Guest Blogger ~ Diann Hunt

Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She admits to seeing the world form a slightly different angel than most, and she will do just about anything for chocolate. Since 2001, she has published three novellas and fifteen novels, including a Women of Faith novel. Diann lives in Indiana with her real-life hero-husband of 33 years who continually lavishes her with chocolate—well, she can imagine it, can’t she? She's a fiction writer, after all.

To win a copy of Hometown Courtship or On the RIght Path, leave a comment for Diann.

Writing a series with several authors can be tricky. I enjoy the community spirit of the project, all the authors working together to create a believable story world with interesting characters. However, let me be the first to say, I have no doubt it’s more of a challenge for the editors than the authors.

Those editors are worth their weight in gold (pardon the cliché). They come up with the original story idea and then create a series guide (which they update monthly after each new book), giving us valuable information about the story world, characters and any new characters.

They have to keep all the authors on the same track. After a few books are written, some original ideas in the series guide may change. For instance, one of our current characters started out as a tea drinker, but we converted the poor woman to coffee. J (I’m so glad. It was hard for me to write about tea while sipping my mocha.)

Sometimes I tend to make a grandpa character more loveable and approachable than he really is in the story guide (you thought I was going to say “than he is in true life,” didn’t you?) The editors help keep me straight on that.

If we come up with a story thread that’s been touched on in prior books, the editors let us know that, too. After twenty plus books, it’s hard to keep it all straight and still come up with fresh ideas, but amazingly, our editors brainstorm and we brainstorm and it all comes together somehow.

I love the community feel with the authors as we bounce questions and ideas off of each other in our loop. It almost makes me feel like I live on the Nebraska farm of which we write.

If you are interested in writing a series with multiple authors, here are some points that may be of help to you:

--Be FLEXIBLE. We can’t hang on to our “baby” and not allow it to grow. You’re part of a team. You’re only one of the players. Your coaches (editors) see the overall picture—which leads to my next point.

--Have FAITH in your editors. They’ve read all the books. They know the characters inside and out and are familiar with all the storylines. If they say your idea doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. Let it go and come up with something else.

--Have FUN being a part of a community where there are so many talented authors! Learn from them and give back. You’ll enjoy the journey more!

--Have a FRAPPE. Okay, just wanted to see if you were awake. Still, you’d be surprised the boost it will give your creativity. J

God’s blessings on your writing!

Read reviews of Hometown Courtship and In the Right Path, see July 21st and 22nd on Novel Reviews.

Hometown Courtship

By Diann Hunt

Community Service: Matchmaking?

His matchmaking brother is sending another gal Brad Sharp's way. Under the guise of community service! The Make a Home Project—building homes for the needy—is Brad's life. He fully expects hair stylist Callie Easton to show up for "work" with a pink hammer and not even use it. Hardly a match for him!

With a heart of gold and a talent for transformation, Callie works hard. Still, Brad won't notice her. His grief over a tragic loss has hardened his heart Well, Callie knows all about loss. And thanks to Brad, she knows even more about making a home—for them.