Embracing the Process

Recently, someone asked me about my inspiration for one of my books, and I hesitated to answer. Investigating the creative process can be fascinating, but also a little bit terrifying. Exploring how my brain processes and generates ideas can help guide my process toward fresh ideas. Or it could make me realize that the entire thing is built on a scaffolding of matchsticks. Perhaps it’s better not to look into what made this happen?  And if I do look, will it make the entire thing grind to a halt? Like Schrödinger’s cat, as long as we don’t look into the box, we can assume everything is fine, and no one has to know we killed a cat to make this story happen.

The Truth

Because the truth behind what causes a story inspiration to flourish into a plot is deeply personal and delves into my philosophical and political opinions, my romantic kinks, my thoughts on how to get away with murder, and what I feel about my relatives. But in another—but equally valid—way, the answer can also be boiled down to… I saw this movie in 2005, and then I talked to this one guy at a networking social last year, and then one morning in April my brain connected the two. I think that the second answer is the one readers are more interested in, but as a writer, I’m more interested in the first.  Which is why I’ve been enjoying my latest adventure as a Podcast Bro.

The OtherWorlds Podcast

The OtherWorlds Podcast from Authors on the Air Global Radio Network focuses on all things fantasy, magical, supernatural and maybe even a bit speculative.  And with me as the new host, I’m diving into my special interests — crime and romance — and how they interact with all the magic each author brings to the table.  It’s been so much fun to ask each author about their inspiration and take a look under the hood to learn more about their creative process.  From Ben Shepherd who turned from politics and diplomatic service to writing about vampires and crime in London with “Blood Drunk” to Emily Krempholtz who has been helping other authors with their own journey of creativity and her upcoming novel “Prudence Marsh is Not a Nobody Anymore,” it’s been a treat to see how other writers chase down their ideas and pin them to the page.

We’re All Fine Here

And what I’ve learned in my brief foray into interviewing is that I’m perfectly normal as long as I stand next to the right people.  If I tell someone that my inspiration for my upcoming book CurseLocked is the movie Psycho, Harrison Ford, the comic book character Venom, and Miss Havisham from Great Expectations there are lot of people who will look at me a little oddly.  But if I sit at the paranormal author table, then I’m doing just fine because they’re also exploring their own mish-mash of inspirations.

But what do you think?

Do you think it’s better to thoroughly understand the creative process?  Or do you like to trust the magic and not know how the machine works?

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CurseLocked: Cursed by a stalker’s spell, Rose Ashfield can’t let anyone close without unleashing deadly shadows. But when wolf shifter Jace Kormos is sent to capture her and the mystical jade key she’s stolen, desire ignites into something neither can deny. To break the curse, they’ll have to risk their lives—and their hearts—in a battle against darkness, magic, and fate itself.

Learn more about CurseLocked: https://amzn.to/4cm1FLn

Learn more about The OtherWorlds Podcast: bethanymaines.com/otherworlds

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Bethany Maines is an award-winning author, graphic designer, and sixth-degree black belt, who brings a fierce sense of adventure—and humor—to everything she does, from world travel for the snacks to Cerberus cosplay and baking for the plot. Bethany is the Mystery Writers of America Northwest Chapter Treasurer, the co-runner of The Stiletto Gang blog, new host of The OtherWorlds podcast, and writes under the names Bethany Maines and Sirena Corbeau. You can find her at: bethanymaines.com or catch up with her on Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

Learn more about the Stiletto Gang: Our Books