Aleesah Darlison

Writing Processes Blog

Hello everyone, I've been tagged in the Writing Processes Blog by Benjamin Johnston. Benjamin is the super-talented illustrator of 'Engibear's Dream', written by Dr Andrew King and published by Little Steps.

When Benjamin's not working on his latest illustrative or creative writing project, he works as a registered architect. To read Benjamin's blog post, please click here: www.unfolddesign.wordpress.com.

And now, for my Writing Processes Blog post, I've decided to focus on my Ash Rover series, as that's keeping me pretty busy at the moment!

What am I working on?

I’m currently writing the third book in the Ash Rover fantasy series, titled Ash Rover: Sentry to the Centaurs. At the moment, I’m planning characters, setting and plot but I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and writing the story.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Even though Ash Rover is a fantasy series and includes some familiar mythological and magical creatures, I do try to reinvent and recreate those creatures in new and unexpected ways. I do this in order to give my readers a surprise and to offer twists and turns in the story that people won’t see coming. And, also the stories are packed with action and adventure like any good fantasy series should be, I also make sure I include plenty of humour and some important lessons about the value of peace over war.

Why do I write what I do?

Most of the time I write for the pure enjoyment of the story and the genre. When I’m really lucky, the muse strikes and my writing flows, which makes the process quite effortless. I don’t always choose to write certain stories, but rather they choose me. I might be struck by ideas that ignite my imagination and if I let my mind run free with those ideas, a very clear story begins to develop. This often happens to me while I’m out for a walk, usually on a rather long stretch of beach. I find beach walking is the perfect way to get ideas flowing.

How does my writing process work?

I’m usually struck by an idea or a character and I simply let my mind go with it. I will make lots and lots of notes, planning out the characters, setting, story, etc in a notebook which I write by hand. I will also conduct any research I feel is necessary to the story, draw maps or character diagrams to visualise what I’m thinking. I’ll also print out photographs or drawings form the internet that help me create an atmosphere or a visual image of the world I’m developing in my imagination. Then, when I think I’m ready, I will sit down at my computer to start writing the story, commencing with chapter one. Once the first draft is finished, which can sometimes take several months, I’ll then edit the story extensively before sending it to my agent and/or publisher.

Thanks for joining me, I hope you enjoyed this blog and get a chance to read Ash Rover soon!

To keep following the Writing Processes Blog...

Next week, I've tagged Jackie Hosking and Wai Chim to carry on the Writing Processes Blog tour.

Jackie is a children’s poet who is about to release her very fist picture book called The Croc and the Platypus which was illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall and published by Walker Books. Jackie is well-known in the children's writing industry as she compiles, edits and publishes a weekly networking e-zine called Pass It On. She also assists fellow writers of rhyme via her Rhyming Manuscript Editing Service. 

Read Jackie's post here:  http://jackiehoskingblog.wordpress.com/

Wai is the author of the Chook Chook series published by University of Queensland Press. Born to immigrant parents, Wai's work explores cultural themes an Chinese heritage. Read Wai's post here: www.waichim.com/blog