Award winning, multi-published author Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction at an early age and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Love Inspired. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children, and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing tennis.
You can write to Terri at P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97280 or visit her online at www.terrireed.com or email her at terrireed@sterling.net or leave comments on or http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/ OR www.loveinspiredauthors.com
What time of the day do you write best and why?
For me it’s mornings and early afternoon. I will write at night after everyone goes to bed if I’m on deadline and need extra hours.
How long do you write every day when you have a deadline looming?
Depending on the day 4-10
How long do you write every day when you don’t have a deadline looming?
2-4
How do you begin writing a novel?
I try to drop the reader into action via one of the main character’s point of view.
Are you a before you ever write your novel planner?
Yes!
If so, how do you plan? Do you use any outlines, books, formats when you plan your novel?
I start with the plot and character development. I use a variety of charts, forms etc to plan out the plot and characters. Deb Dixon’s Goal, Motivation and Conflict is a must as is Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey.
If you aren’t a planner, is there a point in writing the novel that you stop, look back and plan? If so, what is your method for doing so?
Even though I’m a huge planner, I usually stop around chapter ten and go back and reread/rework from the beginning and then when I reach the end of what I have then move forward.
Where did the idea come from for the novel you are working on right now?
The novel I’m working on now is the second book in my Northern Border Patrol series for Love Inspired Suspense. I wanted to write a series of books featuring the various different ways the border patrol agents protect the US and Canada.
Do you use any visuals for inspiration? (or anything else!)
Yes, I love to have pictures of the characters and the places they are to help with description and so that I can ‘see’ them/the place in my mind better as I write.
How do you get through the “murky middle” of your novel?
Blow something up!
When do you revise and why?
I don’t revise everyday. I send my work off to critique partners who read and then return. Once I have a good chunk of the book done I’ll look at their suggestions and start revising until I’m caught up, then repeat the process. That way I’m not slowing down in momentum of the story to revise. I need to get it out so I can then go back and make it readable.
Do you have a writing group, or a trusted reader for your novels?
I’ve had several critique partners over the years. I have three that I partner with consistently. We used to meet in person once a week but now with track changes it’s much easier to do the critiquing over the Internet.
What have you learned about your method of writing after publishing your book(s)? Has it changed? If so, how?
The biggest thing is that I have a process. I need to honor that process not fight against it. It’s not the same process as anyone else and that’s okay.
What advice about a writing method would you give to any new writer?
Find your voice, find your process and honor them. Protect the work—whatever that means for YOU. For me, it means not giving into temptation to watch TV instead of write, or go out to lunch or let family intrude on my writing time.
Is there anything you would like to add about writing?
It’s a hard business. There are lots of ups and downs. A successful writer needs perseverance and persistence.