At times I do start with the characters. The story I have coming out in Beneath Ceaseless Skies next month was started by two magazine photos and 2 concepts I wanted to work with (a family fighting evil together, and 2 types of dragons). I ended up with 7 stories generated by that initial prompt.

I think the answer is that I am inspired by various things: sometimes characters, sometimes an event or story, sometimes silly little glass globes (long story).

But....but...when I actually get to the writing part, I have to have the historical period already laid out in my mind. I think my process just comes in a slightly different order than yours. Each if the 'historical' pieces I've written, I did tons of research before I typed....

Whatever works, I guess! ;o)