Writing an Anthology with Friends by Christine Mazurk (romance author)

We were sitting around after a nice dinner at one of our writers’ retreats when the idea blossomed to write an anthology together. Not just any anthology either, not four stories with a similar theme, but four stories connected by the characters as well as the theme.

We’re sisters, not of blood, but of spirit, connected by the Universe, so the title came easily. Sisters Of Spirit. One of our favorite activities while we’re together is to beachcomb, so naturally our characters would too. Instead of finding stones and colored glass like we do, our characters would each find an artifact that changes her destiny.

We briefly discussed the scenes where our characters could come together in each story, but how would we pull it off if we were writing without being together? The reality of writing our stories in our own homes made it daunting, but we soon realized, our bond is so strong, we finish each other’s sentences, know when one is in need of a hug, and are mentally on the same page.

Once we sold the idea of the story, the writing began. We shot copies of what we’d written back and forth a few times, but it became clear that we were connected in more ways than we’d ever realized. It was as if four unique styles of writing blended into one. We overlapped seamlessly. Our characters showed up at the appropriate times to strengthen each other’s stories, and the last story morphed into a fifth “happily ever after” ending. The readers were in for a treat, not just the four outstanding stories, but a fifth overall arc that would pull everything together.

Were there any moments of stress? Ugly times? Not really, but we all had moments of doubt or second guessing our strengths and weaknesses. Thank goodness we never fell into that trap at the same time. There were always three of us handy to talk the other one off the ledge. In the end, I think the experience strengthened our bond.

Would we do it again? Absolutely!! But right now, we’re all so busy working on our individual projects, the plot idea for book two sits on the back burner, simmering for attention at a later date.

Thank you, Lynn Jenssen, Jeanine Duval Spikes, and (New York Times Bestselling author) Annette Blair for the priceless opportunity to share this experience.

I’m Blessed to have found these very talented ladies, to call them my friends, to share a passion for telling stories from the heart.

Christine Mazurk is the author of the novella  Identity in the poignant romance anthology the Sisters of Spirit  published by (Lachesis Publishing). The anthology features four stories about four very special friends. The anthology also features novellas by authors Christine Mazurk, Jeanine Duval Spikes and Annette Blair

You can purchase the Sisters of Spirit Anthology at Lachesis Publishing and on Amazon.com, on Kobo, on Barnes and Noble and on itunes (iBooks).

Connect with Christine Mazurk on her web site and on facebook.

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