Ann Raina Blog

When people ask me how I started writing, I cannot truly tell how the story started or what made me write this story instead of another.

First, my way of writing is hardly influenced by daily news, international affairs or political background. Sometimes a movie or a TV series gives me a hint, a direction for my thoughts and dreams and I come up with an idea.

Yet, the idea alone is nothing without the proper male and female main character. So the idea grows into a storyline with at least two persons in mind. Those characters need looks and background, a family, home, people they like, work and business.

The fun part for me has always been brainstorming. I like to sit with a fellow friend and a cup of great coffee and chat about the ways the story should take and throw away those ideas which don’t fit. Often, we laugh our butts off about silly turns and twists, but in the end the basic story is born. And I can start to flesh out characters, scenes, settings and else. Many difficulties will show up during that process, but in general a solution is found. Yes, sometimes characters take a right turn when I wanted a left, but, hey, either I catch him in time or I follow him that way and see where he leads me. Usually, a character has his reasons leaving the main part of the story…

I am lucky enough to say that my fellow friend has always followed my train of thought, has never wavered and has never been shocked by the ideas I offered. She’s been constantly constructive, always honest and the most joyful partner in crime a woman like me can call a friend.

If you have questions about writing, contact me. I’ll be happy to answer them.

If you have questions, please, send me an email. ( annraina@annraina.com )

Blog January 2012

Really, I can’t think of a better start of the new year.
My family’s doing great, we had wonderful days during Christmas and the New Year, and on January 1st, my latest novel will be released by eXtasy Books.

Here’s to hope that the year will fulfill some of our wishes. There are no New Year’s resolutions to be met. I don’t trust myself to stick to just one plan. Especially when it comes to writing, I’m more emotional than rational. I follow my muse – she is also doing well – and write whenever there’s time and an idea to type.

To all of you – have a great start into the new, still fresh year. May it be bright and shiny. Make the best out of it!