#58 From ‘Plotting to Pantsing’ – Exploring the Writer’s Journey with Author Sarah Ward

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I speak to Sarah Ward, a versatile writer known for her crime novels and gothic thrillers.

Sarah shares her journey from being a passionate reader to becoming a published author. She talks about her personal approach to the writing process, the importance of setting, the evolution of characters, and the value of reading widely to enhance writing skills.

In this episode:

• How setting plays a crucial role in writing, influencing the atmosphere of stories
• Writers should write for themselves first before considering their audience
• Seeing writing as a flexible process
• Embracing changes to enhance a story without collapsing it
• Encouraging aspiring authors to finish their first drafts and not fear revisions

Sarah has been a published writer since 2015 and is involved in judging many writing competitions. She shares insights into her experiences in different genres, future projects and how nature serves as a significant source of inspiration for her writing.

Sarah identifies as a 'pantser', preferring to write without a strict outline. We discuss the contrasting processes of ‘plotting versus pantsing’, the role of nature as inspiration, and advice for aspiring authors.

Connect with Sarah

Please connect with Sarah to learn more about her event signings, books available and writing/reading community.

• Crime Pieces Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Gwisgo Bookworm Indie Bookshop

Sarah is the author of the DC Childs crime series set in the Peak District, two gothic thrillers under the name of Rhiannon Ward, the Mallory Dawson books set in West Wales, and Death Rites: A New England-based series.

Sarah has been involved in various literary and writing associations as vice-chair and trustee and is currently the treasurer of the Wesh crime writing collective, Crime Cymru.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Crime Cymru
• Crime Rights Association
• Dylis Owen
• Sarah Hilary
• Ellie Griffiths
• 750words.com
• Sue Graft
• Sarah Paretsky
• Enid Blyton
• Who Do You Think You Are Magazine
• Georges Simenon

Soundbites from Sarah

"Let’s see if I can write a book."

"I wrote my first book more or less in isolation."

"How is that more organised?"

"I find the landscape really inspiring."

"You have to write your own personality."

"My problem is I've got really terrible handwriting."

"The best thing you can do is try and finish a book."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ward's Literary Journey

05:01 Exploring Genres: Crime, Gothic, and Beyond

10:07 The Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing

20:20 From Reader to Writer: The Evolution of a Novelist

23:03 Character Development and Series Evolution

28:55 Writing for Self vs. Readers

35:17 Nature as Inspiration

43:36 Upcoming Works and Future Plans

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A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.

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