Antsy, anxious, fidgety, and more

My fingernails have been chewed down to the quick. Today, I should be receiving my book, What Brings Tomorrow, back from the editor. Don't get me wrong, this is an exciting time of the process. But ... I always get so nervous what other people will think of my writing. This is a new editor I am using, and she works for a traditional publishing company. (If that gives you any clue into my jumbled up feelings). This could mean a huge opportunity for me. If she likes my writing she will pass it along to the publisher.

Here I go biting at my fingers again. Pretty soon they will be nothing, but bloody nubs. I need a diversion. I'll get back to writing about my journey.

I have had multiple people ask me how I come up with a story line. In my case, I have a crazy imagination, and wild dreams-vivid, wild dreams. Yes, I dream in color. Right now, I only have one book published for the world to read, but I have 6 other books in the works. Once I am able to get them done, I am sure that everyone will be able to see what I mean. I keep a notebook close by and when I wake from an unsettling dream, I write it down. A lot of my scenes in my books are different dreams that I twisted and made custom to fit perfectly into the story.

Characters. When I am creating a character, depending on their role, I begin by simply penciling them in. As my story progresses, I will go back and add more distinct characteristics, developing their personalities.That is one beauty of writing, you can always add, or take away. Other ways to develop a character is just by watching. I am guilty of using real life people with similar traits to help me with my development. And come on people ... just because I write erotica, does not mean that every scene has been a personal experience. (Not that I would admit anyway). I work daily at trying to make my characters come to life. I want you to walk right into my books when you open them. I want you to feel their emotions; love, hate, agony, elation,connection and so much more. That is why we read after all, isn't it?

If you are an aspiring writer, like myself ... keep on writing. Never give up if it's what you love.

RJ Heaton