Panster or Plotter
Day 1
1. Are you a panster or a plotter or perhaps a bit of both?
I would say that I am more of an explorer, which is a combination of plotter and pantser. Each project starts off as a plotter and the creation of a storyboard. The scene notes contains a check-off for the purpose of the scene such as characterization, enhance the setting, or advances the plot. The storyboard is not the numbered structure of a traditional outline. It’s format is bullet points and it contains dialog, setting, and is in essence more a first draft than a true outline. At some point, the characters take over and the plotter submerges beneath the more free-wheeling pantser and the storyboard turns into a second draft.
2. Which comes first - characters or plot for you?
Although I need to know at least some aspect of the main characters, I work the plot first, letting the characters develop as they will.
3. What are you working on now? Is this a book in a current series or something totally new?
The release of Fire and Redemption last month means I am in the middle ground between projects. I had thought a third book to tell the final chapter in Trelleir’s search to find the homeland of his dragon kin was the next logical project. However, a different land has been nagging to be explored. Whether it is a fantasy world or a science fiction exploration, adventure and some amount of romance is promised.
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.
Caves have appeared in all three of my series. The uses varied from travelers’ shelters to an underground temple, a dragon’s lair and hatching cave, and the hiding place of a magical relic. Gems have also made a few appearances, especially in the Tear Stone Collectors. When a dragon cries, their tears fall as precious jewels. Each tear stone is imbued with the magic of its creator. And for special humans, the jewels can enhance the person's natural powers or even provide the ability to take on dragon form. However, I admit to one thing appearing in al the fantasy books – magical breeds of equines. One word of warning, the horses chose their riders. Those who try to get into the saddle when they are not the animal’s chosen one will measure their length in the dirt.
5. Do you write every day or just when the spirit hits?
I would like to say I write every day. And for a good number of years I did. Now, even though I am no longer a full-time caretaker, life and age get in the way My resolution this year was to write every day even if it is a blog post, a hop, or a writing prompt challenge.
6. Where can we find you?
Website / Blog – http://www.helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/
Amazon - https://www.amzn.com/e/B001HPM2XK
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HelenHenderson.author/
Goodreads – http://bit.ly/1eWhhGB
Twitter –https://twitter.com/history2write
7. Who are your favorite authors? What about a book you’ve enjoyed?
Over the years I have devoured Kathrine Kurtz’s Adept series, and have gone through phases where I read adventures written by Leslie Charteris, the 007 books by Ian Fleming, and westerns by Louis L'amour. Then throw in some science fiction by Asimov to round out the genres. But the number one favorite author is the queen of Dragonhold, Anne McCaffrey. In addition to riding a dragon, you can explore outer space and encounter strange creatures in the Talent Universe series.
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