THE PROCESS - WRITING IS FUN, IF YOU ARE A CONTROL FREAK

​          One of the wonderful rewards from writing is that I am able to make the characters do whatever I choose, within reason of course. For me the process begins with something simple, like a day in the park, or going into a department store, eating lunch, walking down a dark alley at 2 in the morning.

          The possibilities of having something fantastic, scary, happy, or sad happen in each one of those venues is endless. Luckily, I'm a daydreamer, and have always been. Even as a child, I enjoyed being by myself, and could create numerous games to entertain myself.

          I wrote one short story, where a nine year old boy stops by the window of bakery every morning, just as this renowned baker is displaying a tray full of beautifully made cupcakes for everyone to see. Every morning the boy stares at them, from outside the window. Every day, he shakes his head no, rejecting the tasty creations, then walks away. Leaving the famous baker completely devastated.

          Creating fictional characters, along with fictional scenarios, ones that slightly bend the rules, but remain credible are very gratifying. Especially when the scene is finished, and something rather unexpected happens to either the protagonist or antagonist, then without difficulty it leads to a series of unanticipated events.

          I honestly can say, after writing three complete novels, each story began with one premise, and for one reason or another, when completed, their endings were not even close to what I had first imagined they would be. I allowed myself to let the story develop on its own, and to let the characters come alive. The great part of all of this is in reality, I am in total control.