Blog Ring of Power--Janet Beasley

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, everyone!

Today, the Blog Ring of Power is in the middle of a progressive interview with Janet Beasley. Theresa hosted Part One and Emily Part Two; Dean and Terri respectively will host Parts Four and Five. I'm hosting Part Three, The Creative Process.

Where do you get your story ideas? From life's experiences, a fantastical imagination, and nature.

Do you have a specific writing style? It's more like a recipe. 1 part epic, 1 part easy to read, a dash of humor, a pinch of reality (just enough to make the readers cry from being so attached to the character), and it's all topped off with a brilliant icing covered with sprinkles!

How do you deal with writer’s block? I chop it to bits! I can't stand when it hits. It's kind of like "throwing up" - I'll do everything in my power to keep from experiencing either!

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula? Plots and characters come with the story. I'll have a basic concept, but the story develops in depth as I write. And those few pesky characters that take on a mind of their own; well sometimes I have to kill them off just to get them out of my hair - and no, I can't just "not" use them, they're always someone useful - just annoying at times.

Are you a “plotter” or a “pantser” (do you plan/outline the story ahead of time or write “by the seat of your pants”)? Give me a "P" Give me an "A" you know the rest...yup, I'm a panster for sure!

Do you use critique partners or beta readers?  Why or why not?  No, because writing epic stuff you just can't give them enough of the story to understand where its' going. Now proofreading and editing is done by my sis; the pro editor and proofreader with the English Language Specialist degree keeps me in line, and she understands my style to a tee.

How much time do you spend on research? What type of research do you do? Depending on the chapter it could be minutes, hours, days, months, or years. My latest, most extensive, research came with the first battle scene in Maycly. My research is probably doesn't fit "the mold" of research as most would think. I not only look up facts, I rent movies with like scenes and watch them over and over - sometimes with my eyes closed listening for sound effects, other times no sound and all action, and yet a few more times to see what kind of shots the camera is taking i.e. close-up, mid, long, wide, pan, etc. I'm a very visual person - and I've had several say they enjoy reading my style as they can actually smell the aromas, capture a visual in their heads, and even hear the sounds I've described.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging to write? Anything that involves truth and facts - I do much better making up my own magic laws, or creating animals and deciding what they eat, where they sleep, and so on. If I create it instead of having to "learn" it, I seem to be able to hold the continuity better throughout the story.


Please let us know where your readers can stalk you:
Website: http://www.HiddenEarthSeries.com
Blog: http://www.JLBCreatives.blogspot.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanetBeasley
Goodreads author page:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5772933.Janet_Beasley
Twitter: @AuthorJanetB
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Janet-Beasley/e/B0067AK386/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2
Smashwords: N/A
Other: http://www.facebook.com/Maycly  (a page for fans to chat and post about the cool things of Maycly)

What format is your book(s) available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)? The collector's edition paperback is 744 pages. It contains all 3 parts, and includes over 70 b/w illustrations, maps, teaser recipes, family trees, and more.

Ebooks: Each part is a separate ebook, sold separately through Amazon. Each ebook contains color illustrations, the map of Maycly, and corresponding back matter.


BIO:     Hi, I’m Janet Beasley; Epic Fantasy Novelist and Scenic Nature Photographer. I am the author of the newly released epic fantasy series Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly – Parts 1, 2, and 3.

     I was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio where I was a proud 1979 graduate of Beavercreek High School. I now reside in central Florida and love hanging out together with family and friends for food and fun.

     According to those who know me, I’m outgoing, fun, very creative and always try to look on the sunny side of life. Now granted, some of these folks haven’t had the opportunity to catch me on a bad day. You know, like in my writer’s den, when I’m birthing ideas and trying to write them down as fast as they come to me it gets a little hair-raising and the dog looks at me with that “look” where they tilt their head and just stare at you like you’re crazy at the moment…which you are…but you don’t let them know that!

     I’m an animal lover, with dogs being number one on my list. I love to travel. Discovering new places and meeting new people from other lands is always a thrill. I enjoy hangin’ with family - kayaking, hiking, photographing nature, and baking cupcakes.