I have been tagged by author Sheila Connolly as part of a 'Blog Tour' about the writing process. (Thank you, Sheila!) To read Sheila's blog click here: http://sjc5155.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/the-writing-process-blog-tour/
So here goes with the four questions!
1. What am I working on?
I am currently working on the final part of my trilogy about Pope Joan. It is called The Legend Of Pope Joan, Part 3. Rome. I have really enjoyed writing this trilogy - it has been a great challenge. In Part 3. Rome the narrative collides with documented historical events, so the research needs to be even more extensive than Part 1. Frankia and Part 2. Athens. It is a huge but pleasurable undertaking.
In this novel Joan reaches the pinnacle of her journey and becomes Pope. Her existence is precarious but equally invigorating and addictive. She has immense power yet at the same time is more vulnerable and isolated than ever before and this only leads to more danger.
I am very proud that The Legend Of Pope Joan, Part 2. Athens has been nominated for the Golden Crown Literary Society's 'Goldie' Awards in the Historical Fiction category. I hope to make Part 3. Rome just as captivating, hopefully even more so.
If you have not yet read Part 1. Frankia & Part 2. Athens, here are the links: (Part 1. Frankia is free from Saturday 31st May - Monday 2nd June 2014 to celebrate being part of this 'Blog Tour'!)
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com
I have never tried to write in the style of anyone else. I think it is important to cultivate one's own voice and not try to emulate any other author (and in my case filmmaker too). Trying to be like someone else never works and all you get is a substandard product at the end of the day.
I think that what makes my novels stand out is that, in general, people feel like they are watching a film when they read them.
To my knowledge there is no other LGBTQ version of the Pope Joan story. Usually it's assumed that because Joan had a baby, she was straight. My version is a very different take on the character's sexuality and it is a lot more racy!
My first novel After The Night is based in a British prison in 1960 and is the only lesbian love story I am aware of set in this context. It is my biggest seller and part of the reason for its popularity is that there simply isn't anything else out there quite like it!
Amzon.co.uk
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/After-The-Night-Rachel-Dax/dp/1499232047/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401454569&sr=8-1&keywords=rachel+dax
3. Why do I write what I do?
Whether it is a novel or a film, I write what I am compelled to write at any given time. Sometimes this work is something that will be hugely popular, sometimes it will attract only a small audience. I would never write something I did not whole-heartedly believe in. So far my novels have been historical and my films have been contemporary, but that might not always be the case. I am just glad that I have stories of every kind pouring from my being and that I am not bound to any one medium or genre.
When I get an idea it is like a giant itch that will not go away until it is scratched. I love that I get 'possessed' in this way. It means that each work has an energy to it that just wouldn't be there if I were writing to a formula or on demand.
If you want to take a look at my short films and audio-stories, here is the link to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/RachelDaxFilm/videos
4. How does my writing process work?
Usually I will get an idea or image that totally consumes me and then I start writing. The first part of the writing process is like a giant vomit. I just spew it out and get the key story or plot points/images on 'paper' and then after that, I work towards making it into a complete work.
After The Night was inspired by the 1956 film Yield To The Night - I was totally overwhelmed by this film and felt compelled to continue with the story of the guard MacFarlane.
Pope Joan was a figure I knew nothing about even though I had done a BA in Philosophy and Theology. It wasn't until I was doing an MA a few years later and another student mentioned her, that I finally heard of her. At that time I was not a writer so did some research to satisfy my curiosity and then moved on. It was several years later when I needed to write a play for a Drama assignment that she was resurrected in my thoughts. As soon as I engaged with the idea of writing the play, a narrative with key scenes overtook me. Even though this story has now expanded to a trilogy, all those initial plot points are still there.
The 'vomit' is actually the easiest part of my writing process. It is wonderful and feels a little bit like falling in love. The hard work begins after that and takes many, many months. Research, fleshing out, taking out, editing. The more I write the more I am concerned with the edit. When I first started, I was just glad to get my stories out there and happy that people were positive about them. Now I am much more focussed on the quality of the writing too. I think this is the case for many authors.
One of the most exciting parts of my work as a writer and filmmaker is that I never know for sure what I am going to create next but when it happens it is truly amazing to see it unfold. I am knee deep in 'itches' at all times - countless stories that are aching to come out!
I now tag Manda Scott - author of Hen's Teeth, the Boudica series, the Rome series and several others fabulous works! http://www.mandascott.co.uk
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