing those green eyes in book three (and on through book six.) And if we’ve got the gas station attendant dying off in book two, he can’t really show up again in book six, now can he? How does one keep all these things straight? We’ve got a comprehensive written outline and a yahoo author group where we fire off questions to each other on a regular basis. Will that be enough to keep me on track? Time will tell!

So how about you? Have you ever participated in something that stretched you to step outside your comfort zone? Would love to hear your thoughts. Giving away a Starbuck’s card and a signed book on Wednesday! 

12 responses to this post.

  1. Posted by Kim Hampton on April 1, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Almost 12 years ago, I started taking clogging lessons. I am not much for performing in front of an audience, but I learned how to “get outside” myself and do shows. I still have to step out of my comfort zone every single time, but the team needs me so I do it for them.

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  2. Posted by Dede on March 31, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Wow! Very interesting challenge. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity you will look back on and say, “I was a part of that!” Just think, afterwards, how easy it will be to write one book all by yourself. Kind of like taking batting practice with a heavier bat. After this book you will probably feel you can write anything! Congratulations and good luck to you. Your fans will be pulling for you.

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  3. Posted by Summer H. on March 30, 2015 at 11:38 pm

    Thanks!

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  4. Posted by Beth Carpenter on March 30, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    This sounds like an amazing writing experience. I’ll be eager to hear how it goes. Every book I write is one more little stretch from my comfort zone. Maybe when I’ve written as many as you, I’ll start to feel comfortable.

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  5. Posted by Samantha B on March 30, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    I’m sure you’ll be able to do it 🙂 Those series sounds great! I asked for last year’s one about witness protection for my birthday and can’t wait to read it. I think I’ll probably read this year’s series too 😉

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  6. Posted by Lydia on March 30, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I work at an insurance company and I take claims over the phone. Initially everyone takes auto claims. When they trained me to take Personal Property claims it was entirely different and I felt out of my environment completely. I was recently trained on Commercial Property claims and I really am out of my comfort zone with that.

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  7. Posted by Summer H. on March 30, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    I’ve been a stay at home mom for 11 years. I used to be an outgoing person, always making friends. Now, I’m more of a homebody and have few friends. I decided it would be good for me (and my 5 year old son) to get out and spend time with others our own age. So I tried going to a women’s Bible study a few weeks ago where there is child care. I felt so out of my element that I was tempted to leave! But I stayed and enjoyed myself even though I still felt awkward. I haven’t been able to go back since but hope to this week.

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