FAQs
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Do you make outlines or just "wing" it?
Do *I* make outlines? Do *I* make OUTLINES!?!?!?!? Yes, yes I do. Some writers do not outline and I have to admire them for flying at the edge of reason by the seat of their pants.
*I* like to plan. *I* like to know where I am going and how *I* am going to get there. I love surprises though, so I do not EXTENSIVELY outline.
I do the following:
1. Short blurb (2-3 paragraphs) about the book, similar to what you would find on the back cover;
2. Detailed character sketch/interview. I try to find out as much as I can about my Hero and Heroine. I do a complete background on them, even if 80% of it doesn’t make it into the book it lets me into their heads;
3. Point form outline of the major scenes; and
4. Flow chart of major and connecting scenes (includes who is in them and what the purpose of the scene is). Using the major scenes as guideposts, I start writing. I take a few unexpected detours and hit a few dead ends, but I always know what my destination has to be.
Where do you get your ideas?
Much like Elvis, ideas are everywhere. That girl that is sitting next to you on the train? She’s eavesdropping on your conversation. It may end up as part of a pivotal scene in her current work. The girl that is intently staring out the window listening to her iPOD? She’s getting a great idea about some sort of criminal mastermind who leaves clues for the detective and the local crime reporter (who are hot on his trail and hot for each other) using street gang graffiti; like the ones she sees outside the train window…
Remember the girl you were mean to all through grade school? She is drawing from that pain! Gee – I wonder why THAT villain seems familiar…
Ideas are everywhere. The newspaper, the Internet, your friends and family (although don’t tell them), the neighborhood block party… You take what works, make what is real fictional and you discard what doesn’t work for you. It’s your own world you are creating and it’s a great rush.
What do you do when you hit writer’s block?
Hit him again until he falls down, preferably with a baseball bat. I mean – I turn to other projects (like coloring, cleaning the house, sleeping, doing work for my day job, etc.) for a few hours and then I go at it again. If I’m still stuck, I’ll move on to writing a different scene. If THAT doesn’t work… I pull out my Writer’s Book of Days (by Judy Reeves), do a few of the writing prompts and then try again. After that, if nothing seems to be working I leave it, sleep on it and try again tomorrow.
Approximately how many words do you write in a day?
Including these ones? But seriously, I have a full time job, so daily output isn’t really what I go by as most of my writing gets done on my commute to and from work, on my lunch hour and on the weekends. I have weekly goals (like a chapter per week) that I try to keep on top of, but I don’t do word counts.
Where do you find time to write?
EBay. Hopefully for under a dollar.
*sigh* If only it were that easy.
I write whenever and wherever I can. I tend to write things out long-hand first so I don’t have to worry about lugging my laptop with me. Paper and pencil are very portable, and they go through luggage screeners with less fuss. I also have an AlphaSmart 3000. I loooooooooove my Alpha. Portable, durable and a great conversation starter.
How much of your own life do you use?
All of it. Every single bit; I’ve got to get my money’s worth haven’t I?
I would, however, like to take this opportunity to point out that only my NICE, PRETTY/HANDSOME, RICH and FABULOUS characters are based on people I know or have known. All negative traits and evil characters are either based upon me or are PURELY fictional. Right.
What is the most fun thing about writing a book?
Making up characters that are really your friends and family and making them do what you want. DANCE PUPPETS DANCE!
*ahem* I mean…
Getting honest feedback from friends and family who love what you have written and cannot wait until the book gets published. Hearing them say, "Of course you are the most brilliant writer ever!" and really mean it.
But, really? I love meeting new characters and seeing how their story unfolds. I live to write.
What is the biggest personal challenge you face as a writer?
Self-Sabotage!
Self-sabotage, for me, is the need for everything to be perfect. I will re-do a paragraph 40 times and still not be satisfied with it. This kind of thinking will stall your writing to the point where writer’s block is a snap comparatively. I have to learn to turn off my inner editor and just write. I’m still working on it.
I want to be a writer! How do I become one?
You write. Then you write some more. You keep on writing, until there is nothing left inside of you to write. Then you sleep. When you wake up, you start writing again. You should also be a voracious reader. If you’re not a reader you cannot be a writer. It’s a law.
Should I join a writers’ group?
If you want to join one, do it. I belong to three: Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Kiss of Death Chapter and the Toronto Romance Writers.
They are tremendous resources and I have met many great people through these groups. Their support is invaluable to me. If you can, I would suggest trying one out. Most let you attend a meeting for free (or for a small fee) before deciding whether to join.
What is a Muse and how do I get one?
I picked mine up along the side of the road. He looked sad and pathetic standing there in the rain and he seemed harmless. Apparently, however, my mother was right, looks can be deceiving. He is really a Demon – gargoyle actually, which was weird because I wasn’t writing anything with paranormal elements before...
So if you see a woman writing furiously in her notebook, arguing with herself, take pity, it's probably me arguing with HIM. How do YOU get one? The right one will find you; just keep your eyes peeled.
What's the best piece of advice you can give me?
Moisturize. Use sunscreen. Develop thick skin.
It is one thing if you are just writing for pleasure, without a thought about eventual publication, but if you ever want to be published, you are going to have to hone your craft. The best way to do this is to share your work with others, not just with your Mother or your friends either. You have to put your work out for other writers, teachers and editors to see and judge. It is exhilarating and terrifying.
You cannot take criticism of your work personally. If you do, you may find yourself getting bogged down in a depression or even worse, never picking up the pencil to write again. Look at the source. Try to be objective about your own work. Fix what needs to be fixed and move on.
Who is your favorite author?
I don't have one. It's like asking me who makes the best chocolate...
Who makes the best chocolate?
Wise guy eh?