Writing Style
Since I began writing back in 2011, each time I started a new series, I hear occasional remark saying the books feel different from another series. Or "I don't think Dannika wrote this", or even "the writing style has changed." I've actually seen this comment said about other authors as well.
Pull up a chair if you love a long post about the craft of writing!
ON AI:
We are living in uncertain times with the rise of AI, so first, let me kickoff this post by saying I do not use AI in any capacity to conceive of, write, rewrite, or edit my books. They are 100% my blood, sweat, and tears. Additionally, I create my own covers, so I take the time to search stock sites and support human artists and photographers. My editor, proofreader, and narrator are all human. The images I use in my ads are not AI. If you want to read more about my thoughts on AI, see my "About Me" page.
DO YOU WRITE ALL YOUR STORIES?
Yes! 100%. I am aware of authors who hire ghostwriters. The goal is usually to be a prolific/fast publisher and make more money. Writing fast and frequently is not a sign someone is using a ghostwriter, however. I'm only pointing out that it's typically the intention behind why someone does hire them. There are authors who are first-draft writers and don't require revisions and have a fast editor. I've never nor will ever use ghostwriters. I love writing, the stories are mine, and I don't want anyone else writing in my world.
The #1 complaint I get is I don't write fast enough. I used to publish about 4 books a year, and it was mentally taxing. It is hard to stay on that hamster wheel, especially with how much work we continually add to our plate as marketing changes and times change.
All my novels are over 90K words, which is above the average for my genres. In fact, many of my books are between 100K-130K words. Writing the first draft can take anywhere from 1-3 months for me, but it largely depends on what it is. Urban fantasy always takes longer since there are so many key elements in play. And almost every first book or stand-alone I write goes fast since I don't have notes to refer to. The complexity of a story arc also plays a factor.
After the first draft, there are anywhere from 2-4 more rounds of self edits before the betas get a hold of it. Then I do a final revision, which tkaes a month, and send it to the editor. After edits, the proofreader gets it and I do a final read-through. Sure, I could skip that step, but I want to make sure the final copy is as clean as possible and doesn't have dropped words or unintentional rhyming schemes that sometimes slip through.
So yes, I write all my stories. I take the time needed for each book because I only want to publish the stories I love. Nobody knows my world better than me. I have pages upon pages of "ideas" that I worry may never see the light of day, and I also have several trunk stories I wrote prior to publishing that may not be up to publishing standards, but it's hard to find the time to go through them when I always have that shiny new thing. When you are self-published, writing can often take up less than 50% of your daily work because of all the other responsibilities.
WHY DO YOUR SERIES FEEL DIFFERENT?
A number of reasons! Firstly, I write in two different genres:
Paranormal Romance: Primary genre is romance. Romance drives the story, and the story won't exist without the romance. Paranormal Romances are a romance book first and foremost, so readers expect an HEA. Dark themes or in-depth worldbuilding may vary. Usually each book follows a different couple and the POV switches with each book based on who the leading character is. (Black Arrowhead/Seven)
Urban Fantasy: Primary genre is fantasy. Plot is central to the story, romance is optional. The book/series will still make sense and exist if the romance is taken out. If the book does have romance, a happily-ever-after is not guaranteed because this is a fantasy book with romantic elements, not a romance. Often these books are told from one protagonist's POV through the series.(Mageri/Crossbreed)
When I switch gears from Urban Fantasy to Paranormal Romance, the tone and style changes. Most urban fantasies are traditionally told from one protagonist's point of view through the series. (Think Mercy Thompson, Dresden Files, Kate Daniels). In Paranormal Romance, each book traditionally follows a different couple (think Immortals After Dark, Black Dagger Brotherhood, Dark Hunters). The internal monologue and narrative often fits the tone and personality of the character when written in 1st personal especially, which mine are.
Mageri and Crossbreed are heavy reads and have detailed worldbuilding, even though there are light moments and romance. It always feels great to switch gears and write Paranormal Romance after spending years writing dark themes.
My paranormal romances also contain heavy topics, but the romance is 100% driving the story. When I wrote the Mageri series, I included humor through certain characters like Simon, but honestly, I held back. The Seven series was a breath of fresh air for me because I wanted it to feel lighter and have more humor, and I love good comedy.
Additionally, all writers grow. Our writing style evolves and hopefully improves as time goes by, and sometimes real-life influences - good and bad - can affect how and what we write. Some authors over time begin to gravitate toward other genres. Maybe they want to experiment, or maybe they just feel like their voice is stronger in cozy mysteries or epic fantasy.
WHICH OF YOUR SERIES SHOULD I READ?
I will always encourage my readers to try them all, because sometimes those magical crossovers or cameos make it all worth it. All my books are written in the same universe (Mageriverse) so you will see the same supernatural types, cities, and worldbuilding. You may also discover that the genre you typically avoid might be more enjoyable than you thought. But I get it! There are readers who just don't want the romance, or maybe that's all they want.
So if you aren't feeling brave and want to stick to the tried and true that works for you, let me ask you this:
Do you love romance or following a new couple in each book? Maybe you don't want to dive too deep into complex worldbuilding?
The Seven series and Black Arrowhead are perfect. Each book features a different couple, but they should be read in order because we still visit with other side characters or past couples in each addition. Some of the books deal with tough themes, but there's just enough magic and love to give you all the warm fuzzies by the end.
Do you prefer detailed worldbuilding, morally grey heroes or villains, ass-kicking, crazy twists, and a series that follows one primary character?
Crossbreed Series and Mageri are perfect for you! They also include romance, but you will be deeply immersed in the magic and world, where you'll explore all the different Breeds and experience a lot of fight scenes and high-stakes drama. Also, don't assume that Crossbreed or Mageri are too dark. I love humor and found ways to incorporate them through the characters and crazy action scenes.
ABOUT THE POINT OF VIEW WRITING STYLE
I have tried writing strictly in third person and find it too limiting. I feel the same about writing strictly in 1st person as you are never allowed to be anywhere but with the protagonist. (Want to know more about POV? Read here)
Most of my books are written in 1st person with 3rd person switches that grant readers access to other characters and also reveal important facts that the protagonist shouldn't know. Because I'm fairly consistent, all the books in my world will feel familiar.
When a reader says a new book or series feels like I didn't write it, I actually take that as a compliment. It means I've achieved my goal at making that series fresh and different and not a rinse and repeat of one I've already done. It means I achieved my goal in making it an easier/lighter read, or a more complex one. It's great when I can reach new readers. While Seven and Black Arrowhead are both paranormal shifter romance, I didn't want them to feel predictably similar. They have uniquely different characters, and Black Arrowhead really doesn't get started until book 3!
WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON YOUR WORLDBUILDING?
Most of it's in my head and a series bible. Years ago, I decided to share some of my worldbuilding facts with readers through insider's guides. I realized it would be a lot easier for them to have a reference manual than have to hunt me down on the internet or send me emails to ask about easter eggs, if kindred spirits mean you can't love another, if my vampires need blood for survival, etc.
I strongly recommend if you are a fan of these books that you grab those Insider's Guides! You will have an easy reference guide to all things Vampires, Shifters, Relics, etc. etc. The Seven Series guide focuses mainly on the Seven series and Shifters, but the Crossbreed Insider's Guide has it all. It's a big book, and the paperback is 6x9. If you haven't read that series, the worldbuilding rules are in a separate section from the series info.
If you are obsessed with this world, you will greatly benefit from having these books at your fingertips. They provide in-depth details about specific facts in my world that maybe you were unsure about or confused by, and all broken down and compiled in a searchable way. It can be especially hard to remember everything when I have original Breeds that aren't found anywhere but in my books. I can't answer every question on the net or email, so I will always point to these books.
A huge thanks to all my readers who have been along for the ride! Everyone has their favorite series, and it gives me a lot of joy knowing some readers have read all of the books. I want every reader to feel welcome in my world and have a cozy spot where they can curl up with their favorite characters, whether it be on top of a speeding car chase with Raven, swooning at Logan's romantic lines, laughing at Denny's antics, or following Archer on the back of a horse while chasing down an enemy.
I hope each series I write brings something new to the table.
