The Writing Process l Judy Serrano @authorjserrano #writing

The Writing Process

One of the questions I often get asked is, “Do you outline your books before you write them?” The funny thing is that I never really thought about it until the question was proposed. I remember sitting in a media class in Commerce, Texas listening to the teacher speak about writing. He went over the much preferred outline technique and then played a YouTube video. The video featured the American screenwriter, playwright, and television producer, Rod Serling. For those of you who are too young to recognize the name, I will help you along. He was most famous for his science-fiction, drama The Twilight Zone. In this video, Mr. Serling spoke about how he would just sit down in front of his typewriter and type. Yes, I said typewriter. The truth of the matter is that I do not outline. It has always bothered me that I have never been able to function the way I was told most writers do, but when I saw the video of Mr. Serling, I knew I was not alone.

When I sit in front of my Macbook, a feeling comes over me. I sometimes dream my ideas, and that certainly makes it easier to begin my literary journey. I will set my hands upon my lonely, cold keyboard, and my characters come to life for me. As fire flies from my fingertips, my characters take me on a painstaking journey. If I had originally planned for Ivy to fall in love with one certain person, she may have ideas of her own. My books never end the way you think they will (Did I give away too much?), and you will always be surprised. Like life in general, unexpected events happen. These events make for page-turning thrillers in my humble opinion.

As for the outline, I have tried my hand at it. I began to write what I had planned when my character chastised me and changed direction. Then I rewrote the outline only to be foiled again. Some of the best writers go with the outline, and I am not saying it is not a good idea, but it is not for everyone. Writing is a personal thing, and everyone is different. What it comes down to is life is short. We must do what brings us joy and how we do it … even if it is the road less traveled, it is still your road to take.

About the Author

Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University-, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, two dogs and now five cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.

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About the Book:

Title: IVY VINES, VISIONS
Author: Judy Serrano
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 267
Genre: Paranormal Romance

BOOK BLURB:

Moving to Sedona was the only way Ivy could think of to start over. She would meet her high school sweetheart and work on making things right between them. Her psychic abilities were gradually becoming a curse and she needed a new start. Little does she know that when she applies for a waitressing job at a local, upscale French bistro, she will come in contact with the dark and mysterious Eli Dubois. What she doesn’t realize is she has just walked into the middle of the Vortex Murders, which involve a great deal of paranormal activity. Elijah’s army of seers are being murdered, one by one, which seems to be magnifying Ivy’s special abilities. 

Eli's best friend, Jake, arrives on the scene and reveals the secret that changes everything. With nowhere to turn, Ivy leans on the two men who offer her solace. And who is the old woman in the shroud? Is she a vision, a dream, or is she real? Only time will tell.

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