Love this essay, JT. I agree that we explore what fascinates us. I've also fascinated with twins, which will be an important aspect of my next book. Great minds, huh? Anyway, I think in writing we are always looking for those elusive answers to life's big questions. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love that you are obsessed with twins ! My sister and I are also obsessed- we are identical twins and collaborated on a suspense novel TWINLESS, that we are currently querying. We were not crazy about all the extra attention from people as we were growing up, and still get asked every time we go out together, “Are you twins?” But we make a good writing team - I’m a former journalist and my sister is a computer/technical expert, so our combination of right brain/left brain works on the page. Anyway, love your books and we’ve learned so much from your excellent writing!
J.T., I'm truly sorry to hear about your struggles with infertility. I can only imagine how painful that journey has been—and may still be. As we grow older, I think we all look back on our lives, weighing both the triumphs and the disappointments. Some goals are met, others never came to fruition. We plan and plan, but life leads us in a very different direction.
I've noticed that in my writing, I return again and again to the image of strong women and rebuilding houses. Seeking, creating, or maybe reclaiming a sense of home.
What I write about is quite consistent, rebuilding after trauma and methods that work to do that.
My reading habits however have changed significantly over my 55 years. I think as I’ve changed, as my life has changed (rather dramatically in the last 3 years!) the books I’m drawn to have also changed. For fiction I crave gentleness and happy endings whereas I used to love thrillers and drama.
I understand that completely, Georgia. The softening that comes from maturity, the need for a happier ending. I am deep into that right now now. Rebuilding after trauma is a brilliant theme!
I love twins!!! Maybe a few more exclamation points will convey just how much I love them. They are on my Id list (thanks Jennifer Lynn Barnes), which is weird when you consider that as one of six children, I longed to be an only child. I'm writing two stories right now with twins in them. I also love found family and blended families, along with strong women who live life their way while helping others.
Intriguing post, J.T. My late mother was a fraternal twin and there was such vicious rivalry between them. As an only child, who would have loved a sibling, it made me sad. But definitely fodder for a thriller! My own books tend to deal with injustice tackled by a strong female protagonist.
I have always been drawn to history and the lessons of history to guide the present. I find that I am always drawn to writing characters who are everyday people who end up doing extraordinary things when faced with circumstances beyond their control. Especially, women characters who are empathetic and human, but also strong as hell.
I realized a while ago, but not when I first started writing, that I tend toward writing about "love gone wrong" for women. This is true in both my early women's fiction and later my suspense novels. Hmm. Don't ask me how that translates to my real life. I'd rather not dwell on it :)
Love this essay, JT. I agree that we explore what fascinates us. I've also fascinated with twins, which will be an important aspect of my next book. Great minds, huh? Anyway, I think in writing we are always looking for those elusive answers to life's big questions. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love that you are obsessed with twins ! My sister and I are also obsessed- we are identical twins and collaborated on a suspense novel TWINLESS, that we are currently querying. We were not crazy about all the extra attention from people as we were growing up, and still get asked every time we go out together, “Are you twins?” But we make a good writing team - I’m a former journalist and my sister is a computer/technical expert, so our combination of right brain/left brain works on the page. Anyway, love your books and we’ve learned so much from your excellent writing!
J.T., I'm truly sorry to hear about your struggles with infertility. I can only imagine how painful that journey has been—and may still be. As we grow older, I think we all look back on our lives, weighing both the triumphs and the disappointments. Some goals are met, others never came to fruition. We plan and plan, but life leads us in a very different direction.
I've noticed that in my writing, I return again and again to the image of strong women and rebuilding houses. Seeking, creating, or maybe reclaiming a sense of home.
We are so drawn to the things we want but don't have, don't we? Thank you for the kind thoughts! And I am excited that you are living your theme!
What I write about is quite consistent, rebuilding after trauma and methods that work to do that.
My reading habits however have changed significantly over my 55 years. I think as I’ve changed, as my life has changed (rather dramatically in the last 3 years!) the books I’m drawn to have also changed. For fiction I crave gentleness and happy endings whereas I used to love thrillers and drama.
I understand that completely, Georgia. The softening that comes from maturity, the need for a happier ending. I am deep into that right now now. Rebuilding after trauma is a brilliant theme!
Thank you :) It's something I have a lot of experience with. I have a lot to say about it, which I think is a good start for my writing.
I love twins!!! Maybe a few more exclamation points will convey just how much I love them. They are on my Id list (thanks Jennifer Lynn Barnes), which is weird when you consider that as one of six children, I longed to be an only child. I'm writing two stories right now with twins in them. I also love found family and blended families, along with strong women who live life their way while helping others.
Oh you’ve hit one of my favorites — found family!!! That’s such a rich and complex storyline. And how funny that you’re a twin fanatic too!
Intriguing post, J.T. My late mother was a fraternal twin and there was such vicious rivalry between them. As an only child, who would have loved a sibling, it made me sad. But definitely fodder for a thriller! My own books tend to deal with injustice tackled by a strong female protagonist.
Vicious rivalries—fiction fodder right there. Finding justice is a wonderful powerful theme!
I have always been drawn to history and the lessons of history to guide the present. I find that I am always drawn to writing characters who are everyday people who end up doing extraordinary things when faced with circumstances beyond their control. Especially, women characters who are empathetic and human, but also strong as hell.
I love this—the history as a guide especially. Plus strong empathetic women—that’s a great thematic combo.
Thank you! I'm trying to get a manuscript in shape for book one of a series so I can start querying agents. Fingers crossed!
Absolutely fingers crossed!
I realized a while ago, but not when I first started writing, that I tend toward writing about "love gone wrong" for women. This is true in both my early women's fiction and later my suspense novels. Hmm. Don't ask me how that translates to my real life. I'd rather not dwell on it :)
Writing is a wonderfully therapeutic exercise isn’t it? Love gone wrong is such a strong theme. I hope you’ve found love gone right too!