I usually start with something personal that has either happened to me, or I've thought it would be a good story to tell. In each story there is some reference to my life so far. I am still pretty young and experiencing some things. I think the older I get, the more I want to write about the realities of our world. That side of the story that has never been told, and what people feel during that. I know for Totally In Love, I wanted something original but personal as well. I think cancer effects each of us. Whether we are the cancer patient, the parents , the lover/friend, or the bystander witnessing it all. Reality has an effect on us all. So my stories deal with real life things.
As far as the characters go, I try to make them as original as possible. Some are inspiration of others, and some are not. I like to keep unusual names that people will remember. Plot, like I've stated reality ideals of the world. I want everyone to relate to it, but yet experience something completely different and unimaginable. My goal for every book is to make the reader experience it, all the good and all the bad. Whether the book was meant to make them uncomfortable about the reality of the animal suffers through during animal Abuse, that animals thoughts and feelings and how pure they truly are. If you were uncomfortable during it good, that was the point. You aren't supposed to be comfortable with animals being abused. If you were sad then happy in my other book, good you were suppose to experience that.
As an author, I try to communicate with the audience. Yes I love reading magical stories and bringing them to life. I try to deal with real life issues that way everyone can relate. I think that is something to appreciate about writing your stories. So when creating I always try to keep an open mind and think of creative ways to make the story better. How the readers would feel during each situation. I put myself in the readers shoes, would this be a story I would read? How am I suppose to feel during this? The characters actions and how do I bring them to life? As a writer, I challenge myself daily to keep this goals of writing reality and bringing it to life through the readers eyes. I always questioned of whether or not I have done just that, but I think that's what makes you a good author. You've questioned whether you done the best you can possibly do for your characters and your audience.
So when I write my stories, I always keep an open mind and heart. I start with an idea something, other times I already have a plan. I like to start with a blank page and see where it goes, and see where it takes me in life. Whether I learned a lesson from the character or not. Sorry if this was long, it just really got me thinking.