Is There a Process for Writing Medical Mysteries?

(http://www.linwilder.com/)Recently, I completed an extensive online ‘author interview." One of the questions which required more than a few minutes thought was, "What is your writing process?" There was a tight deadline for answering the questionnaire and returning it to the person who would promote it online. Hence, I spent too little time thinking about that question. As I reflect on the steps, I have taken in preparation to begin my fourth novel, I realize my original reply was not entirely accurate.

Initially, I said that I had no process because I considered the word to mean ‘procedure,' which connotes ‘systematic’ and ‘rational’. Like making use of outlines which I did during the years of writing non-fiction. But in the last few weeks of what I consider enforced downtime before beginning the next book, I realize I do indeed have a method of writing. And there is a system- with five distinct steps.

• The first is a period of time, say four to six weeks, where I try not to think about the new story. But not so rigidly that when thoughts appear, I fight them off.

• The 2nd step relates to my editor. Will I work with an editor I have worked with before or do I need to find a new one?


• For this new book, I decided I needed a new editor. That search takes time, and once the decision is made, a loose schedule is required for each of us. One that includes the date by which the book will be completed.
• My loose schedule starts with a timeline. For some reason, I knew I needed a minimum of six weeks to rest. A time when I have forced myself not to write. Days and weeks in which to relax, read other people’s novels and non-fiction, watch movies. And letting thoughts about the new characters drift in and out of my mind. But adhering to this period of nonwork. With just one exception: finding a list of sources for the research I will need to do for this new story.

• When I start working sometime next month, I’ll begin with research. Each new book requires in-depth knowledge about whatever subject matter I’m writing about. For A Price for Genius, which will be released next Tuesday, November 15th, I studied four books and numerous articles on epigenetics. I also visited the Animal Science Department at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. This next book will demand about the same amount of research time or perhaps a bit more.


Should the author interview be of interestI have included it here. And should you decide to read any of the novels already published, I would love to hear how you liked the story.

The Fragrance Shed by a Violet, the sequel Do You Solemnly Swear? And the third in her series, A Price for Genius. The story of the return to faith, Finding the Narrow Road was an unplanned surprise. In her free time, Lin Wilder enjoys hiking, listening to beautiful music, gardening and last but certainly not least, reading. Lin is married to a former Marine and psychologist with 25 years of experience counseling ex- combat veterans. They reside in Nevada with their two dogs.

Lin Weeks-Wilder has published dozens of articles, wrote a textbook, and has written four self-help books. Lin has written three medical thrillers situated in Houston, Texas where Lin worked for over 23 years. For More Information Visit http://www.linwilder.com/