Special Saturday Guest Blogger: Jo Leigh!
I’ve been a Jo Leigh fan for a really long time. First, it was as a teacher. I heard her speak, I’m pretty sure, on a tape that I borrowed out of my RWA chapter’s library. I thought she was brilliant. After I read one of her books, I was sure! Then I had the great pleasure of meeting Jo, as we both wrote for Temptation and then Blaze. We also critiqued together once and her insight was absolutely invaluable.
I am so thrilled to have her here at Plotmonkeys! We all are! Thanks, Jo, so much for sharing such a great blog and for all your wonderful books! I know Jo is much too humble to brag…but her current release, HAVE MERCY, was a 4-1/2 TOP PICK! from RT Bookclub!
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Oh, Boy! Plotmonkey Visit! Be aware that I read this blog every single day. Well, except when I have no internet available. I have total blog envy and I’m tickled beyond words that I get to come here and talk about craft - at least my version of it.
The question comes up so often that the answer has become rote: Where do you get your ideas? I get them everywhere. Because I’m a writer, I think like one. Everything around me speaks in hints and whispers, and then sometimes, I get that feeling, and off I go.
Except it’s not so much everything any more. I’ve been writing a long time now, and I’m lucky that I’ve been able to write in a lot of different styles. I’ve done comedy, romantic suspense, mystery, sweet, sexy. I love that more than I can say because the more I write, the more specific the inspirations have had to become.
When I first started, I honestly thought I had one book in me. I wrote it, and then, a miracle, another story slapped me in the back of the head. I surrounded myself with other writers and with the talk of writers. I had a critique group and a plot group and their input was invaluable. Together we could take a wisp of an idea and turn it into a story with all the trimmings.
Another win for me was learning story structure early on. I was a screenwriter first, and I studied, hard, to understand what made for compelling storytelling. And even though I could (and did) teach structure, that was only useful after I had the idea. The spark.
So that’s what I’m here to talk about: the spark. Not just where it comes from but how it changes over the course of a career, how the nurturing shifts from plain old adrenaline and a group of enthusiastic pals, to finding an idea that resonates so deeply I can’t turn away.
It’s more complicated now. As much as I hate to bring up the tawdry aspects of the real world as it intersects with writing, I’m not independently wealthy and although I wish I had a benefactor with a hefty wallet, I don’t. I earn my living by doing this story thing, and in this economy, with this mass of entertainment choices at everyone’s fingertips, that means I have to write fast, write well, and write often.
Which leads me back to the spark. I’m a plotter. Oh, God, how I’m a plotter. I have now developed a hierarchy of needs which help me do my job. First, there’s conflict. Not between the two central characters, not yet. First, I need to know what’s broken in my central character. I do a lot of work on that one thing. The initial tightness in my chest tells me I’m on to something, but that something has to have legs. It has to be a strong enough central conflict that a conversation, a task fulfilled, a move or a lover won’t fix it. It has to be a conflict that was born long in the past, that has become so ingrained in the character’s life that despite the pain it causes, the pain of change seems infinitely worse.
That means I have to do an extensive biography of my central character. What broke when? How did she compensate? What stuff did he bring into his life to keep him in that painful place? And, most importantly, what…no, who would be the one person in all the world that would make this character own up to the mistakes of a lifetime, who would let her see that there was another path, if only she could take the first steps. The she or he wouldn’t be alone on the journey?
The second step then becomes to discover the catalyst character. They, too, have a lifetime of defenses, of doing things the way they’ve always done them. But when they meet, something magic happens and through loving each other, they transform into their better, higher selves.
This stage then morphs into the actual plot of the book. What events have to transpire to bring those two people together, to allow the magic to take hold? The plot becomes the vehicle that forces these two to face their darkest selves and to have to make the hardest decisions of their lives. (Fun, huh?)
Only then do I look to make sure everything is in it’s place. That the pacing is right, that I’ve got turning points that do more than change the scenery. The story structure that I learned so early comes into focus in a more analytical way. I do a chart, actually. Chapter by chapter. With colored Post-its.
Then, I put all that stuff away and have at it. I probably take as much time to do the above as I do to write the book itself. Sometimes, it all works like a charm. And sometimes it all goes to hell in chapter three, and I’ve got to go back and find out where I went wrong and how to fix it. Damn it, no matter how hard I prepare, the story still owns me. I’m her bitch, and that’s that. Mostly, I’m pretty satisfied at the end that we’ve worked out our problems and told the story. Sometimes, not so much.
So, this is what my process has become. I don’t doubt it will change with time, as it has changed so much from my early days. I’m one who needs the structure, welcomes it. Blaze books are shorter now, which means I have to be better. Sharper. Which is a good thing. It keeps me on my toes.
I’m also a total geek for finding out how other writers do it. Share. Please. And readers - especially those who read Blaze (and who wouldn’t? They’re fabulous!) tell me what you need to make it all work for you? Is it the right hero? Complexity of story? The Sex?
PS - Love Pets? Of course you do. So come on by here: http://www.joleigh.com and look at all the incredibly adorable pets that are starring in my current Blaze, HAVE MERCY. All the pets mentioned in the book (and there are lots) actually belong to readers. I have put up all their pictures. 
Good morning and thank you so much for being here!!! I have to take my oldest son to Raleigh today to meet with potetial room-mates (Please, God, let him find someone he thinks can tolerate him
) and when I get back I’m going to read through this again.
There was so much good info I want to make sure I catch it all and I was in a hurry the first time. My only question is this: I’m so not a plotter, when I try I just feel overwhelmed and it loses all the fun and even when I do try to plot, I find the story works much better on it’s own! But I wish I was a plotter! Any advice on how to get there?
Have a great day!
Comment by Jodie — May 10, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Good Morning, Ms. Leigh!
I just love it when a BLAZE author is a guest in the jungle.
Thank you for being here and for all the great plotting tips.
I’m a plotter as well. I definitely need a map to find my way otherwise I go off on a tangent and the story falls apart. I’m also trying to write for BLAZE. I love sexy stories with great characters. And as Brenda told me, YOU HAVE TO NAIL THE CHARACTERS! My second set of revisions is on her desk now, or maybe on top of a pile somewhere…Personally I still think I haven’t “gotten” what she really wants from me but I’m working on it.
I would love to see a picture of one of your charts on your web site. Any advice you can give me would be awesome.
Have a great day all,
Cher
Comment by Cher — May 10, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Hi Jo! We’re SOOOO excited that you’re here!
Your process is fantastic! I wish I were much more organized. I am, despite the plotting sessions with the other monkeys, very often a pantser. I just can’t stop myself from going down unexplored avenues when I’m writing. Even if I sometimes have to back up and go in another time-consuming direction. Sigh.
Thanks for being here!
Comment by Leslie — May 10, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I <3 Jo Leigh. Really. Thank you sooo much for stopping by the jungle today. I wasn’t able to make my local RWA meeting today….this is MUCH better, anyway.
I’m a plotter. Plot, plot, plot. The idea of pantsing scares the snot out of me.
Comment by Amy Addison — May 10, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
Hi Jodie - good luck to your son! As for turning into a plotter? That’s a tricky one for me, because as long as I’ve been writing I’ve been doing the plot thing. I suppose, though, that the questions (or forms of them) I ask in the beginning must be asked at some point during the journey. Some people discover the deep answers before they take the first step, some after the journey is over, letting their subconscious and innate story sense take over. The thing I’ve learned is that everyone has to discover the way their brain works, and try to make the most of it. Pantsing is great, and I’ve often envied the talent, but I don’t have the gene.
You might just try asking a few major questions in the beginning, for example, who is my main character, how did he/she get broken, what kind of person/situation would be perfect to shake up her/his world, then use the more detailed plotting structure when you’ve finished your first draft to see if you’ve taken your characters/plot all the way.
Just don’t imagine that those of us who plot (well, me, I mean) don’t have things change, morph, trick us, piss us off, completely take us into another hemisphere when we’ve been so careful to plot a neat course. One of the necessary steps for me is to put all the plotting away, completely, as I start the book. Then whatever happens, happens. It’s never as perfect as the initial idea, or the neato charts. But that’s the magic, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 10, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
I have just finished reading Have Mercy and I loved it. The animals were an added bonus and I loved how you gave them all there own personalities. I, too, believe that a dog is a great judge of character so I listen to my “baby” frequently. Just keep doing what you do because I love it!!!
Comment by Carol R — May 10, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Hi Cher,
I wish I had a nifty pic of the charts, and I used to on my old blog, but now I don’t and our camera is broken, so… But check out Alison Kent’s blog and Dianna Peterfreund’s. They both have great visual aids in their archives!
And Brenda’s really on to secret of relationship novels. The characters are why we read. Their transformation is the single most important moment in the book, and if we love them, can believe how they overcome their struggles, then we adore the book. Just think of plot as a tool to force your characters into situations that make them show us their colors. Make them choose between two rights, make them sacrifice. And best of luck with your query!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 10, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Hi Les! Thanks for having me! I get it about taking those unexplored roads. It’s often too enticing to pass up. And they most often make the books better, so that’s always a good thing.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 10, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Hi Amy! Thanks for the kind words. It’s great that you’ve found the tools that work for you. It’s also true, in my experience, that as continue writing we pick up new habits, which is kind of exciting, no? Well, exciting after we get over the trauma.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 10, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Hi Carol,
I’m so glad you liked Mercy! I’m such an animal sucker it’s embarrassing. But I don’t care. I love my puppy, and pretty much every animal I’ve ever met. It was so much fun putting such cuties into the book.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 10, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
Welcome and thanks so much for being here! I so enjoy and appreciate hearing how published authors get from start to finish. I’m primarily a pantser, but decided to try plotting my next story since I’m writing something a little different than I normally do. I didn’t think I’d enjoy the process, but I have to say, it’s not bad. I find myself smiling more often than not, and can’t wait to start writing because I think it will go a lot faster than normal. Or maybe not. And maybe I won’t stick to everything, but that will be fun because then the pantser in me will be happy. I definitely think getting to know my characters better will help, and I’m going to remember your extensive biography advice. (Thanks!) As a reader, it’s the characters more than anything else that make me love a book.
Comment by Robin — May 10, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Welcome to the jungle, Jo! It’s a pleasure to have you here.
And is it no wonder you write such fantastic books? I think your process is amazing. It’s all about the character, and you nail that.
And OMG, I laughed at this quote of yours: “I’m her bitch, and that’s that.” Ain’t that the truth!
Comment by Janelle — May 10, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Ooo… I love plotters!
Hot scenes are good too!
Comment by Bunny — May 10, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
“Force your characters into situations that make them show us their colors”
What a great quote! I love it. Thank you
Cher
Comment by Cher — May 10, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Welcome, Jo Leigh! SOOO glad to have you in the jungle!
Comment by Carly — May 10, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
I enjoy reading about how an author puts her story together.
Comment by Estella — May 10, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
I’m back and it looks like Son has found a roomie!!!!
Thank you so much for answering my question and with so much detail! I was thinking this over as I drove today and I had kind of sort of (I’m not going to be too committed here!
) had come up with a similiar thought.
I’m finding more and more great tools to help me figure out who my characters are, what makes them tick, knowing where I want them to end up and determining what stands in their way - so I guess all that combined is helping me to become more of a plotter.
I’m definitely printing out your advice and keeping it handy! Thanks for being here!!!!
Comment by Jodie — May 10, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Welcome Jo! I love your books and have Have Mercy in my TBR pile. I love the whole Blaze line. Great stories of hot, sexy men and strong women.
Comment by Liza — May 10, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Hi Jo Leigh!
Thanks for visiting with us today and sharing your writing process! I love your books. And pets - I love animals so much - thanks for sharing those pictures with us they’re adorable!
Comment by limecello — May 10, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
Hi Jo your writing process sounds really interesting, but the plot monkeys here belong in a closet so they can keep writing. They tend to get wild.
Sooner or later there is going to be a video of plotmonkeys gone wild.
is a hard job but someone has to do it. LOL
Comment by BadBarb — May 10, 2008 @ 9:09 pm
For me, it is definitely the characters that draw me in. The story can be as complex as possible and the sex can be great, but if I can’t find some way to relate to the characters, I just don’t enjoy the story.
Your advice on characterization and how to really know your own characters is great, Jo. It’s always nice to get new perspectives on how to do something in writing.
I tend to be a plotter. I like to have an idea of where things are going and how I plan to get them there. Of course, it’s usually a bit of loose plotting so I have a lot of wiggle room once things actually get going. I like being able to follow something that just pops up and feels right at the time I’m writing it.
Thanks again for sharing your method and experience, Jo.
And, congratulations on your son’s finding a roommate, Jodie.
Comment by Karin — May 10, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
Good to have you here, Jo. Films’ loss is Romance’s gain. Really enjoyed “Have Mercy”–loved the entire Hush Hotel series (thanks for using the “spark” to come up with the concept)–LOL. Your discussion was very interesting.
Anyway, as you suggested, I’m going to give my honest opinion as a reader of the Blazes: Lately, I’ve been disappointed in some, as it seems several have gone from relationship-based, to plot-based. As you may remember, I’m not a fan of RS, & those plots don’t generally hold me. Obviously, this is JMO, but, I’ve read the line since the beginning & several recent ones feature characters that just haven’t involved me & the plots didn’t hold me. Maybe, this has something to do with the shorter story counts, but, honestly, I think it is because RS seems to be “in”, & Hq. thinks it will help sell all of its lines. I love the sexy scenes, but, want them as a result of a “meeting of souls” between the H/H. Am I alone in how I feel?
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — May 10, 2008 @ 10:23 pm
congrats the book looks very hot. good to see u jo
Comment by kim h — May 10, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
Welcome Jo.
I have to really like the characters and their interactions have to be attention grabbing. If they annoy me, I find it really hard to finish a book.
I’ve been a big fan of yours since your “In Too Deep” series. They are on my ‘keeper’ bookshelves.
Comment by Georganna — May 11, 2008 @ 1:38 am
First, let me appologize for the lack of comments yesterday afternoon. I went on a small trip and it turned out more like Gilligan’s three-hour tour.
Hi Robin. Trying something new is a wonderful way to approach a new project - you never know what’s going to spur something incredible. I agree - it’s all about the characters!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:01 am
Thanks so much, Janelle - you’re too kind. And yeah - I think all writer’s get that.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Bunny, I agree - hot scenes are as vital to the world as hot showers.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:03 am
You’re welcome, Cher. I hope it helped.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:04 am
Hey, Carly! Great to be here - thanks! What a lovely group of folks you have here!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:05 am
Estella, I enjoy peeking behind the curtain, too. You never know what you’re going to find.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Hey, Jodie, I’m so glad for your son. What a relief, huh? I’m glad I could add a seed to your garden of approaches.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:07 am
Hey, limecello - thanks for the book-love.
And yeah, I’m with you on the critters.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:08 am
No wonder they call you BadBarb! LOL!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:09 am
Hi, Karin - I agree on the characters. If something is interesting in a book it’s because a character makes it so. I’m also a big believer in wiggle-room. Let the characters have their say!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Ah, Patricia, it’s always good to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoyed Mercy and Hush.
I think you speak for a lot of people. That’s one of the things that makes romance such a fascinating community - everyone comes in with their own particular itch that needs scratching just the right way. May you find all kinds of Blazes that scratch you “right there!”
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:13 am
It’s always a pleasure to see you, kim!
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:13 am
Thanks, Georganna, re In Too Deep. They’re close to my heart. And I agree, I want characters to sweep me away, not make me want to slap them upside the head.
Comment by Jo Leigh — May 11, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Thanks for sharing your method, Jo! Like you, I love hearing how other writers do it.
I haven’t written nearly so many books, and I am finding my process changing a lot lately. The last two books I wrote, the process was so different, not only from all the books I’ve written before, but from each other as well!
I find that I usually come up with the premise first (e.g., a girl at an Ivy League school joins a secret society, or hunters of killer unicorns), but like you, I believe that plot is what happens when characters intersect with a situation — whether it’s an external situation, or something internal, like the “catalyst” character that makes them look at what’s broken in them. So I spend a lot of time thinking about characters.
I usually write a synopsis first (or after writing a chapter or two, to see if there’s any “there” there) and then put it aside while writing the book, returning to it only when I get stuck or forget where I’m going next. I think of it like a road map. You only take out a road map if you think you’re getting lost!
I’m also really into structure. I find this comes into play more in revisions though. After I’m done with a draft, I do the post it thing (thanks for the shout out!) so I can see that I’ve got all my ducks in a row and that the structure is sound. I never had any screenplay writing in my background, but I do believe in those techniques. I’ve really learned a lot from Michael Hague, and I’m an utter devotee of four act structure.
Great post!
Comment by Diana Peterfreund — May 11, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Patricia, I think that in Blaze there are a whole lot of different stories coming to the table. It’s not a line that’s “defined” by one thing–like Silhouette Suspense, where you know you’re going to get R.S. So in Blaze you could get a historical or a paranormal or a r.s. or a straight relationship story–any of them, as long as it’s hot.
So I think that reading the back cover copy, reviews, the “reader blogs” at eHarlequin, and paying attention to the authors who write the kinds of stories you like, could really help you with your reading!
That said…my next two back-to-back Blazes in June and July are pure relationship stories. Sexy, fun, funny. No suspense. Just FWIW.
Comment by Leslie — May 11, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Leslie, I understand what you are saying, but, my disappointment with the Blazes have been with writers who have always been my “auto buys”. While I understand writers want to “stretch”, it just seems to me that Hq. has lots of lines with RS: the SRS line, the Intrigues, etc.
I have ordered your June Blaze from eHq.com (it’s now wending its way to CA), so, am happy to hear it will be a relationship story, which is my type of entertainment.
Happy Mother’s Day to all 4 of you (& any of the other mothers on the blog).
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — May 11, 2008 @ 11:41 pm