Friday Janina Gray is Visiting and Talking About Being a Panster or Plotter #MFRWAuthor #Panster #Plotter #Tarot #Romance

 

1.    Are you a panster or a plotter or perhaps a bit of both?

I guess I’m a bit plotter and pantser, although I do try so hard to be a plotter. In the end, I’m pantsing it to the finish line.

I use Tarot to create the plot, but then I’m usually writing before I finish the outline based on the Tarot reading. I really don’t have a choice as the characters tell me what to do. So while I have an outline that tells me the basic scenes and ideas to include in the story, I do stray off the path when writing.

 

2.    Which comes first - characters or plot for you?

Characters come first usually for me and as I get to know them I get a basic idea of how they want the plot to unfold. While I have an idea in my head based on the Plot Tarot reading I complete, the two main characters usually correct me and tell me what the real plot will be when I complete their individual Tarot readings. So I basically do three readings, a plot Tarot reading and one for each character. The character readings usually stay put, but the plot has its own journey.

So I guess they all come first, in a way. And then they all evolve together as well.

 

3.    What are you working on now? Is this a book in a current series or something totally new?

I’m currently working on BOOK THREE of the Earth and Sky Series! I can’t believe I just typed that. This one is called LOST IN YOUR RHYTHM, and it’s a little out of my comfort zone, so I’m really curious as to how it’s going to turn out.

 

4.    Do you have some kind of object or place that figures in most of your books? I use gems a lot, hospitals and caves.

The object that figures in most of my books is a signature drink usually favored by the heroine. In TEN BUCKS AND A WISH it was Kahlua. In LOVE IN THE FOREST, Margaritas played an important role. In LIFE IS FOR LIVING, Mead is the go-to drink. In LOST IN YOUR RHYTHM, it seems Liza loves dark beers, specifically Smithwicks (Smittys), or Guinness.

 

5.    Do you write every day or just when the spirit hits?

I write every day. I’m up in the morning before I start my day job, writing away. Then after work I’ll write (before dinner) and then after dinner I’ll keep writing. Sometimes my writing is blogs, or marketing images, but when I am pumping out a book, it’s usually my current WIP.

 

 

 

6.    Where can we find you?

Physically, you can find me chilling out in my haunted 115-year-old farmhouse in the Mohawk Valley, with my hubby, David, and a very squawky murder of crows.

Online you can find me at:
Website:       www.janinagrey.com
                        quirkyflirt.com
                        amazon.com/author/janinagrey
Email:            janinagrey143@gmail.com
Facebook:   facebook.com/janinagrey
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/18967836.Janina_Grey
Instagram:  @janinagreyauthor
Twitter:       @janina_grey
Bookbub.com: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janina-grey

 

 

7.    Who are your favorite authors? What about a book you’ve enjoyed?

I have a lot of favorite authors. Maggie Shayne, MJ Compton, Gayle Callen, Jude Deveraux, Christy Logan, Kat Morrissey, ALee Drake, Bill Blodgett, M.A. Phillips, Elizabeth Doherty, and many more.

Saving Grace, by Elizabeth Doherty was a heart tugger. I really enjoyed the characters, plot, and losing myself in the story.