My Writing Process Blog Hop

I’ve been enticed (read: harpooned) into participating in the ‘My Writing Process Blog Hop’, which seeks to introduce you to authors you may not know and gives a little insight into each author's writing process. For that reason, I’ll stick to author friends of mine (I'm pretty sure if I tagged Nora Roberts, she won't play).

Author, Nana Prah, nominated me for this blog hop. I am currently reading her most recent release, Midwife to Destiny, which I’m thoroughly enjoying (don’t forget to drop by on Wednesday for an interview with Nana Prah and a sneak peek into her novel + a chance to win a cool prize).

Okay, so back to the hop: I’m supposed to answer four (simple) questions about my writing, then pay it forward by tagging three authors and linking to their website and/or blog. The three authors will in turn put up a similar post on their blogs next Monday.

Here goes:

1) What am I working on?

I’m working actively on book 2 of the ‘From Ghana with Love’ series, i.e. the sequel to Chancing Faith, currently titled Expecting Ty’s Baby. It is almost completed, so keep your dial tuned in for more information in the coming weeks.

I’m also working book 2 of the ‘Men of Distinction’ series(i.e. sequel to Most Eligible Bachelor), albeit more passively, currently titled Dinner and a Kiss, but still expect to complete this year.

My alter ego is working an erotic romance, which is also almost completed.

What can I say? I can’t work on one thing at a time…

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?

The truth is most plots out there aren’t original. In fact, I heard or read somewhere that there are really 7 basic plotlines. Every single story you will ever read fits into at least one of these plot lines. So I guess what makes my work different from any other in its genre is the fact that my experiences, beliefs, biases and quirks influence my writing. I write about characters you could fall in love with, situations that could happen to you.

3. Why do I write what I do?

Let me start by asking a question of my own: have you ever witnessed a friend meet the perfect guy/girl and fall in love? It’s a beautiful thing to watch and be a part of. You’re ecstatic for your friend even though whatever s/he is going through isn’t happening to you. That’s because love is contagious and transformative. I like to see people find love, and I write romance because in these love stories, you know people who are meant to be will end up together.

4. How does my writing process work?

I don’t really have a writing process. I’ve tried different things at different times. I’m big on taking a common idea and looking at it from a different angle. When you read Chancing Faith, for example, you realise even though my hero is white and my heroine is black, race isn’t the point of the story and doesn’t even feature among their conflicts.

A story can come from anywhere. I may be watching TV, or observing people on the street, or listening to a joke etc., and something pops into my head. Usually, it’s a ‘what-if’ scenario. I tend to stew the idea in my head for a while and judge how excited I am about it. When the story or characters take a hold of my thinking and won’t let go, then I know that’s a story I MUST write.

And, now to select authors to tag:

Kiru Taye: I know Kiru has been tagged already, but as I love her books, I thought I'd tag her too. She writes fantastic historical romances set in pre-colonial Africa, as well as sizzling hot contemporary romances. She knows how to capture a reader's imagination. Definitely a writer you want on your fave list.

Nana Malone: Here's another author whom I admire a lot. She writes sassy contemporary romances, ultra-sexy and fun multicultural romantic comedies, and dark and sexy superhero romances.

Romy Sommer: Romy is a South African author friend who makes fairytales come alive in fun, flirty and wickedly sexy romances with modern day settings.

Remember to check out Nana Prah’s post from last week, and then Kiru Taye's post later today. Don't forget to check out Nana Malone and Romy Sommer's posts next Monday, March 24th (click on their names above to go to their blogs).

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MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR (Men of Distinction, #1)


Magazine columnist Chantelle Sah doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day—not since her fiancé’s betrayal three years ago—and after botching her first assignment as a feature writer, she’s more than willing to put in a hard day’s work this Valentine’s Day; even if it means going on a date with gorgeous construction Tycoon, Lord McKenzie, and opening herself to an onslaught of all things love.

When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, it isn’t just work he has on his mind. But even he couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction between them when they meet, nor the evening ending with more than an interview. Now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake. Can he win her love without revealing a secret from their night of passion, which could prove fatal for both their hearts?

 BUY: Evernight Publishing | Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Bookstrand

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CHANCING FAITH (From Ghana With Love, #1)


He didn’t do short-term relationships…

American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?

Until he met her!

Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?

Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?

BUY: Black Opal Books |Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks |