Recap of #AuthorAugust24

I recently participated in an Instagram “Meet the Author” event and thought it would be fun to share the posts on my blog with those who don’t follow me on social. This is always a good exercise for me as it gets my head back into my projects. It also helps me to reflect on just how far I’ve come and I was surprised to realize I had been at this for 10 years!

Thank you to @mariahankenman for hosting this event every year! It is a great way to meet other authors and add books to my wish list!

Here is my recap!

Day 1 – D.A. Henneman Intro

I’m D.A. Henneman and I write Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural Romance. Basically, if it has Magick, an otherworldly creature, or is a retelling of a beloved Myth, you will eventually see it come out in my writing. My stories all include a fantasy element, something that has helped me through some pretty dark times, so I hope you get the same escape as you read them. My website www.dahenneman.com has plenty of ways to check out my stories at no cost to you!

I am a breast cancer survivor, a retired floral designer, and adore musicals. Halloween has been my favorite holiday for longer than the Sanderson sisters were a thing, and just like Winifred, I won’t hesitate to break into a show tune if the occasion warrants it. I promise my readers Books, Travels, & Shenanigans, and as you can see from the picture, you never know when one or all of those will be wrapped up in a photo opp! The picture on the right shows me sitting on a giant toy block chair, reading a page from my own book. It’s been a while since I apparently had forgotten about some of the spicy bits!

My writing journey started later in life, but I like to think that I am making up for lost time now. I have had some amazing mentors and continue to meet fantastic #Writers in the community who are extremely supportive. Thank you @mariahankenman for hosting, and thank you for getting to know me a bit better today!

Day 2 – Current Project(s) (WIP)

I’m wrapping up a few projects in my Goddesses in Love series, which includes a new story I will be releasing exclusively for subscribers later this month, Pandora’s Curse. I also have a bundle coming out of the entire series, which will allow me to release it in paperback and hardcover. I’m super excited about this since that will give me something new to show my readers at signings! I also plan on dipping my toe into audio books on my shorter works and hope to have something out by later 2025.

What I’m writing, is a sequel to Wolf Of My Heart, which will also be an exclusive story for subscribers, as well as a Witchy Romantasy which I plan on releasing as a Duology. My hope is to wrap all of this up by the end of this year, so that I have a first draft to pick away at for the Romantasy, while I finish up the Supernatural Cozy I put on the back burner a few years back. I plan to go all in with that project in 2025.

I’m a writer that follows her Muse though, so not sure if she agrees with me yet. Only time will tell. I mean… I did have some ideas about Aphrodite when finishing Pandora’s story. Her story may just be too good to hold off…

Day 3 – Where are you? Word count or status update.

These are only the ones I have actually started; we won’t even talk about all the others who are pounding on the door to my psyche. I know I’m making progress when my Main Characters have names… which thankfully we have at least gotten that far with things.

Pandora’s story is done and I’m just waiting on a cover. I can’t say she really got a happily-ever-after… yet. However, her fate is tied to the decisions we make, so it is very possible we can give her one. To learn more, you will just have to read it.

As for the Witchy Romantasy, I came up with a name for both the sisters and the title and am now considering it for a Duology since each woman deserves to have their story told and a chance at happiness. As much as I can give them in a dark fantasy anyway. Still noodling on this one and am about 15,000 words in.

The New York sequel (Alice’s story) doesn’t have a set title yet, which is generally a hang-up for me as well. I will see as I go what jumps out at me, but I’m leaning toward something super simple since the deadline is looming! Fingers crossed I can pull this off. Has to be 10,000 words and I am about 3,500 in.

I do have 1.75 novels completed in a Supernatural Cozy series I’m seeking representation for that has been patiently waiting. My plan is to finish this series idea and see it through starting next year, but trying to keep all of my 3^rd person WIPs lumped together. My cozy is 1^st person, and switching gears takes a hot second for me. 1^st one is complete, the 2^nd is about 2/3 done.

What about you? How many projects do you work on at once? What POV is your go to and which is your Kryptonite? Let me know in the comments!

Day 4 – Linear or Hop around?

Linear for sure! I think that is why I have so many projects started. I can’t move forward on something until I can see the way through, so my brain pretty much looks like this video. Tall trees on both sides and no curves in the road. If I get stalled, I just hop in another car on a parallel highway. I think it is because I’m a discovery writer (pantser) and my brain definitely needs to noodle on things before I put the thoughts down. When it unplugs, there is often a flood of creativity that follows, and I get crabby if I can’t write.

I’m not a true pantser, I do write into a story and then plot out some beats, so in a lot of ways I believe I’m what I like to think as a Plantster… which is appropriate considering I come from a floral background. I also have a problem with boredom, so having multiple things to do helps me keep variety in my day. It can get stressful, don’t get me wrong, so I’ve made it a focus to prioritize what I need to get done, and let some other things slide if they need to. It’s made for a much happier writer.

I believe knowing my strengths and embracing them is what is really working for me now. I pay attention to how I work and lean into it now, so knowing I’m not writing, but that one day it will all come pouring out the way it should, is just one example of why I don’t beat myself up anymore when it comes to a daily habit. It’s just the way I’m built.

How about you? Daily Habit or Binge Writer? Plotter or Pantser or in between like me? Let me know in the comments?

Day 5 – How Big is your TBR Pile?

Ummmm…. About that….

Let’s just say that the books I had on my TBR now have a proper place to be in my newly remodeled office, and we had to purchase bookcases from IKEA to house them. This picture shows my new cases, which I am IN LOVE with… and as you can see I have plenty of reading material to keep me busy.

This is of course not including audio, or ebooks, which can be in the hundreds depending on the platform. Don’t even get me started on the Libby app! So many books tagged there!

How about you? What do you like to read and what is your favorite way to do it?

Day 6 – Tuesday Teaser – Post a short snippet from your WIP

I thought I would share something from each of the books I’m working on for this segment. First up is Pandora! Here is one of my favorite segments from the myth when the gifts are being given by the gods and goddesses. The Athena in my stories is much different than we were led to believe in Greek Myth:

“Athena was the last to give her gifts, and she focused her energy on the statue’s mind. She envisioned every skill she could think of that would give the future bride what she needed not only to be a helpmate but also to survive. What a person might need to take care of themselves if they were alone or abandoned. She took away fear and disbelief and buffered in self-worth and competence. Lastly, she passed her knowledge of weaving, needlework, pottery, and other handicrafts. Her intent was that this person would be able to provide for themselves with or without a man in their lives. She believed that was as balanced as she could make her offering.” – Pandora’s Curse, bv D.A. Henneman

Day 7 – What’s a Style/Genre you don’t write in but want to?

Horror/Thriller is something that has always intrigued me, but something I’ve never tried my hand at. The dark fantasy I’m writing now is maybe as close to that as I’ve gotten so far. I know this may seem strange for someone writing romance, but Stephen King had a huge impact on me as a teenager, and even to this day I feel is one of the most gifted storytellers of our time. His ability to give every character a relatable quality is truly inspiring. I don’t love every story, but I always find interesting and engaging moments to pull from each one.

When I was deciding on the type of project to start with, I thought about what I had read and he was at the top of my list. I was intimidated by the writer he had become and knew the writing would take me into some pretty dark places. I made the decision at that time to go with my other love, Romance, mainly because I knew that no matter what I put my characters through… it was going to be okay.

On Writing by Stephen King, was one of the most inspirational things I could read as I started my own journey. I also loved Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and love to read Memoir as a habit. What are some of the craft/inspiration books you have found on Writing that you would like to share? Are you a Horror writer? If so, let me know what books you found helpful!

Day 8 – Post an Aesthetic for your book!

This is for Solstice In New York (I finally have a title!) and will be my first holiday book! I’m excited about this story as I’m giving a Happily-Ever-After to my favorite bookstore owner, hopeless romantic, and best friend to my FMC in Wolf of my Heart! What a perfect gift for the holiday season! Now if I can get these two to cooperate with my Muse!

Day 9 – What are your MC’s likes and dislikes?

I’m just getting to know my characters, so my list is pretty short for both Likes and Dislikes. I know that they both like to read, they both drink scotch and while they are comfortable with it, they are tired of their solitude. I think Alice’s biggest dislike is being lied to, and Brent’s is that the guy in the bar won’t take no for an answer… at least not from her. It’s his turn to try.

Day 10 – Where are you? Status update!

If I respond to your comment on social… tell me to get back to writing!

Day 11 – Best Writing Advice?

I think the best writing advice I have received was from Becca Syme and I am sure she has said it in more than one way or on more than one platform, but the gist of it is “find what works for you.” I used to beat myself up for not writing fast enough, not writing in a genre that people wanted to read, and mashing all the things I love into one story or series. Then I realized that if I liked it, chances are there would be someone else out there who would as well. Possibly more than one other someone. Then I took a long hard look at why I started writing in the first place and realized I would be doing it even if no one ever read a word. In that, I found what works for me… writing like no one is reading. Writing for my Muse. And I have learned more about myself in the process than I ever could have otherwise.

So, my advice would be… always keep the reason you write as your North Star. It won’t let you down, I promise you.

Day 12 – Worst Writing Advice?

I never understood the phrase “write what you know,” nor did I know how to apply it in my chosen genre. The idea that I would have to limit my writing to what I knew, and try to make it entertaining enough for people to read, almost had me quitting before I started. Did the women who wrote Historical Romance wear corsets and use chamber pots? Were the mystery writers going around offing people? I don’t think so…

I don’t take the advice literally anymore and now I do what I should have done all along. I take what I need and throw the rest away. And somewhere along the way I found my author voice, which I think is what that phrase truly means.

Day 13 -Tuesday Teaser

I thought I would share something from each of the books I’m working on for this segment. Next is Solstice In New York! It’s super rough guys!

“He was content to sit back and watch her, ordering another drink, even though he had an early morning. He sipped his scotch on the rocks and watched her do the same, while he contemplated his next move. The man who came into the bar and sat next to her made his choice for him, as did the hair rising on the back of his neck. Thankfully the full moon was weeks away, but the effects were still messing with his head. A threat was a threat, and a shifter knew one when they smelled one.” – Solstice In New York, bv D.A. Henneman

Day 14 – Would you rather have your book made into a Movie or TV series?

For me it would depend on the book. I would say the Goddesses In Love series lends itself more to shorter episodes on TV, similar to Once or Charmed. Whereas, I could see Solstice in New York as a made for TV movie, something like you would see on Netflix or the Hallmark channel. The dark witchy fantasy premise is definitely an idea that would translate well to a bigger screen, so I would say movie for that as well.

Day 15 – What would your dream writing space look like?

I am almost there! We are empty nesters and I finally have my own office! My first series was written in my bedroom, in cafes, at the library, pretty much anyplace I could find a spot in snatches of time I could call my own. Writing in a designated space has been amazing… surrounded by things that inspire me… a dream! The only thing that would make it even better, would be walking out my doorwall onto a beach. #Goals

The bedroom has come a long way with floor to ceiling bookshelves that now hold some of my favorite stories from my childhood. The video is one of my favorite features, a revolving moon nightlight, and the flowered canvas over my monitor (detail in image below the office pic) is something my daughter did with some of my proof pages. So fun!

Day 16 – How do you come up with book titles?

Up until now I didn’t have a problem. I generally find a theme, then find a phrase to play on and the right thing comes to me. For my first series, the stories were about women who each tapped into an Elemental power, so Water, Air, Fire, Earth all show up in the titles. Twist of Fate was just that, a prequel showing just how the Fates got into the mess in the first place. For the Goddesses in Love series, I start with the heroine, then the idea of the story, so the titles came to me at about 5,000 words in.

This time around, it has been more of a struggle to find the perfect names and/or titles. I find it is that way with the first book in a series or set. I’m putting a little more thought into the marketing aspect so I can nail the title and the blurb and tell the reader just what they are getting. That takes a little more finesse in my opinion and uses a different part of my brain than the creative stuff does.

On a side note, putting this slide together makes me realize that I have been way more productive in the background of my mind than I have given myself credit for. Go me!

Day 17 – Where are you? Status update or Word Count?

Ssssshhhh… In the writing cave today!

Day 18 – Why did you start writing?

Short answer… Cancer.

Having it enter my life when I least expected it and having it brush a clear-coat of fear over the lens from which I view the world, really did a number on me. But for anyone who has read my stories and loved them, you have that horrible disease to thank. I’m not sure anything else would have put the fire under my ass quite as deliberately. The other turning point was when a dear friend of mine (also a survivor) gave me a bracelet which had the phrase engraved on it that I have used since. As of today, we are both over 12 years out.

I’ve always written, but never with purpose. After the fog lifted, I asked myself a simple question… name 3 things that you would regret not doing if you died today. The answer had me going back to school to earn a degree, writing and publishing my first book, and spending more time traveling and making memories with the people I love. Books, Travel, Shenanigans… and now you know.

Day 19 – Share your tagline for brand or book.

I shared the one I use the most for my author brand yesterday, so sharing what I came up with for my Witchy Romantasy WIP 😊

Day 20 – Tuesday Teaser

Witchy Romantasy share here since the deadline has come and gone on the other….

“She watched as the knowing faded from his eyes, replaced with relinquishment to a fate he had never been in control of. The generational sins of his father, and his grandfathers before, sealed his destiny along with her dagger now hilt-deep in his fading heart. There had never been one she hadn’t looked in the eye.” – Persecution and Wrath, D.A. Henneman

Day 21 – If you could have lunch with any writer in history, who would it be?

I would love to have lunch with Madeline Miller, she was amazing to listen to when she was promoting her book Circe, and I think we could chat about Greek myth for pretty much an entire afternoon.

Day 22 – Do you have a writing good luck charm?

My friends… the sisters of my heart. I’m not sure what I would do without them, and they always inspire me by making new memories to fill my creative well. I tried to think of something in my office that is nearby, and I do love this moon my husband got me that serves as a night light. It freaks me out when the power goes out since the magnet stops and the moon falls with a clunk, but luckily that doesn’t happen often.

I do also love this book he got me, he is always buying me such fun things… we definitely get into the LED lights. I also have jewel bugs made by my friend that are dotted all over the room which bring me joy.

What do you have that needs to be nearby?

Day 23 – Would your MC have social media?

Alice would for sure, she owns a bookstore in New York. Not sure about Brent, her love interest, but it is understandable if he doesn’t since he is a werewolf and would probably need to keep that on the down low.

I do have a Facebook page for the antagonist in the Power Of Four series, Zilla. She hasn’t been too active lately, but she will be helping with the marketing of my Romantasy when the time comes. She has a lot to say about the topic of witchcraft and the persecution of her sisters. You can find her FB page @EverythingZilla.

Day 24 – Where are you? Word count check-in

Writing Day! Will check in later!

Day 25 – What do you do when your creative well is dry?

My go-to is:

Get outside and garden or take a walk
Go on an outing or trip with friends
Spend time with family
Read or watch movies

And my favorite: Go to author events and “fangirl”

Day 26 – What does a good writing day look like to you?

I no longer have to work full time, worry about money, and have all my errands/chores caught up. It’s just me and my laptop in my office and we are letting the words that have been percolating over a few weeks flow through my fingers and hit the keys. I am in the zone and time ceases to exist. When I come to… over 5,000 words are on the page and they are just what the story needed.

If I can’t have that…just some time alone with my thoughts.

I need a few minutes to write down my thoughts and hope that they make sense in a week when I have a chance to pull my notes together and go through things.

Day 27 – Tuesday Teaser

A teaser from my Supernatural Mystery series…

Day 28 – Do secondary characters ever demand their own book?

Zilla has asked for one pretty much every book I wrote in the Power Of Four series… trouble is, her story was told over the course of 6 books, so I think she is being a bit greedy. Not to mention she has her own FB page… so we are holding off on her story a bit longer.

The romantasy I’m writing now started as a short story, so I would agree that sometimes there is more to be shared from a character’s life. For anyone interested in reading the short, you can find it on my website.

https://dahenneman.com/2022/10/30/persecution/

Day 29 – If no one ever read your work, would you still write.

Yup…

Day 30 – Rec us one of your books!

I am most proud of Web Of Lies and it ties in very nicely to my upcoming release, Pandora’s Curse, which is a prequel of sorts. I don’t feel WIL gets enough love, so I would like to see it read and reviewed more. It is also a nice length, just a two-hour read, so not a huge time investment to try an unknown.

If Greek myth isn’t your thing, you could try Wolf of My Heart… it is a little more spice and also a quick read. Shifters in New York!

Day 31 – Celebrate Yourself and something you are proud of!

There are so many, but the one that comes to mind is the moment I gave myself permission to start this journey even though I had absolutely no idea how I was going to pull it off. I’ve gone outside of my comfort zone time and again, and have learned more about myself in the process than I ever would have otherwise. The fact that I saw the first book through to publication, let alone 12, completely floors me.

I want to thank @mariahankenman for hosting Author August which has put me in touch with my Muse once more. It has been a ton of fun, and so inspiring reading other stories along the way! Happy Writing (and Reading) everyone!

As always, thank you for sharing this journey with me, and for taking the time out of your day to read my thoughts. It means a lot. For anyone interested in what I write, please feel free to stay awhile and poke around on my website. I have a ton of content I’ve been developing over the years and I would love to get your thoughts on it.

For my Power of Four series, the best link is: