tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40247214005724722132024-02-06T20:22:10.988-06:00Go Teen WritersHonesty, encouragement, and community for young writersStephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comBlogger1726125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-61110917302277628712018-09-17T06:00:00.000-05:002018-09-17T06:00:02.535-05:00We're not here! We're at GoTeenWriters.comHi, writers!<br />
<br />
Today is the day! We've officially made our big move over to GoTeenWriters.com, and that's where you'll find our posts from here on out:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://goteenwriters.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">GoTeenWriters.com</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See you there!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Stephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-50806981624240084242018-09-10T13:10:00.004-05:002018-09-10T13:10:56.880-05:00Update on our move to GoTeenWriters.comHey, writers!<br />
<br />
As I mentioned last week, we're in the process of moving the website off Blogger and onto a self-hosted site. Blogger was an excellent place for us to get started, but we need a self-hosted site to house all the dreams Shan, Jill, and I have for this community.<br />
<br />
But moving 8 1/2 years of content onto a new site is very time-consuming. As in, I spent about 30+ hours doing it last week, and I think it's going to take the rest of this week as well.<br />
<br />
We anticipate being back to blogging NEXT week, and I'll post the list of our fabulous 100-for-100 challenge finishers. There were so many!! Thanks for your patience during this process, and we'll see you at GoTeenWriters.com!<br />
<br />
StephanieStephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-72329149040060694382018-09-03T07:53:00.000-05:002018-09-03T07:53:04.245-05:00Pardon our funkiness this week...Hey, writers!<br />
<br />
We're in the process of moving the Go Teen Writers website onto a self-hosted site rather than Blogger. It's going to mean some awkwardness this week during the transition, but we think the result will be worth it for us all. Thanks in advance for being patient with us, and we hope to be back to our normal blogging schedule next week!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, happy writing!<br />
<br />
StephanieStephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-14690414772513940042018-08-31T06:30:00.000-05:002018-08-31T08:31:28.908-05:00Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy most: drafting or editing? (With Kim Culbertson!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
YOU GUYS! Today is the very last day of our 2018 Summer Panels! What a whirlwind we've had with so many fantastic authors who gave selflessly of their time to share with us. I hope you'll find them on the web and give them a big thank you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which brings me to our last panelist, Kim Culbertson. Hasn't she been wonderful this week? Here are a few places you can find her online. Please search her out and show some gratitude her for all she's given us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kim.culbertson1" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kculbertson" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimculbertsonya/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://kimculbertson.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next week, the Go Teen Writers blog will be closed as Jill, Steph and I finish our preparations for fall and the final lap of our Grow An Author series. We'll be diving into mushy middles and working our way to a book's ending. I hope you'll join us.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But today, we're going to finish these panels with panache. Here's our final panel question:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrRjyllkV0YK56QIz-G3PRnsG_-1_aifB7vhYt47csKeGdiFtLibhvj4igOJwvoV8XTfRPWf1C49eFXB5W-5TLOkaJqL7unaBThZzEqiTg6eVCQ3TzWYEtK6J3EWmw-XGkCuN9Gp9_kc/s1600/Panel_Kim_Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrRjyllkV0YK56QIz-G3PRnsG_-1_aifB7vhYt47csKeGdiFtLibhvj4igOJwvoV8XTfRPWf1C49eFXB5W-5TLOkaJqL7unaBThZzEqiTg6eVCQ3TzWYEtK6J3EWmw-XGkCuN9Gp9_kc/s320/Panel_Kim_Friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpxFCvewZc7Eu-1vB37qg2Nw30i7wtnLNE7PDRJ_cFiMqq8sxSxFg5Kpko4Br-fDKvWEIBAY44MojoY7lOyxaNIf1E_8YkSvNV8IUqVMTUFqGjTjzQEk6S-Dr7xCeKnAsRZ5zMseLQE8/s1600/Kim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpxFCvewZc7Eu-1vB37qg2Nw30i7wtnLNE7PDRJ_cFiMqq8sxSxFg5Kpko4Br-fDKvWEIBAY44MojoY7lOyxaNIf1E_8YkSvNV8IUqVMTUFqGjTjzQEk6S-Dr7xCeKnAsRZ5zMseLQE8/s200/Kim.png" width="135" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kim: I struggle with first drafts. There is nothing quite as daunting as the blank page. During that first draft, I never really know yet what the book is about and I don’t know my characters yet – not deeply. So I love editing (which is a form of drafting – second drafts, third drafts). For me, revising is the best part of the process. I most love that middle place – where I have a couple of drafts but I’m still discovering things, I’m still unraveling the mystery of this particular book. The early draft and then the picky later phases of editing are my least favorite parts.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: Ha. Whichever one I’m not doing, usually. In general, I think I find editing more fulfilling, but when I’m agonizing over word choices and sentence structure, I fondly remember those times when I’m writing my first draft and thinking, “That’s good enough. I’ll fix it in edits!”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: If I had to pick between drafting or editing, I choose editing. I love making a book better, but it can be a real struggle to get that messy first draft done. In all honesty, though, my very favorite part of the writing process is the brainstorming/worldbuilding stage. I love creating characters, drawing my map, coming up with different cultures and histories for each. It’s all dreaming, and the story can do no wrong at that point. Sure, it will reach the first draft stage at some point, in which I want to throw it in the trash, but during the brainstorming stage, it’s nothing but fun.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: EDITING! I like having the story in place and working to improve on what's there. Although, there's a lot of truth in what Steph says. We often look fondly at the phase that isn't currently sucking the life out of us. I do want to point out something important here. Kim refers to editing as a form of drafting which isn't something I've actually considered before, but it makes perfect sense and serves to teach us this: we all use similar words when we're discussing the craft of writing, but those words can have different meanings to each of us. When you're trying to understand someone's process, you might have to set aside some of your own preconceived notions and hear the heart of what they're saying. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<br />
Now, you tell us! Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy most? Have you gotten past the drafting phase on any of your projects?</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-80272332997569401192018-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-29T10:00:58.379-05:00How much time do you spend on marketing in relation to how much time you spend on writing? (With Kim Culbertson!)Hi all! Shannon here and we've got the amazing <a href="https://kimculbertson.com/" target="_blank">Kim Culbertson</a> with us again today.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to give you a little glimpse into all of Kim's books this morning but there are so many! So, instead I'm going to share the summary for her latest book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Us-Kim-Culbertson/dp/0545731518/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533570624&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wonder+of+us" target="_blank">The Wonder of Us</a>.</i> But, promise me you'll jump over to <a href="https://kimculbertson.com/books/" target="_blank">her website</a> and give the others a look. Yes? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgYo1dfrWBywP2Vm3ZghFWJ_CrYSl_VJoF0JyabGy3UJcMOXSlG_gl27BomFxt-RjyH8sLGXbEJ8uZm3KIbVn9-flLBME4ZVvG4yuDdlD53SvIVzBGkBRaWZ2540FmGnB9vSAyVQyCYE/s1600/the-wonder-of-us-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgYo1dfrWBywP2Vm3ZghFWJ_CrYSl_VJoF0JyabGy3UJcMOXSlG_gl27BomFxt-RjyH8sLGXbEJ8uZm3KIbVn9-flLBME4ZVvG4yuDdlD53SvIVzBGkBRaWZ2540FmGnB9vSAyVQyCYE/s400/the-wonder-of-us-cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Riya and Abby are:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Best friends.<br />
Complete opposites.<br />
Living on different continents.<br />
Currently mad at each other.<br />
About to travel around Europe. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Riya moved to Berlin, Germany, with her family for junior year, while
Abby stayed behind in their small California town. They thought it
would be easy to keep up their friendship-it’s only a year and they’ve
been best friends since preschool. But instead, they ended up fighting
and not being there for the other. So Riya proposes an epic adventure to
fix their friendship. Two weeks, six countries, unimaginable fun. But
two small catches:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i><i>They haven’t talked in weeks.<br />
They’ve both been keeping secrets.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i>
<i>Can Riya and Abby find their way back to each other among lush
countrysides and dazzling cities, or does growing up mean growing apart?</i></div>
<br />
Doesn't it sound exciting? And a perfect summer read, right? Who doesn't want to travel Europe with Riya and Abby? I do!<br />
<br />
But before we hop on a plane (or visit a bookstore!), let's tackle today's panel question. It's a doozy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI6TUN3eAG-yDyrAX4V3NK1pILQmAnxsUX1mZsmt5leXEZXrmjhBlL6lT-hpExCaE1lCrCJPLp1xOVMkERVyDT_MtQk_8Tgk-IeMBFECkI_EoqjXX7ecQkELJktEX3sY9-eZRq_51Py4/s1600/Panel_Kim_Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI6TUN3eAG-yDyrAX4V3NK1pILQmAnxsUX1mZsmt5leXEZXrmjhBlL6lT-hpExCaE1lCrCJPLp1xOVMkERVyDT_MtQk_8Tgk-IeMBFECkI_EoqjXX7ecQkELJktEX3sY9-eZRq_51Py4/s320/Panel_Kim_Wednesday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpxFCvewZc7Eu-1vB37qg2Nw30i7wtnLNE7PDRJ_cFiMqq8sxSxFg5Kpko4Br-fDKvWEIBAY44MojoY7lOyxaNIf1E_8YkSvNV8IUqVMTUFqGjTjzQEk6S-Dr7xCeKnAsRZ5zMseLQE8/s1600/Kim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpxFCvewZc7Eu-1vB37qg2Nw30i7wtnLNE7PDRJ_cFiMqq8sxSxFg5Kpko4Br-fDKvWEIBAY44MojoY7lOyxaNIf1E_8YkSvNV8IUqVMTUFqGjTjzQEk6S-Dr7xCeKnAsRZ5zMseLQE8/s200/Kim.png" width="135" /></a></div>
Kim: I would say that when I’m promoting a book I spend about 20% of my writing time on marketing and social media and I would like to get that number down to 10% of my time. Social media is such a mixed bag for me because on one hand I love connecting with other writers and book lovers – it’s so essential to know this work I love is done by others who need characters and stories and words as much as I do. But social media can create a backlash of comparison and competition that can be destructive to the writing process and to a writer’s heart. Lately, I have really come into an understanding that writing and publishing are separate worlds and I have worked to build an emotional wall between them to protect my heart and my writing life. We can always find someone whose book is getting more attention or they seem like they are living a glamorous, amazing life, but then I remember that most of the time those pictures and posts tell only part of the story. I have to remember that social media is as much a construction as the fiction I’m writing. Also, I’ve realized over the years that I am actually a fairly private person who likes my quiet, small town life, and there are times social media presses too much into that world for my comfort level. It’s a constant balancing act.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: Years ago, I was chatting with agent Amanda Luedeke. Mostly about how awesome Jill Williamson is, but other stuff too. She said she recommended her clients split their time in half. Half the work time writing and half the work time marketing. I’ve found this works pretty well for me, other than intense seasons. Coming up on a deadline, my social media accounts get cobwebs because I’m focused on writing, and during a release season, I hardly ever write. But overall, the 50/50 balance works for me. I write first when I’m the freshest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I go in spurts. If I’m drafting a book, I don’t do much marketing at all. I “try” to do a little social media each day, even if it’s only to post an Instagram picture or ask my Facebook page a question, but I don’t succeed. And that’s okay. It’s hard work for me to come up with things to say. And Instagram, which so much fun, is desperately time consuming. Plus, I’m so introverted that social media just doesn’t come naturally to me. Now, If I’m gearing up for a book release, I’ll do much more social media and marketing. It will likely be 100% marketing for the two weeks before a book release and the week of a book release. And if it’s an indie project, I might even invest in some ads. All of that kind of stuff melts my brain, though, so I’ll make a calendar and plan everything out in advance. That way I won’t get overwhelmed worrying about what I’m forgetting. Then after the book release, I need some time to recover from all that scrambling to post things, so I might not do anything. Take a few days off. Then I ease back into writing. And a week or so later, try to ease back into a social media routine. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s1600/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s200/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I don't know how to answer this question. But, let me say this: I love that Stephanie up there is following Jill's agent's advice and Jill so totally is not! That feels real and honest. As does Kim's answer. I feel the press of social media in much the same way. I go through seasons where I'm downright sick of myself--of talking about myself and reading about myself and posting about myself. I told this to my publicist once and she fired back with the truth that most of my readers aren't seeing everything I'm posting. Each post gives a reader a chance to find me and my books. That helped frame the task for me and I cling to that when I'm feeling over-saturated with SELF. It is such a balance because we MUST write. In reality, I'm a lot like Jill. It goes in spurts and stops for me. The only thing I'm consistent about is posting to Instagram and that's because it's a form of social media I enjoy. That might make it easier on some of you. Find a platform you enjoy and invest your energy there until you're brave enough to take on another.</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
How about you? How much time do you spend on marketing? Is it more or less time than you spend on writing?</h3>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-60973433589374483292018-08-27T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-27T08:56:51.558-05:00What's one strength you have as a writer and one weakness you're actively trying to improve upon? (With Kim Culbertson!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Monday, friends! Shannon here to introduce our very last 2018 Summer Panelist (sobs!). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please welcome author <a href="https://kimculbertson.com/" target="_blank">Kim Culbertson</a> to the blog! I met Kim at an author dinner a few years back and was immediately taken by her smarts. I love hearing her talk about the journey and the craft of writing and I know you'll see exactly what I mean when you read her answers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UGgM-4GsTxEkJAkx0YLIu2lS2tIemtTgDCgj3RoUUls4iNb4fiOxGpyeE6iuPT9ynonDnEn1-9K-oQm_8pL7RVnjB13i-L9a9zhqBCBw8gKviK2XamyHX5V-RUM_rwEysw3WMHaT26U/s1600/1533566863-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UGgM-4GsTxEkJAkx0YLIu2lS2tIemtTgDCgj3RoUUls4iNb4fiOxGpyeE6iuPT9ynonDnEn1-9K-oQm_8pL7RVnjB13i-L9a9zhqBCBw8gKviK2XamyHX5V-RUM_rwEysw3WMHaT26U/s320/1533566863-picsay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shan and Kim at a dive only redeemable by its twinkle lights and conversation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let me tell you a little bit more about the author herself: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>KIM CULBERTSON is the author of the YA novels <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402243014/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3" target="_blank">Songs for a Teenage Nomad</a> (Sourcebooks 2010), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402243022/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4" target="_blank">Instructions for a Broken Heart</a> (Sourcebooks
2011), which was named a Booklist Top Ten Romance Title for Youth: 2011
and also won the 2012 Northern California Book Award for YA
Fiction, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K3JBWC2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i6" target="_blank">Catch a Falling Star</a> (Scholastic 2014), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/133813471X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" target="_blank">The Possibility of Now</a> (Scholastic 2016), which was named a <a href="https://kimculbertson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2017_12_to_14_list_for_the_web_1508.pdf">Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year</a> (2017
edition), and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545731518/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2" target="_blank">The Wonder of Us</a> (Scholastic 2017). Much of her
inspiration comes from her background teaching high school since 1997.
In 2012, Kim wrote her eBook novella The Liberation of Max McTrue for
her students, who, over the years, have taught her far more than she has
taught them. Kim lives in Northern California with her husband and
daughter.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We'll talk a little about Kim's books on Wednesday, but her dedication as a teacher and her work with the <a href="https://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/doc/about/writers_council.csp" target="_blank">National Writing Project Writers Council</a> are truly inspiring. I can't wait to learn from her this week. So let's get to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today's panel question is:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5M-F-7TBsjNmV9eIQ9Uf_PJ26l5wh_ym-Y2-R-Arb8G3JHI0-qhVyzJQ1NwOEwyswdBATuD3M-BRA3el0715T8L7hqfYgRVRIJu30phOxPzNzVkxIkGLD-9TUhyphenhyphenx6DfbD3IV-ZTbJME/s1600/Panel_Kim_Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5M-F-7TBsjNmV9eIQ9Uf_PJ26l5wh_ym-Y2-R-Arb8G3JHI0-qhVyzJQ1NwOEwyswdBATuD3M-BRA3el0715T8L7hqfYgRVRIJu30phOxPzNzVkxIkGLD-9TUhyphenhyphenx6DfbD3IV-ZTbJME/s320/Panel_Kim_Monday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4MdlyiHlChyphenhyphenucSz5vduCtX2VnPiP5syNOwmuMAwh2D0_ZYgKFazgZ1U6LLl7__Eu60k31UJLWUKZIRjuUcAdb815aEw9mqbZlJvy4uyITiAYTcePbB0wnQab2xel8e94OZvPKHURQu8/s1600/Kim.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4MdlyiHlChyphenhyphenucSz5vduCtX2VnPiP5syNOwmuMAwh2D0_ZYgKFazgZ1U6LLl7__Eu60k31UJLWUKZIRjuUcAdb815aEw9mqbZlJvy4uyITiAYTcePbB0wnQab2xel8e94OZvPKHURQu8/s200/Kim.png" width="135" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kim: I feel like my empathy is a big strength; it is essential to my writing – to be able to put myself in my characters' minds and hearts and try to understand why they make the choices they do. But my empathy can also get in the way of writing darker, more innately devious and terrible characters because I always try to believe they see themselves as justified or right and this softens them. I’ve had many readers over the years tell me that I love my characters too much, that I too often see good in people where there isn’t any. I used to feel like, “That’s a good thing!” but I do also see their point. There is a certain naiveté in believing people have good in them when they keep showing us otherwise. And it does keep me from writing truly wicked villains in the way some writers can, but I am coming to grips with that about my work. I prefer the messier, flawed characters who have both good and bad sides to clearly good or bad types of characters. Maybe this is because, for the most part, I have rarely encountered pure villains in my ordinary life. Sometimes people are broken or narcissistic or sheltered, but not evil at their hearts. Flawed people. And, yes, some are more flawed than others. I hope to keep playing with this idea in my future work. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: I’m excellent at the discipline required to finish a novel. I’m rarely distracted by my messy house or social media. I’m trying to improve on my descriptive language. That’s always been a struggle for me, coming up with ways to prettily and efficiently describe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I think I’m pretty good at worldbuilding--at creating a place that feels real, sometimes eerily so. I’m always looking to improve my plot structure and pacing. My books often take a while to get going. Perhaps it’s the epic fantasy genre, I don’t know. But I’d love to change that. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I love these answers! I identify with both Steph and Kim regarding empathy and discipline. I know what it takes to get a novel done and I'm not afraid to sit down and do it. The empathy thing can definitely get in the way, but is also so crucial. I think my biggest strength comes in a similar vein to that. I have no qualms crawling into a character's head and working to see the world as they see it. It can be exhausting at times, but it's a real strength. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like Jill, my greatest weakness is probably structure. My own writing process is so valuable to the creative flow in my head, but it can work against me at times in the structure department. I'm actively working to improve here.</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What about you, dear writer? </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What is one strength you have and one weakness you're working to improve upon? </h3>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-63165593117312288742018-08-24T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-24T08:25:52.411-05:00When you decided to pursue writing, did the discipline fit neatly into your life? (With Paul Regnier!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all. Shannon here. I'm sad to report that today is our last day with author, Paul Regnier. If you're on social media, please look him up and tell him THANK YOU for all his time and wisdom this week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are a few places online where you can track him down. We're so grateful, Paul!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pjregnierauthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulJRegnier" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pauljregnier/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.pauljregnier.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And just for giggles, here's that ridiculous promo video Paul, Jill and I did for this past year's Mount Hermon conference. Paul is clearly the star here.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DXP1l4yya7k" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
And now, for this week's final panel question.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf_t3ccNvep2Z5_3dHuv1YgyoF_3BcIPrngPC7CNo3YJkjBRQAsGzzNxSYiXE4ZMwxtM61xbeaXrMCYGlrmVkzpaf7NV4d4wH91-e6CHD40DcN9B3pCIrVR94eL-yMf2FAV2T__nrPjo/s1600/Panel_Paul_Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf_t3ccNvep2Z5_3dHuv1YgyoF_3BcIPrngPC7CNo3YJkjBRQAsGzzNxSYiXE4ZMwxtM61xbeaXrMCYGlrmVkzpaf7NV4d4wH91-e6CHD40DcN9B3pCIrVR94eL-yMf2FAV2T__nrPjo/s320/Panel_Paul_Friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxAoCpS0tHXXayrF6t0mEC1rmbbyDAv-rDQwOMP8x0QhYwjYVW3TEBLseTYfKCXl8_TsxfCv6M0KIRo3ctpFaV_qfvO3ghheqa5XMrfvDJJKghDAo7DDNPTtu_xe2ZSGJeqWFBMzzFss/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="753" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxAoCpS0tHXXayrF6t0mEC1rmbbyDAv-rDQwOMP8x0QhYwjYVW3TEBLseTYfKCXl8_TsxfCv6M0KIRo3ctpFaV_qfvO3ghheqa5XMrfvDJJKghDAo7DDNPTtu_xe2ZSGJeqWFBMzzFss/s200/Paul.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paul: (Several moments of hearty laughter) I don't think the pursuit of writing fits "neatly" into anyone's life unless they're rich and have all the time in the world to do whatever they want. A dedicated pursuit of writing is a time consuming process. The majority of my professional writing career has been squished and crammed into the scant hours between a full time job, family and friends. Time is always a limited and valuable commodity for writers. <br />
<br />
I believe the last statistic I read was that 95% of writers make less than $5000 a year on their book sales. I don't say that to bum out any aspiring writers out there. If anything, it's a call to focus on the foundational motivations for pursuing writing. Namely, because you love it, you feel called to do it, and don't want to stop no matter what. <br />
<br />
The secondary motivation would be the career goals to make it profitable enough to support a full-time writing lifestyle. This isn't easy and it takes time. In practical terms, this means you'll probably need to have a day job while you write. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Plenty of good story ideas can spring from every day work life. And the more you write, the better you get, and the more books you release the higher the odds that they will add up to something substantial. Not just monetarily but impact-wise. <br />
<br />
If you feel called to write, your stories might just have the positive impact in someone's life that changes the course of their life for the better. And that's something that no amount of money can equal.</div>
<br/>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: It sure didn’t! I had three little ones at home at the time. My son, age three; my daughter, age one; and my friend’s newborn, whom I was babysitting at the time. Life was pretty hectic, and the only time I could write was if Luke was at preschool and the girls were napping at the same time. So maybe only an hour during the day, and a little more at night. It was really hard! And I was new to writing, so I wasn’t very fast. Eventually, I stopped watching my friend’s baby, and my daughter got old enough for preschool too. Then I was able to write for longer periods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: I’ve been pursuing writing since childhood, so really I built my life around being able to write. It was a major adjustment when we started our family and I had to figure out how to be mom and writer simultaneously, but with the help of grandparents we’ve made it work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: Nope. I had a three month old and a four year old when I decided to sit down and write my first novel. I did it late at night and early in the morning and during nap times. We were heading a youth ministry and, at one point, I also had to head back to work because we needed more income. I simply made do with the time I had. It might take forever to write a novel this way, but the time is going to pass anyway, right? Why not fill it with a hobby you love and that could one day turn into a career that brings you creative satisfaction? It's always going to be hard. And you're never going to have enough time. But that hasn't stopped the rest of us. It shouldn't stop you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
What do you say? Does writing fit into your life neatly? Or do you have to fight to make space for it?</h3>
</div>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-77812285397360287312018-08-22T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-22T06:00:00.985-05:00What would you do if you had a story idea you loved but was outside your genre? (With Paul Regnier!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have Paul Regnier with us again (hooray!) and today, I get to show you all his books.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently, Paul has a series out with Enclave Publishing. It's called the Space Drifters series and you'll have to pop over to his website for summaries and details of the second two because I don't want to spoil things, but here's the summary for book one and I have to show you his covers. They're spectacular. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Regnier/e/B00IVX856O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1533524785&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Regnier/e/B00IVX856O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1533524785&sr=8-1" border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1313" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVq4T00rSKPBFDkieddipza2b6ed5AQZqICy2a24mcXYgNRxXqNFgAPzMasUIECq3ix8Yi05r6TNBCnkOHygJCTglxpaf-4bvU8RAOb33PhDN6Ojz4PEH7rvbmcO380osPxJeRoJniHU/s640/Paul+all+three+books.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Space Drifters: The Iron Gauntlet </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Captain Glint Starcrost is not having the carefree, adventurous life the space academy brochures promised star pilots.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Broke, with an unreliable star freighter and a bounty on
his head, Glint is desperate enough to try anything. Even set out on a
quest to find a fabled good luck charm, the Emerald Enigma.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Now for a crew. A passive aggressive ship computer, a
peaceable alien warrior, and time-traveling teen from the past aren’t
what he had in mind. But they’ll have to do.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Emerald Enigma won’t wait forever and neither will the bounty hunter tracking him. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, these books are right up your alley. Definitely give them a look.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
And now! For today's panel question:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFSU2s3iaB1L_PCzX-yu4iKaWr94_mVnmMb18VT3DGtXLpk90LyeqhUrTm8e5FlivhacYvC8sqEOYzboOl3C5v21Mcli4WB8XSIxg_yvf5IfoYA7bYFzbatM4UJqiVGLmHLlCscYggao/s1600/Panel_Paul_Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFSU2s3iaB1L_PCzX-yu4iKaWr94_mVnmMb18VT3DGtXLpk90LyeqhUrTm8e5FlivhacYvC8sqEOYzboOl3C5v21Mcli4WB8XSIxg_yvf5IfoYA7bYFzbatM4UJqiVGLmHLlCscYggao/s320/Panel_Paul_Wednesday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzvCEyh5CVxjg2ZO-PGRU5l7S4qZm_Kurz83h1DhY8hJ8sUILjwaKFYjdTq3JtDbpFgH9sVh7DriTxcHa6hzG8RODhAYxx57u32WqHoreIXurClZ2P0mImemxDDC5q3knKKUCg-P8DJM/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="753" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzvCEyh5CVxjg2ZO-PGRU5l7S4qZm_Kurz83h1DhY8hJ8sUILjwaKFYjdTq3JtDbpFgH9sVh7DriTxcHa6hzG8RODhAYxx57u32WqHoreIXurClZ2P0mImemxDDC5q3knKKUCg-P8DJM/s200/Paul.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paul: I'd write it. This question is timely since that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I recently released the last book in my sci-fi trilogy, <a href="https://www.pauljregnier.com/books" target="_blank">Space Drifters</a>, and now I'm working on a two book series that would be classified as supernatural/paranormal comedy. <br />
<br />
The "smart/safe" thing for an aspiring writer to do is to write for a specific genre, build a group of readers that love that genre, and stick with it, slowly building your readership over time. But then, who embarks on a writing career looking for the "smart/safe" thing? Writing isn't exactly a recipe for financial success. But when inspiration strikes outside of your genre, what can you do? Ignoring inspiration and taking the "smart path" is death to the true creative tale bubbling inside of you.<br />
<br />
My advice is to write what inspires you and pursue the story you feel passionate about and let the chips fall where they may. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I’d write it. Or I’d at least write down the idea and give it a folder in my file cabinet. There have been times where I’ve taken and idea and switched its genre. This happened to me with <a href="https://amzn.to/2O2Jeyz" target="_blank">The Safe Lands.</a> I’d originally wanted that to be a medieval fantasy series, but my publisher at the time was only interested in dystopian, so I took some time to brainstorm whether or not the idea would work in another setting and found that it did. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: This has only happened to me once, with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Girl-Astor-Street-Blink-ebook/dp/B01HAKH5GE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1533525326&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lost+girl+of+astor+street+by+stephanie+morrill" target="_blank">The Lost Girl of Astor Street</a>.</i> It worked out that my contemporary YA titles had never really taken off, so finding a new genre to write it was a smart career move. If it happened to me again, I suppose I would publish under a pen name. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I love each of these answers because it's a true glimpse into different facets of the industry. Paul's right. It's safest to do one thing and do it until you excel at it and have an audience built. But even the safe thing doesn't always pan out. My advice is always to consider what kind of author you want to be and aim for that. I want to be an author who has the freedom to move around a bit and write what I'm passionate about. How that unravels in each career may look different, but I don't know how you can stifle an idea that must be written now. I suppose if you can stifle it, it wasn't meant to be just then. Perhaps the passion wasn't hot enough. But if you're burning with the need to write an idea, my guess is you'll do it. There won't be an excuse big enough to keep you from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
And you? What would you do if you had a story idea you loved but it was outside your usual genre?</h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-46175140742939728752018-08-20T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-20T10:26:38.899-05:00How do you keep track of story ideas? (With Paul Regnier!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewJvnNcBXg_OMPDRM302MSl_vO1H-ghLRTQBuWLNlVt-AwVnZOY_j_4un9oc3ffdcBbY8Ynt9fC98eE0-4OWUHirlYXnKpPzdRTSs0JCzxcuGKUsW7ySCugpaKWVjCDbBGmseCQKEqZc/s1600/Space+Drifters+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewJvnNcBXg_OMPDRM302MSl_vO1H-ghLRTQBuWLNlVt-AwVnZOY_j_4un9oc3ffdcBbY8Ynt9fC98eE0-4OWUHirlYXnKpPzdRTSs0JCzxcuGKUsW7ySCugpaKWVjCDbBGmseCQKEqZc/s320/Space+Drifters+3.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have a new week to celebrate and, with it, a new author! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, please welcome author <a href="https://www.pauljregnier.com/" target="_blank">Paul Regnier</a> to the blog. Over the past year, I've had a chance to get to know him a little bit and he's such a fantastic soul with so much great advice. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past spring, Jill and I teamed up with Paul to teach the Teen Track at Mount Hermon and he was such a steady, level-headed, wise addition that I can't help patting Jill on the back for looping him into our maniacal plans. We had a fantastic time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On top of that, the third book in his science fiction series just released, and you guys have got to check these books out. </div>
<br />
But more on his books Wednesday. Today, let's learn a little about Paul himself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.enclavepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/paul-regnier-author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="600" height="186" src="https://www.enclavepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/paul-regnier-author.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="font_8" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;">Paul
Regnier is the author of the Space Drifters science fiction series. He
is a technology junkie, drone pilot, photographer, web designer,
drummer, Star Wars nerd, recovering surfer, coffee snob and a wannabe
Narnian with a fascination for all things futuristic.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="font_8" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="font_8" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;">Paul grew up in Orange County, CA and now lives in Treasure Valley, ID with his wife and two children.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="font_8" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="font_8" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="wixGuard"></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="font_8" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;">To connect with Paul Regnier and discover the full extent of his nerdhood, please visit his pages on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a data-content="https://www.facebook.com/pjregnierauthor" data-type="external" href="https://www.facebook.com/pjregnierauthor" rel="undefined" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a data-content="https://twitter.com/PaulJRegnier" data-type="external" href="https://twitter.com/PaulJRegnier" rel="undefined" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span>.</span></i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmNpQhM-5RNcMR5X_VmHJV-AiQUFmlYJZOZg6YCRqPiqBMF5iLqolvcAwjJ1Q-0OSEIHUwm5HiBzKkex5mu6YwWBhX6GbN4oCSn8XytcfhE-p9HM68oCCYSGlSh5HOY6mY6q1GHXUuIc/s1600/Screenshot_20180805-191749_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1080" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmNpQhM-5RNcMR5X_VmHJV-AiQUFmlYJZOZg6YCRqPiqBMF5iLqolvcAwjJ1Q-0OSEIHUwm5HiBzKkex5mu6YwWBhX6GbN4oCSn8XytcfhE-p9HM68oCCYSGlSh5HOY6mY6q1GHXUuIc/s320/Screenshot_20180805-191749_Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Regnier surrounded by two gals who talk way too fast.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't know if it's his Narnian cravings or if it's the Star Wars thing, but the three of us got along really well and I'm so grateful he's agreed to join us this week.<br />
<br />
So, let's get to it. Monday's panel question is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc1nCMHx4HO37WrtsAT9xDRBHtQTeHroMylFl6iIIu1eW3qRYOhed8I3UyxUpjCaF3jfpHOduM9HnkSEecCb20bj_Wd1wyQEs3dDAXUTQkpp_3BUtBBXM_nuRTGTbg-_PkJH-tXKBhJY/s1600/Panel_Paul_Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc1nCMHx4HO37WrtsAT9xDRBHtQTeHroMylFl6iIIu1eW3qRYOhed8I3UyxUpjCaF3jfpHOduM9HnkSEecCb20bj_Wd1wyQEs3dDAXUTQkpp_3BUtBBXM_nuRTGTbg-_PkJH-tXKBhJY/s320/Panel_Paul_Monday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyWZ98KhOFgMusDDCerVXUE5_Ar03BGyW4HbHRBDKVaNcNWSZOIzHnFChL99wOCuz1zPmEos97tyTdkkDOfqXfpzlvIW7Ba4bc7-dJHpNZD7rzY1E748HGaEVpXEBg_-kV31xyLgLa0Y/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="753" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyWZ98KhOFgMusDDCerVXUE5_Ar03BGyW4HbHRBDKVaNcNWSZOIzHnFChL99wOCuz1zPmEos97tyTdkkDOfqXfpzlvIW7Ba4bc7-dJHpNZD7rzY1E748HGaEVpXEBg_-kV31xyLgLa0Y/s200/Paul.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paul: I've learned, through the pain of lost "great ideas," to jot them down as soon as they come to me. Post-its, napkins, receipts, any scrap of paper that's handy and occasionally, the notes app on my iphone. I always think I'll remember them later but sure enough, if I don't write them down during the moment of inspiration, they often fly out the window never to be heard from again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
For the larger ideas, the "high concept" type of story origin motivators, these generally stick around in my brain. These are the ones I slowly build upon, day by day, building the details over the skeleton of a concept. I don't usually write these down, unless there's specific scenes that really shine, so that I can really stretch and play with the overall story idea before I write it down. <br />
<br />
Basically, I write down anything specific and scene related while I allow the larger story idea and plot to roll around in my head for weeks or months until it forms something solid that I feel deserves an honest "sit down and write" kind of session. The reason being, I don't want to cement the foundation before the blueprints form a structure worth building.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I have a file cabinet filled with folders. Anytime I get a new idea, I’ll brainstorm on paper and put those notes into a manila file folder. That way I have a place to put more sheets of inspiration that might come to me, and the ideas will all be right there waiting for me to give them more attention. If I draw a map, it goes in the folder. If I’m really excited about the idea, I’ll make a file folder for it on my computer and start writing. I’ll also make a story bible file in Word, in which I start adding character names, research links, and any other pertinent information.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: First of all, I'm thoroughly impressed (and not at all surprised) that Jill has an ACTUAL file cabinet for story ideas. Second, my system has evolved to be more user friendly than it was when I first started writing and I think it's normal for this to happen, so don't worry if you haven't got a handle on this yet. I used to try to keep notebooks for each story and folders on my computer with story ideas in them. But these days, I just whip out my cell phone whenever I have a story idea and I type it into an email draft and there it stays until I decide to pull it out and play with it. Currently, there are 48 ideas waiting on me in my 'Drafts' folder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Steph: Your systems are all WAY better than mine. Mine is lame and ineffective. I jot it down in Google Keep and then I frequently forget about it until I happen to be scrolling through my archives. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<i>Note from Shan: I often forget about my ideas as well, so I have to frequent my 'Drafts' folder on occasion, but that's what it's there for. To remember all the amazing things I'm destined to forget.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<br />
Now, you tell us! How do YOU keep track of your story ideas?<i> </i></h3>
</div>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-39096811079658200552018-08-17T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-17T06:00:05.838-05:00Why do you write books for young people? (With J.C. Cervantes!)Hi all! Shannon here, saying goodbye to another week and another lovely author, J.C. Cervantes. You've been fabulous, friend. Thank you for joining us.<br />
<br />
If you're on social media, please give her a visit and tell her how grateful we are that she stopped by the blog to share her stories and her wisdom. You can find Jen here:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennifercervanteswriter" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jencerv" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorjcervantes/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.jennifercervantes.com/home.html" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've talked about her upcoming release, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1368016340?pf_rd_p=d1f45e03-8b73-4c9a-9beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=CP2KMTK9G82XDHRZ15PF" target="_blank"><i>The Storm Runner</i></a>, but be sure to take a look at Jen's award-winning debut novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tortilla-Sun-Jennifer-Cervantes/dp/1452131503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533434363&sr=1-1&keywords=tortilla+sun" target="_blank"><i>Tortilla Sun</i></a>. That cover makes me want to fly!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1wtjqPPFPPQYHi-3QSlSvtXnlS8gVFc_xWvhwDtfxrEcpBcMHkBn2ZbdfHto-TkX14QVGrdRr2iAFJbwHwF3rROUztdp5YLCSKTMgSMRutWFv42-ezI027Ihrukttzr8u1PhdsOIbac/s1600/Storm-Runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1wtjqPPFPPQYHi-3QSlSvtXnlS8gVFc_xWvhwDtfxrEcpBcMHkBn2ZbdfHto-TkX14QVGrdRr2iAFJbwHwF3rROUztdp5YLCSKTMgSMRutWFv42-ezI027Ihrukttzr8u1PhdsOIbac/s320/Storm-Runner.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHADIucSlBIdevhls1kAfBPjRg1Ezy2A_u3e1w0L6-FxLE7RgrdDi8bhA8khHrYDPvcPIKPXvBSUPTTpkx0HbCGk33rDAiWIA_6Aar836IjFQRMZu-BHfWsP-T2YY_qwwvk_OBfANKLs/s1600/tortilla+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHADIucSlBIdevhls1kAfBPjRg1Ezy2A_u3e1w0L6-FxLE7RgrdDi8bhA8khHrYDPvcPIKPXvBSUPTTpkx0HbCGk33rDAiWIA_6Aar836IjFQRMZu-BHfWsP-T2YY_qwwvk_OBfANKLs/s320/tortilla+sun.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today's panel question is:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagpv6HwNwBI-WGJLOq1GZ06I4odtdrduRQNWtWSs-OcyKYY2_mbeWQksCkhDnOHEou018BK2sKCK3H7o-dubr1fCc_47SukN8vz-WAiZqKxFBMi-ADgjgY2ZT5rY_n1TN8OLT2np50Ms/s1600/Panel_Jennifer_Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagpv6HwNwBI-WGJLOq1GZ06I4odtdrduRQNWtWSs-OcyKYY2_mbeWQksCkhDnOHEou018BK2sKCK3H7o-dubr1fCc_47SukN8vz-WAiZqKxFBMi-ADgjgY2ZT5rY_n1TN8OLT2np50Ms/s320/Panel_Jennifer_Friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s1600/Jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s200/Jennifer.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jen: Childhood is the time of imagination and mystery. Of dragons and monsters. Of first loves and magic spells. But truth be told, I didn’t “decide” per se. The universe tapped me on the shoulder and I answered. Once I wrote my first kids’ book, I knew something magical and rare had happened, something that would change me forever. Plus, I really love magic and monsters! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: I don’t know, honestly. I’ve tried writing for adults a few times, and I really struggle with it. Even though I’m a legit adult and it doesn’t seem like it would be that hard. There’s just something about the untapped potential of the teenage years that draws me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: My husband and I were working in youth ministry at the time, so I was around a lot of teenagers. I have always gravitated toward the readers and shared books with them, so when I started writing, that was the only age that interests me. I have since written books for kids and some for adults, but I am still partial to the teen years. There is something about discovering life and adventure for the first time that makes a story more interesting to me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I get asked this question a lot. And so sometimes I feel like a broken record when I answer it, but the truth is just as powerful and just as true as when I first started writing for teens. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the most inspiring things to watch is when a person, any person, rises up to face their fears and instead of being swallowed by them like they have a zillion times before, they ball up their fist and punch fear square in the face. Fear may steal things from us from time to time, but I don't believe we have to let it win. Those teenage years are so full of angst and growth and trials and grappling and coming into your own. It's the ideal place to examine the fight and the superiority of a soul that says, "I'm afraid, but I'm doing it anyway." Stories that capture the genuine spirit of this set me weeping and cheering. I want to write those stories.</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Now it's your turn.</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Tell us, how did you decide on your audience?</h3>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-13071422365686838072018-08-15T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-15T09:02:56.981-05:00How often do you read other people's books? Which genres do you read? (With J.C. Cervantes!)Hello friends! Shannon here.<br />
<br />
We are lucky enough to have J.C. Cervantes with us once again, and today, I get to tell you all about her upcoming middle grade novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Runner-Novel-Book/dp/1368016340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533416953&sr=1-1&keywords=the+storm+runner" target="_blank"><i>The Storm Runner</i></a>. Brace yourself for all the amazing:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtLeKXXYBWwwUa8QMNh7xENqg6RkNBOSP4NVUcOTaFkKe-5e5y2Q7xsPgIVdWhrmOliBGONUOhkX-mHVqE7nMNPMnYgYEM3An8jOe3tfdkBNPu03s-_B_JltwkEYflzhvJ_86ZKos3pE/s1600/Storm-Runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="405" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtLeKXXYBWwwUa8QMNh7xENqg6RkNBOSP4NVUcOTaFkKe-5e5y2Q7xsPgIVdWhrmOliBGONUOhkX-mHVqE7nMNPMnYgYEM3An8jOe3tfdkBNPu03s-_B_JltwkEYflzhvJ_86ZKos3pE/s400/Storm-Runner.jpg" width="263" /></a><i>Zane
Obispo spends every day exploring the sleeping volcano in his backyard.
"The Beast," as he calls it, is the one place where he can escape other
kids, who make fun of him because he has a limp and walks with a cane.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
<br />After
a twin-engine plane crashes into The Beast, a mysterious girl named
Brooks shows up at Zane's doorstep, insisting that they meet at the
volcano, where she will reveal a terrible secret. Zane agrees, mostly
because beautiful girls like her don't usually talk to him. Brooks tells
him that the volcano is actually a centuries-old prison for the Maya
god of death, whose destiny is directly tied to Zane's. No way, Zane thinks. He's just a thirteen-year old nobody, and destiny or no destiny, he wants nothing to do with any of it, especially some god of death.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
<br />But Brooks opens
his eyes to the truth: magic, monsters, and gods are real, and Zane is
at the center of an ancient prophecy that could mean the destruction of
the world. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Suddenly finding himself entangled in a web of dangerous
secrets, Zane embarks on a quest that will take him far from home and
test him to the very core.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
<br />Feisty
heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just
some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya
mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Doesn't that sound fantastic? I'm so here for this! But while we wait for this baby to hit shelves (9/18/18), let's tackle today's panel question, shall we?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNU8asI3jyjiyFhrhGlrC2Aq7YdNF7IFEU5FWunmGLvZcnJgFtBlKPXQcVtM_jIuNs9oB7UymREBXYlsdsFcFX8pEyzU19gHNKd1BPFq9K6_jTam1_9qRcGja7U-Re6XdZ30QncNLe6w/s1600/Panel_Jennifer_Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNU8asI3jyjiyFhrhGlrC2Aq7YdNF7IFEU5FWunmGLvZcnJgFtBlKPXQcVtM_jIuNs9oB7UymREBXYlsdsFcFX8pEyzU19gHNKd1BPFq9K6_jTam1_9qRcGja7U-Re6XdZ30QncNLe6w/s320/Panel_Jennifer_Wednesday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s1600/Jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s200/Jennifer.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jen: ALL the time! I read all genres from contemporary to fantasy across all age ranges. Although, I try to avoid reading middle grade for example, if I’m working on an MG book which has been the last year and a half! So, I actively look for pockets of non-writing time to read whatever I want.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: I almost always have a book I’m reading, and usually I have a novel and a nonfiction book going. Sometimes I have an audiobook going too. Young adult is always my go-to, but I love historical fiction and mysteries too.<span id="docs-internal-guid-6b0cea2e-06cc-0ddf-ab20-3390355cc667" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I read all the time, and I will read most anything for entertainment purposes. When I’m working on a first draft of a new story, I try to read books that are in that genre or are a research topic--books that will inspire me or at least, keep my author voice in the right cadence. For example, right now I’m writing a Regency-esque fantasy novel, so I’m reading lots of Regency novels to keep the formal dialogue, types of dress and architecture, and manners of the era in mind. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s1600/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s200/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I'm a lot like Jen. I read all the time, but I do avoid books too similar to my current work in progress while I'm actually writing. That means I go through seasons where I have to set aside YA fantasy. During those times, I read a ton of detective stories and historicals. Those are my two guilty pleasures these days. I'm a huge WWII-era reader and I'll devour anything that has me seeking to solve a mystery. I'm also a fan of rereading. I reread more books in a year than new books, I bet.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
And what about you, writer friends? How often do you read other people's books? Which genres are your favorites? </h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-13757348067922176462018-08-13T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-13T06:00:04.631-05:00When your creative well is empty, how do you recharge? (With J.C. Cervantes!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a new week, my friends, which means I get to introduce you to a new author. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please welcome <a href="http://www.jennifercervantes.com/" target="_blank">J.C. Cervantes</a> to the blog! Out in cyberspace, you can find her as Jennifer or Jen, but on the cover of her upcoming novel with Rick Riordan presents (gasp!), it says J.C. Cervantes, and I so want you to find that novel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've only ever met Jen online, but we share an agent and I adore her online presence and her heart for people. I can't wait to read her upcoming novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Runner-J-C-Cervantes/dp/1368016340" target="_blank"><i>The Storm Runner</i></a>. But more about that Wednesday. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, let's learn a little about the author herself:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71ZqarBHyYCQN3B_0oAHcJ1qw-8143dhOBADYVYi7aWbFANxWijtaG7Rr8BAlsAhzUPca1CtyGMocaxNLrcgsNhY7AWxN6E2jSbwNVVqOpApue869tiTZ3_LS4UP5ih7gqfFAmtrnCoQ/s1600/20180804_134726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71ZqarBHyYCQN3B_0oAHcJ1qw-8143dhOBADYVYi7aWbFANxWijtaG7Rr8BAlsAhzUPca1CtyGMocaxNLrcgsNhY7AWxN6E2jSbwNVVqOpApue869tiTZ3_LS4UP5ih7gqfFAmtrnCoQ/s320/20180804_134726.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;">Jen
(J.C) is an award-winning children’s author; her most recent book, THE
STORM RUNNER is scheduled for release in September 2018 with its sequel
THE FIRE KEEPER, coming in 2019. As an author, she has earned multiple
awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award, Zia Book
Award, and was named a New Voices Pick by the American Booksellers
Association for her first book Tortilla Sun.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;">Jen's
a champion of the underdog, an advocate for more POC in children's
fiction, and a believer in magic. But only if you’re willing to listen
to the whispers of the universe.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;">Isn't she fantastic? </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;">So, let's get to it! Today's panel question is:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SE8AGJ-DTsiCt5vaDwOKTkSoeRboWXoggnKX3RDt20TwAyo-mbHlL1UON0mba2nIOWYEh5VMWG50m5PnDgiP1raD-X4eIGL03WHEwfXFN92x_qJWfjRwh5hx0qgpf8sRqT5G3Q0Id-4/s1600/Panel_Jennifer_Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SE8AGJ-DTsiCt5vaDwOKTkSoeRboWXoggnKX3RDt20TwAyo-mbHlL1UON0mba2nIOWYEh5VMWG50m5PnDgiP1raD-X4eIGL03WHEwfXFN92x_qJWfjRwh5hx0qgpf8sRqT5G3Q0Id-4/s320/Panel_Jennifer_Monday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s1600/Jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1COu-ryHA4cXS6I3-AOI7wD1McyB8XFJMKsUVsoZLC6jaWeEZeAVaSJQl_kLFSx-GUO7M6Pp1x2hbYHHB_yy62-VKZNKfrGZudLQq9AGSPZ1vZg37CE-FYUEOrGaNifDDfQe462YWpk/s200/Jennifer.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jen: Oh boy, so many ways. Sometimes, I binge watch some of my favorite TV shows (like Game of Thrones or the Originals, or my new fave, The Goblin). I also focus on my health when I can by doing Pilates, hanging with family or just taking a walk in nature. And if I have time, I love a good facial! For me, recharging is remembering peace and finding a world (even if temporary) with no worry. Not an easy place to get to, but it’s totally possible. <span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"><br /></span></span><i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"></span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: That happened to me after I finished writing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Within-These-Lines-Stephanie-Morrill/dp/0310765234/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533416239&sr=1-1&keywords=within+these+lines" target="_blank"><i>Within These Lines</i></a>. It was such a heavy book with intense research requirements, plus we were dealing with hard family stuff. By the time I turned it in, I was exhausted. For me, it’s giving myself permission to not write. I might still choose to write if it sounds fun, but I’ll typically turn my focus to taking online classes or catching up on podcasts or reading something I haven’t had time for. Making space for intentional learning really recharges me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I read. I brainstorm new ideas, but don’t really write anything much. I do creative things, like paint a map or make my own Jill Pop. I record an audiobook or a YouTube video. Take bookish pictures for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jill_williamson_author/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I might work on a nonfiction project. Go on walks or long drives. Play my guitar. I need to keep busy and let my brain work, but it needs to work on different things. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I like to be outdoors. It feels less like work than anything else I do. So, I roadtrip or I hike or I sit in my hammock. I binge TV shows like Jen, and I snap bookish pics for Instagram like Jill. I catch up on sports news--football is my favorite but California has so many fantastic sports teams it's easy to lose myself reading up. If I can, I hit the theater. There's nothing like a live show to remind me why I love storytelling. Every time I go, I leave inspired and ready to write again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
How about you guys? How do you recharge your tired soul?</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: averia sans libre;"></span></span></i></div>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-81656489644271612612018-08-10T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-10T06:00:02.029-05:00Have you always wanted to write books? (With Adrienne Young!)<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
Alas! We've reached Friday and our final panel question with the lovely and talented Adrienne Young. If you're on social media, be sure to give her a follow and a THANK YOU for sharing her wisdom and book love with us all. Here's where you can find her:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.young.3154?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/adriennebooks" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adrienneyoungbooks/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/adrienneyoungbooks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.adrienneyoungbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM4MPsdJy6WyHJy7wgV4b_YQtIjtUeLThHKT1yOBv3DbX0pD5GRWij0mBF5Kc07DyJPhQ-Svuh-vXbsA3l9jmyz2MhAMGpumLvxJ09aflQTz3pA2KMsRGZ0CT3qcLfGCPPJ5KOpzLNSo/s1600/IG+image+Sky+in+the+Deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM4MPsdJy6WyHJy7wgV4b_YQtIjtUeLThHKT1yOBv3DbX0pD5GRWij0mBF5Kc07DyJPhQ-Svuh-vXbsA3l9jmyz2MhAMGpumLvxJ09aflQTz3pA2KMsRGZ0CT3qcLfGCPPJ5KOpzLNSo/s320/IG+image+Sky+in+the+Deep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here's the beautiful book trailer for Adrienne's debut novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Deep-Adrienne-Young/dp/1250168457" target="_blank"><i>Sky in the Deep</i></a>.</div>
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ALgXWJTz5os" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
And now! Before you're run away with all the Viking drama, let's finish this week off right with one last question for Adrienne and crew:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Eq6v0GzVCqR4DkCR4L4LXaiwV0Kk7vm_H_QnG4-tpKgpfTg8-QdlQQgC3Ksho5os3Xa2jdC4vb7mqjgAy1OsjzbSyLSq6R5eOK3Jk-kechWvhnoWbyBw6FWwL9a6iS95t36NmlfC5k/s1600/Panel_Adrienne_Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Eq6v0GzVCqR4DkCR4L4LXaiwV0Kk7vm_H_QnG4-tpKgpfTg8-QdlQQgC3Ksho5os3Xa2jdC4vb7mqjgAy1OsjzbSyLSq6R5eOK3Jk-kechWvhnoWbyBw6FWwL9a6iS95t36NmlfC5k/s320/Panel_Adrienne_Friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7SmB-k38r4CgqUeMwyx17lEgKzdvsexCUnWAZUAdu5KmBcrUqukDtwZtWbHGKNUJujsdvAfu2tysHmy6h221vB_re6uxbf10P80PgOAweAcyBvdVGxVlhlwFOvCbDksZiJKJ4QNMMt4/s1600/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7SmB-k38r4CgqUeMwyx17lEgKzdvsexCUnWAZUAdu5KmBcrUqukDtwZtWbHGKNUJujsdvAfu2tysHmy6h221vB_re6uxbf10P80PgOAweAcyBvdVGxVlhlwFOvCbDksZiJKJ4QNMMt4/s200/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" width="133" /></a>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adrienne: I realized I loved to write in elementary school after a teacher told me repeatedly that I was good at it. The first time I ever dreamed of writing a book was in fourth grade. I was looking at a book in the library and imagined my name on the front. But I don't think I ever truly believed it would happen and I never really told anyone about that dream. It wasn't until I was around 25 years old that I decided to try to actually write a full-length novel and once I did, I was completely hooked. I knew I wanted to make a career out of it but I had a lot to learn. It took about seven years, four books, and many many rejections before I got published. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: Ever since first grade when we had free writing time in class. I loved everything about it and started saying then that I wanted to write stories when I grew up. And it was always novels that I wanted to write, even though I wasn’t reading them yet. Even though I sometimes went through phases where I wanted to be a writer and a teacher or a writer and a lawyer, writing always stuck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: When I was in high school, I wanted to be a fashion designer. That’s what I went to college for, and I got jobs in the fashion industry right out of college. I ended up not liking it at all. It was far too competitive and cutthroat for me, so when I was home with my first child (around age 26), I started writing books. It was so fun for me, I never looked back. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s1600/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s200/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: I’ve ALWAYS loved storytelling but it wasn’t always my career of choice. When I was younger I had flashier aspirations. Astronaut or actor. And then in college, I assumed I’d go into missionary work. After my daughter was born, I found myself missing theater and the stage so badly it made me sick. When I realized I could tell stories from home, it transformed the way I viewed the role of author and I started brainstorming my first novel that night. My daughter will turn ten this summer, so I’ve been at this thing for almost a decade. </div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Now you guys tell us. Have YOU always wanted to write books? Do you plan to make it your career? </h3>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-84c7c7cc-0662-09d3-feab-975d50be7049" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-26405124523742443032018-08-08T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-08T10:06:20.908-05:00Do you have a favorite fandom? (With Adrienne Young!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good morning, friends! Shannon here. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YA author, Adrienne Young, is back with us today and we're so grateful she's taken the time to hang out with us and give us a peek into her reading and writing life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to <a href="https://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2018/08/do-you-have-daily-or-weekly-word-quota.html" target="_blank">introduce you to the author</a>. Now let me share a little bit about her debut novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Deep-Adrienne-Young/dp/1250168457" target="_blank">Sky in the Deep</a>. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM6lrNi2vsLDKZsbgfGdOg6dQvnaL3dvFz-FVk3Ty1RerBsuPjyT0p8jUFRsu-YBi8Ue1gcvuNKeVOMoQv22BHAT2cllODiIk-q1Im4QPfY3DAZNOKF8VpOa_NGegiBwtE1P-2CEzPKU/s1600/Sky+in+the+Deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM6lrNi2vsLDKZsbgfGdOg6dQvnaL3dvFz-FVk3Ty1RerBsuPjyT0p8jUFRsu-YBi8Ue1gcvuNKeVOMoQv22BHAT2cllODiIk-q1Im4QPfY3DAZNOKF8VpOa_NGegiBwtE1P-2CEzPKU/s320/Sky+in+the+Deep.jpg" width="212" /></a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Seventeen-year-old
Eelyn’s world is war. Raised to fight alongside her Aska clansmen in a
generations-old blood feud against the Riki, her life is brutal but
simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the
battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched
die five years ago.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Faced with
her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains
with the Riki if she wants to make it back to the fjord after the thaw.
But when she begins to see herself in the people she’s been taught to
hate, the world </span>Eelyn<span style="color: #333333;"> once knew begins to crumble. And after the village is raided by a ruthless clan many believe to be a myth, </span>Eelyn<span style="color: #333333;">
is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend who has
tried more than once to kill her. Together, they must end the blood feud
between their clans or watch their people be slaughtered.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">A lush, Viking-age inspired fantasy about loyalty, forgiveness, and the definition of family.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Readers of fantasy and fans of Viking lore will enjoy this read. You can find out more about the story and the inspiration behind it over on <a href="https://www.adrienneyoungbooks.com/books" target="_blank">Adrienne's website.</a></span><i><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.adrienneyoungbooks.com/books" target="_blank"> </a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">And now! Today's panel question:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span><i><span style="color: #333333;"></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCmRXpa2Ca3YMi20bhdW0jWGjw5PxhCZfBVJPvym9A-JaQMU9txeoouPnfofDETDlk6kBda8jS5XYoYGvj8OobJtq2b_dUX5LMaFfq-yhVnxc8Sk169pY9U-qDFeaW0FV6kQZxwy9-pY/s1600/Panel_Adrienne_Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCmRXpa2Ca3YMi20bhdW0jWGjw5PxhCZfBVJPvym9A-JaQMU9txeoouPnfofDETDlk6kBda8jS5XYoYGvj8OobJtq2b_dUX5LMaFfq-yhVnxc8Sk169pY9U-qDFeaW0FV6kQZxwy9-pY/s320/Panel_Adrienne_Wednesday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7SmB-k38r4CgqUeMwyx17lEgKzdvsexCUnWAZUAdu5KmBcrUqukDtwZtWbHGKNUJujsdvAfu2tysHmy6h221vB_re6uxbf10P80PgOAweAcyBvdVGxVlhlwFOvCbDksZiJKJ4QNMMt4/s1600/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7SmB-k38r4CgqUeMwyx17lEgKzdvsexCUnWAZUAdu5KmBcrUqukDtwZtWbHGKNUJujsdvAfu2tysHmy6h221vB_re6uxbf10P80PgOAweAcyBvdVGxVlhlwFOvCbDksZiJKJ4QNMMt4/s200/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adrienne: Harry Potter! I know that's the cliche answer but I just love it so much - how it transcends age groups and people groups and everyone just belongs. I haven't really tried to create anything, but with <i>Sky in the Deep</i>, I have been really surprised how many people are into the world already. I love seeing people cosplay Eelyn and getting their Viking on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Note from Shan: Definitely check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adrienneyoungbooks/" target="_blank">Adrienne's IG</a>. She often shares Eelyn cosplay and the Viking costumes readers come up with are glorious.</i> <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: Well, I’ll be cliche too and say Harry Potter for the same reasons that Adrienne said. I love that I can enjoy the early books with my first grader, and the later books with my ten-year-old.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve had some girls show up dressed in roaring 20s garb for book signings, and that was super fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: I love Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. A far as swag goes, I made two sets of velvet flags to match six cities in my Blood of Kings storyworld. I kept one set and divided the others among the readers who created and acted in the two book trailers for <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfMBqEkB1lE)%20and%20From%20Darkness%20Won%20(please%20link:%20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaKhK28NQF8" target="_blank">To Darkness Fled</a></i>. I was just so impressed with how much hard work they did, I needed to do something special to thank them. The flags were so time-consuming to make, however, I never did make any more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s1600/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zG9NSCcqK6ADZ5bwfPx233bbI-kuu5t0ZL6yDQWJFtPfV0K21xg5wwI98M1Cq064BYHe8AEq89l4-OAjihGFiWyRhnXUMrWkJQJ3IKydeus3WmTJrSwqqiF_McTQCMfCgfiWM50wUYw/s200/ShanDittemore08_resizeGTW.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: Yeah. It’s hard to beat the Harry Potter fandom. I’m sort of surrounded by it these days. My nine year old and I are reading the illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone together right now and my thirteen year old is halfway through a reread of the entire series. But like Adrienne said, I’ve been really impressed with the readers who’ve shown up for Eelyn. So much cosplay for such a new book. I think everyone wants to be a Viking, honestly, and Adrienne just gave us all a great excuse. And also, Wonder Woman. I just . . . ahhhh. I love all the Wonder Woman out there right now. Makes my heart happy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven’t done a whole lot of swag stuff, but I’m always so grateful when readers send me fan art. I really appreciate the opportunity to see what others envision when they read my stories. It’s a compliment that someone would invest their time and skill in a character created by someone else. </div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Now, you tell us. Do YOU have a favorite fandom? What about plans for swag or reader experiences in regards to your stories?</h3>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-4404689531368229192018-08-06T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-06T08:49:25.060-05:00Do you have a daily or weekly word quota that you strive for? (with Adrienne Young!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey all! Shannon here, checking in for my rotation on summer panels. We've had a ton of fun with our June and July panelists and I'm so excited to hear from our August crew. Here's who we'll be chatting with throughout the month:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFL5HUGoLjl30rpqno9MAAYC8Umelc7Ki4nWVFGN4THbnuWxqU91uQaNpJAGkW7Qj7OE4erQiSCj8YBL52HKmA_TLBpUIYeoJdrQ5TnGipuh5IO8kTOiADDXiqMNuCnc8v1-uXdWZlJ4/s1600/August-Guest-List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFL5HUGoLjl30rpqno9MAAYC8Umelc7Ki4nWVFGN4THbnuWxqU91uQaNpJAGkW7Qj7OE4erQiSCj8YBL52HKmA_TLBpUIYeoJdrQ5TnGipuh5IO8kTOiADDXiqMNuCnc8v1-uXdWZlJ4/s320/August-Guest-List.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And since it's week one, I get to introduce you all to my friend, and YA author, <a href="https://www.adrienneyoungbooks.com/" target="_blank">Adrienne Young</a>. I met Adrienne through a mutual friend and she's part of my local writing troupe. We meet up for dinner and book launches and general encouragement any chance we get--which, to be fair, isn't nearly as often these days because of all the writing and such. But I'm so pleased Adrienne's agreed to share with us.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've been paying attention, you'll have noticed that her debut novel hit shelves (and the NYT Bestseller List!) this past spring. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Deep-Adrienne-Young/dp/1250168457" target="_blank">Sky In the Deep</a> </i>is a beautiful YA fantasy and one of my favorite reads this past year. But more on that Wednesday. Here's a bit about Adrienne:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillAEo2iGAf4kxhNe9jo3ujhUphhbJzXWMedniRD2ELovGsFlvzq0bJYWGFIpxC2u_A3nM0QbT_8zV5G0dKh94uWSS1yHtTVv7AtEPPm2e9mmfTX7E71V3XAShgSkLIzu_lecPTUkYJtU/s1600/Adrienne_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillAEo2iGAf4kxhNe9jo3ujhUphhbJzXWMedniRD2ELovGsFlvzq0bJYWGFIpxC2u_A3nM0QbT_8zV5G0dKh94uWSS1yHtTVv7AtEPPm2e9mmfTX7E71V3XAShgSkLIzu_lecPTUkYJtU/s200/Adrienne_headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Adrienne Young is the New York Times
Bestselling author of Sky in the Deep. A born and bred Texan turned
California girl, she is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel
and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can
find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping
wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her </span>favorite<span style="color: #333333;"> art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.</span></i></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333;">And now! For today's panel question:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTfYHB2hfV_tc8vvYdl00U5PDf_DjYIgeWHMdGBJrgxxo0zAVoGaJOm5VIKqmV0KKjRJBclG363eecuKflqhYgZDjH_3qKtcGhG4CvbmcRPjaA1pQNr6yhUS5vxJ0i7KXZBA6lhY3Brs/s1600/Panel_Adrienne_Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTfYHB2hfV_tc8vvYdl00U5PDf_DjYIgeWHMdGBJrgxxo0zAVoGaJOm5VIKqmV0KKjRJBclG363eecuKflqhYgZDjH_3qKtcGhG4CvbmcRPjaA1pQNr6yhUS5vxJ0i7KXZBA6lhY3Brs/s320/Panel_Adrienne_Monday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNZSfBK5wkREbuXYw42jvK867J_Mbag5KH78XtauupMvklQfFhRXQCa5-_cUuvYjEzLL3tXkdIR9RtQTwTWyi3I1akvO7eesEALkcSghpP2N06uuANaEr7me3pVoUkg192YP9PMsm4b8/s1600/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNZSfBK5wkREbuXYw42jvK867J_Mbag5KH78XtauupMvklQfFhRXQCa5-_cUuvYjEzLL3tXkdIR9RtQTwTWyi3I1akvO7eesEALkcSghpP2N06uuANaEr7me3pVoUkg192YP9PMsm4b8/s200/Adrienne_for+q.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adrienne: Not really. When I'm drafting, I'm pretty obsessive about it so I usually wind up writing a ton of words every day until I reach the end. If I start putting numbers on it, I think I kind of psyche myself out and wind up stressing. Instead, I try to just ride the inspiration before it runs out.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyJ2Wk_k71wICK806V54EIj9tQCGvjNIQiRAkDQRldBfvtAgxW0F_GQZQ7RjDZhyMuFwQU72dAh7INvPsNaYaWUC5Z6f2uwvjB17lZVkHYXpNP-t9FTLqWaG31BAVjva2g_yHO0ESe4o/s200/Stephanie+Morrill.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steph: I have more of a time quota. Most days I split my work time in half. I’ll write the first half, and then the rest of my time is for blogging, social media, or whatever else needs to be done.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s1600/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCzwfgP2uoURN09hIlAgp9NvMmPewI7aDrTEh2SUgg_SoQ_NxMwISp9d2YjZxEJA1U82xXrJdFm3iL1gyl00VBUnkKkyLdycC9xDz2IoNnrpW0orJIkqlTNevg_Hl9H02DY8WonTnlqI/s200/JillWilliamsonRedSweater.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jill: Only when I’m on a deadline. Then I know how many words I need to write per day to meet my quota. When I’m not on a deadline, I am much more lax about daily word counts. However, that also means I don’t get the story written as quickly.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s1600/ShanDittemore08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fs-LKn0J7sdNfW-7ORKhSQuCkFg1012-cFiaR9Vig_RK6HZyvTWQRafa4_UM8J4i9tussPFv765z_1SVENkiJ1p-RJ6dOCvC8G49q7lp3Ey-h10_ZCdt-vPJljf6XjQ-xdYba687nXw/s200/ShanDittemore08.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shan: Sometimes. Not so much lately. Mostly, I’m shooting for completing a scene or telling the next part of the story--whatever that happens to equate to at the time. Sometimes it’s as small a thing as transitioning the mood or setting, so that when I sit down for my next writing session I’m ready to tackle a big moment. Sometimes it’s working on a scene until I’m happy with the character or the takeaway. It really just depends on where I’m at within the process. <span style="color: #333333;"></span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;">What about you all?</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Do you set weekly or daily word count goals?</span></h3>
Shannon Dittemorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-58479256230010086342018-08-03T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-03T06:00:11.491-05:00What lie do you believe in your professional life? (With Sara Ella!)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is my (Jill's) last hosting post. Shannon will he here next week to officially kick off the month of August. Our last month of panels!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have really enjoyed having Sara Ella with us this week. We hope you have too.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can learn more about Sara on her </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">website at <a href="http://www.saraella.com/">www.saraella.com</a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. You can also follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/saraellawrites" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/writinghistruth" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/saraellawrites/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz5T9Tp6cXUAHro86jpflww" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She's quite the YouTube star, too, if you didn't know. She often does videos for writers. You should check out her channel and subscribe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScBe87f1dxnUvkheEc3LSVgrc7sv975ZgJx-EVE3JTV75OtFnIiGxg4u9Bl8outZrjcRZYI7iIEhAIwoYUxsOxx-VE1WB_oro8EzO_Z5Blw8_nB2hu5m9bGOoxXcXqorPNCVOxBxEzT8/s1600/SaraYouTube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScBe87f1dxnUvkheEc3LSVgrc7sv975ZgJx-EVE3JTV75OtFnIiGxg4u9Bl8outZrjcRZYI7iIEhAIwoYUxsOxx-VE1WB_oro8EzO_Z5Blw8_nB2hu5m9bGOoxXcXqorPNCVOxBxEzT8/s400/SaraYouTube.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks for doing panels with us, Sara. Here is our question of the day:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
As authors, we’re always trying to figure out which lies our characters believe. In <i>your </i>professional life, have you been able to identify a lie <i>you </i>have believed? </h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlDbVXnSAkoiwk17wUGy6L-mf82wpZGBmDLIq6ViGDR8WF5vad879ESaWlOvzCKrucSubCUjTC9w3gP-XRuwCaDxUk9UN4QnyiThaEvrZgkyppdB2tsU7HO1ezaQaNOt6Ugc9JjY_zNA/s1600/Sara+Ella+Day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlDbVXnSAkoiwk17wUGy6L-mf82wpZGBmDLIq6ViGDR8WF5vad879ESaWlOvzCKrucSubCUjTC9w3gP-XRuwCaDxUk9UN4QnyiThaEvrZgkyppdB2tsU7HO1ezaQaNOt6Ugc9JjY_zNA/s320/Sara+Ella+Day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK96jtz5FmD7wMcAL5humFdlyMGj_lfZDYD1tbIYQ4sh6HpCpdDShXjUcIRhNPINt3B2iiOFk1CSxU5y6H7jye4m6CLNi43jPJxOCf4xapdeLLxWhwXoXFBPMPpLXCGj91j-bcNmo5rE0/s1600/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK96jtz5FmD7wMcAL5humFdlyMGj_lfZDYD1tbIYQ4sh6HpCpdDShXjUcIRhNPINt3B2iiOFk1CSxU5y6H7jye4m6CLNi43jPJxOCf4xapdeLLxWhwXoXFBPMPpLXCGj91j-bcNmo5rE0/s200/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sara: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wow. And I thought the last question was deep. I think I used to believe you have to make The New York Times bestseller list to be a successful author. I found a lot of validation in industry reviews and awards. The more praise my work received, the more I felt as if I had somehow "made it." But the truth is, I have found so much more value in personal letters and notes from my readers. They are the ones I write for, after all. I think if you base your success on superficial things, you'll never be satisfied. I know I wasn't. Now I have so much more joy and peace because I know the value of my work isn't based on what some magazine or newspaper says. It's when someone tells me my book made them cry or that it touched them in some way -- that's the real reward. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You can get it all done if you just try a little harder.” The truth is that it doesn’t matter how well I organize my time, strive with all my strength, and batch my tasks, I am </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">never </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">going to be able to get done all the writing, marketing, and mothering that I want in a 24 hour period. I’m just not. It’s taken me a long time to learn how to take time for rest even when not everything is done (it never is) and to let myself off the hook sometimes.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So many, I’m sure. When you discover that a belief you’ve held is flawed, there’s always an element of surprise and it takes some time to adjust to the reality of the truth. Most recently I’ve been coming to grips with the reality that one publishing deal does not guarantee another one. For reasons often out of your control, you may feel like you’re starting over several times before you find your stride. That doesn’t negate one bit of your success but it does reset your expectations. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>Jill: </b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I shared my big lie during the question we had about defining success and failure. The lie that "I don't matter" unless I'm proving it somehow. A lifetime of believing that lie has turned me into an overachiever who is always striving. So over the past year (believe it or not), I've been working hard to not be a militant slave driver about the deadlines and goals I give myself. Because I have to take care of myself. I need rest. I need to be with my family. And I need to take time for me, whether that means going on a walk, reading a book for fun, or crafting. Because, like Stephanie said, no one can do it all. No one <i>should</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We're not meant to be slaves on this planet. We're meant to enjoy life. And l</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ife isn't about how much we can get done. It's about how we love ourselves and each other. That's what matters.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? Is there a lie <i>you </i>have believed?</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-8178019250063922612018-08-01T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-01T06:00:03.104-05:00What are some of your individual writing quirks? (With Sara Ella!)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are hanging out with Sara Ella this week in our Summer Panels. I mentioned that Sara has published the <i>Unblemished Trilogy</i> and that it's great (and the covers are gorgeous!), but I didn't tell you anything about the story. So here is the description for book one, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NJS43X" target="_blank">Unblemished</a>:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Eliyana can’t bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where her blemish could become her strength?</i></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her like he does: normal. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird. Now Joshua is her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.</i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself?</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NJS43X" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJEicwo-uWjifdsKWpFiAoVyXB0BuVXYa3oswolHviCIRbZrL-91-Iwa-Pkra5CB8g9o9zO2BqXvEXxNFmITPmpPRlmIYpZfY4ePp7fKdq8Q-5Jdeg6GsFMjJ1O2Von3Iq1JCNnyZ2SI/s400/Unblemished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doesn't that story sound great? Well, it is great. So, if you haven't read these yet, put them on your To Read list and take care of that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now, on with the panels. Here is today's question:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What are some of your individual writing quirks--things you catch yourself doing again and again, like repeating a word or phrase, making the same typo over and over, always writing heroes with dark hair and blue eyes, or even a habit like not being able to write without jelly beans nearby?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebw4TqPRreGks0s_dAmLa3pXdKue7H66t2Zt44R0yarEMJoOxmcsx0FgcC89toSqqt7Bet6f5ir7h3r95SZ_ShMYcDi3Q60fRegSITMlP4k-HFG131nTQpwSDjywv_eoeaXv3ApUe8Tk/s1600/Sara+Ella+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebw4TqPRreGks0s_dAmLa3pXdKue7H66t2Zt44R0yarEMJoOxmcsx0FgcC89toSqqt7Bet6f5ir7h3r95SZ_ShMYcDi3Q60fRegSITMlP4k-HFG131nTQpwSDjywv_eoeaXv3ApUe8Tk/s320/Sara+Ella+Day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk0fA2LdM_xHfFFX7p0CnBzU36pA8nnlS3PGe_p1GkN2fPTb6VgwYeekCSX0_7x7CKQPYe612WF83mIWvL69Weh2qbGXIhYAEr4nX14bJ1Th2Ul2r71izWkdXgE9dI1YgYts_8qctI9I/s1600/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk0fA2LdM_xHfFFX7p0CnBzU36pA8nnlS3PGe_p1GkN2fPTb6VgwYeekCSX0_7x7CKQPYe612WF83mIWvL69Weh2qbGXIhYAEr4nX14bJ1Th2Ul2r71izWkdXgE9dI1YgYts_8qctI9I/s200/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sara: </b><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, man, what a question! I try so hard to not repeat the same words or phrases or tropes, sometimes I just end up staring blankly at a screen, void of inspiration. My comfort zone lies with introverted female heroines. Maybe because I relate to them most? I also tend to write characters that have lost a parent (like I have) or who are protective of a sibling. I never want to repeat the same story, but I also know that part of who I am as a writer is based on my own experiences. The trick is to find a balance between doing the same thing over and over again, and finding a fresh new way to explore these relationships.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, I need cold coffee. That is a must!</span></span><br />
<div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-060a24d5-4df9-fb0a-5c8f-13150fe7fb1c"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-060a24d5-4df9-fb0a-5c8f-13150fe7fb1c">
</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b> <span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Iced coffee is my jam!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It seems like each book has its own pet phrase that I overuse. For </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Within These Lines</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, emotions kept flitting over characters faces. And my book was full of Italians and Japanese, so everyone had dark hair and dark eyes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is one of the reasons that I try to read a variety of books. There are so many clever ways of saying things, and I always need to refresh my inspiration!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sara’s right! This is a tough question! I have a tendency to include alcoholic characters in my stories. I had alcoholic uncles when I was a kid and watching my mom navigate those situations definitely stuck with me. On the technical side of writing, I’ve noticed that when I’m editing, I often have to adjust the order of my sentences. On first go 'round I seem to pen the effect of an action before the cause. I wonder if other people do that?</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>As I was starting to plot my book <i>Captives</i>, I realized that all the other stories I'd published so far (<i>Blood of Kings</i>, <i>Replication</i>, and <i>The Mission League</i>) had starred a very similar type of guy. He was troublesome but a hero at heart. He was brave--not afraid to speak his mind and put himself in danger to help others. He was all about the "Save the Cat" moment. And I was like ... oopsy. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So it was nice that the Safe Lands series had three point of view guys. It forced me to get into the heads of a different type of character.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Writing-wise, I tend to add way too many metaphors and similes. Another habit is to use lots of triplet sentences like: He walked down the hall, got a drink from the fountain, and went outside. Triplet sentences are something I have to watch for and tweak to create a better rhythm. I also tend to start a lot of sentences with "And."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What are some of your individual writing quirks?</h2>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-66974076476744796982018-07-30T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-31T10:13:13.997-05:00What is your daily writing routine like? (With Sara Ella!)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sara Ella is with us this week! (Hooray!) She is the author of the amazing <i>Unblemished Trilogy</i>. If you haven't read it yet, you must! She created this fabulous multi-universe kind of storyworld that takes place in Manhattan, and the maps, you guys. The maps are amazing. So much to love in this series. But more on that on Wednesday. For now, let me introduce you to Sara:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Not so long ago, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings. Visit Sara Ella at <a href="http://www.saraella.com/">www.saraella.com</a>.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
We are so pleased to have Sara with us. Here is today's panel question:</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What is your daily writing routine like?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvoC88mYlXJFPhkuQyIuXxq6ez4b8jQj-vHQjFB1RWJYGvnR4P0Z4kSsW-QxzFmizJtXpZt1jgX3Xmyet7LOpL7ARoHT5_zou0jaol3-zFwK9EximVf12l21_EcFSq45esDMNZCBBwiE/s1600/Sara+Ella+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvoC88mYlXJFPhkuQyIuXxq6ez4b8jQj-vHQjFB1RWJYGvnR4P0Z4kSsW-QxzFmizJtXpZt1jgX3Xmyet7LOpL7ARoHT5_zou0jaol3-zFwK9EximVf12l21_EcFSq45esDMNZCBBwiE/s320/Sara+Ella+Day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvepTT9RhjN8M4aEeRdwf0Zhsc0MUUDDITn0J0YhKR4PlKMG-OUy_BGkmLilBpScesi-XzPR_2uQJvx-s1OF4FEk9e9iVl1-MMfekayIYXp5ljgy9Gm4b1wek-NMkXxjBBKDUGPaERXMw/s1600/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvepTT9RhjN8M4aEeRdwf0Zhsc0MUUDDITn0J0YhKR4PlKMG-OUy_BGkmLilBpScesi-XzPR_2uQJvx-s1OF4FEk9e9iVl1-MMfekayIYXp5ljgy9Gm4b1wek-NMkXxjBBKDUGPaERXMw/s200/SaraElla_headshot.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sara: </b><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do writers have a daily routine? I feel like I'm going to be a bad influence by answering this, but basically my routine is to write when I can. Maybe that's at 5 in the morning before everyone wakes up, or maybe it's at 2 in the afternoon after grocery shopping. I find I am generally most productive in the afternoon hours. By the time dinner rolls around I'm pretty wiped, but there are days my writing hours fall between 8 p.m. and midnight. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Honestly, I think it's not so much about when I write, but more <i>that</i> I write. If I can make myself write something every day, then I'm more productive and consistent. If I skip a day, I find myself making excuses. I'm too tired. I'll write tomorrow. Soon one missed day turns into an entire week. I have to write every day or I end up becoming overwhelmed. As long as I have my iced coffee, a yummy scented candle, an inspiring playlist, and my laptop, I'm good to go. I find I get more done if I leave the house and go to a coffee shop, only because my house can get distracting. Who wants to write when there's a pile of laundry on the floor?</span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-36105fe9-4df8-ef79-7e9e-fd0525b2ac18">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, coffee and getting the kids settled. Whether that’s getting McKenna and Connor off to school and Eli with grandparents, or getting Eli down for a nap and the older two set up to play Minecraft.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next, I tend to spend 15-30 minutes going through email and responding to social media. I know lots of writers don’t like to look at that stuff before writing, but somehow that helps me settle in. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I work on whatever my primary project is, whether it’s drafting or editing or promoting. I do that for half my work time, and then the second half of my work time is for blogging, email correspondence, and marketing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the school year, I’m usually very structured because my kids are occupied for six hours of the day. Monday is house cleaning day. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are writing days. And Fridays are reserved for teaching my mentoring classes. Sometimes I write on Saturdays and most of my writing sessions last anywhere from three to six hours long. Unless I’m on a deadline, I don’t usually write for longer than that. During the summer, all bets are off and I write when I can. I am going to try to capitalize on my kids’ maturity this year and demand a four hour chunk of quiet every morning. Fingers crossed, yes?</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>I used to write Monday through Friday from the moment everyone left for school/work until lunchtime. It was a beautiful thing, and I was very productive. But this year my husband's hours changed, and he's now off on Tuesday and Wednesday, which made it SO HARD to get any work done on those days. And now that it's summer too, I'm really struggling. I'm finding that things demand my time, like emails or scheduling blog posts or book releases, edits, etc, and I do all that first, and then the next thing I know, the day is over and I didn't get to write at all. Since I don't have any contracts at the moment, I'm able to let my writing time slide, but I shouldn't. I should strive to get even one hour a day, if I can. It's just been really difficult lately. I'm thinking about writing some on my phone each morning before I get out of bed. Every little bit helps, right? lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ideally, when school starts again in the fall, I will do my writing first thing. I'll try to write or edit one chapter, depending on whether I'm drafting or editing. And if I can get on a roll and write more, I will. If not, I'll move on to record an audio book chapter or a YouTube video, or I'll edit an audio book chapter or a YouTube video. Or I'll work on marketing or answering emails. It's a lot to juggle, but it's the nature of the job. And my life! </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What is your daily writing routine like?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-37919090144327362142018-07-27T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-27T06:00:02.455-05:00What are your thoughts on failure? What does that look like to you? How about success? (With Nadine Brandes!)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a delight to have Nadine Brandes with us this week. I hope you've all learned lots from her. And if you haven't read her books, be sure to put <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2zGcg42" target="_blank">A Time to Die</a> </i>and <a href="https://amzn.to/2L8WEKL" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Fawkes</a> on your TBR lists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can learn more about Nadine on <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">website at </span><a href="http://www.nadinebrandes.com/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">www.nadinebrandes.com</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. You can also follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/NadineBrandes" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NadineBrandesAuthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMFKBEt3hI-vpevBh9PojA" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/NadineBrandes/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. In case you weren't aware of her Instagram following, it's pretty massive. She has a good time over there. You should check it out.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_-sRYY5fD1Bjcbysyr7XSVP0_BLJsQNqsTfs3dhnDos0siwSPiSNkldMxnCayQC4Sgkpyy9iP1WUNqHCuCiE0isJlELLq3HpvCfXK5TUpkl1OILJoB4n1q90Psn0EdOBHg4OBhgAzuU/s1600/Nadine+Instagram.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="599" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_-sRYY5fD1Bjcbysyr7XSVP0_BLJsQNqsTfs3dhnDos0siwSPiSNkldMxnCayQC4Sgkpyy9iP1WUNqHCuCiE0isJlELLq3HpvCfXK5TUpkl1OILJoB4n1q90Psn0EdOBHg4OBhgAzuU/s320/Nadine+Instagram.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now for our final question with Nadine:</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What are your thoughts on failure? What does that look like to you? How about success?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynPGqBopQqs2vdAQ09eycGeSlMmOnUwcbrzxgLhfXYWqIVt-A1qHs0V-V7gZneEgIjBNSshK-w3Z5nFvx8B0oV26_PlVZfFDteK3PH8zbd9rJGeCXqhlD4YNABObR9BZ2zXs4qOWQXCI/s1600/Nadine+Day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynPGqBopQqs2vdAQ09eycGeSlMmOnUwcbrzxgLhfXYWqIVt-A1qHs0V-V7gZneEgIjBNSshK-w3Z5nFvx8B0oV26_PlVZfFDteK3PH8zbd9rJGeCXqhlD4YNABObR9BZ2zXs4qOWQXCI/s320/Nadine+Day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s1600/Nadine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="178" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s200/Nadine.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Nadine: </b><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honestly, I believe failure is what you allow it to be. My idea of failure is not doing my best. We often confuse the idea of “my best” with “the best that can be done”. We think that because we didn’t do the best that’s ever been done that we failed. But really, all I can do is my best. And sometimes that doesn’t have really exciting results, but that is where I can find peace about “success”. My success is in writing the best book I can write in the time I’ve been given. And it’s in my heart behind writing it. Since I can’t control sales or anything beyond my own process, I can’t let those things control my feelings of success and failure.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sounds easy when I say it like that, right? I still have moments where I feel like I’ve failed—like when a book just seems to come out terribly in its first draft, or when I miss a deadline, or when I organize my time poorly, or when I get negative reviews. But I can always come back to the assurance that I am doing my best and I will always do my best, and that is enough.</span></span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-663e4faf-4df7-74b7-dc57-f9cc45da85dc">
</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m really not a fan of failure. I don’t like how it makes me feel, and I would never choose it. BUT I also think it’s a very efficient and effective teacher, if you allow it to be. So I try to lean into it as best I can.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Success is a tricky beast because there’s such a temptation to compare. And comparison never really leads to happy, content places. As I’ve advanced in my writing journey, I have gotten better about identifying, “Here is what success looks like </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to me</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,” rather than waiting for others to tell me, “You did it! You’re successful now!”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oooo! Not long ago I wrote an entire post on </span><a href="http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-failure-is-necessary.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Failure is Necessary</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s probably the best post I’ve ever written and you should go read it. BUT! If you’d like me to sum up, it’s simple: I think failure is necessary. It’s painful but it’s also universal. We all fail. Unfortunately most of us do not fail well. We don’t learn from our failures. We begrudge them but the irony is that, as writers, we understand the usefulness of failure in a story. We must learn to apply that thinking to the failure in our own lives. You will fail. So will I. Let’s not be surprised when it happens.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>I'm a productive person. A hard worker. Those aren't bad things, but not too long ago I learned that I grew up with some bad habits that formed due to some mistaken beliefs, one of which is that I don't matter unless I'm proving it with my works. I hustle for my worth. I work hard to matter. So, for a very long time, if I wasn't succeeding by the world's standards, that meant I was a failure, which also meant I had no worth. I didn't matter. And writing wise, that meant if my book was rejected, lost an award, or had poor sales, that meant I was a failure. And that's just not true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you relate to that, <b>it's a lie.</b> Isn't that wonderful?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The truth is, I matter because of who I am, not what I do or achieve. If I never publish another book, I still matter. I still have worth and value.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That said, I'm an author. (Not the best career for someone who struggles with self-worth issues.) So I've had to learn to define success in my own terms, then remind myself continually what those terms are. So I make goals (goals I have control over), I set aside time to work on those goals, and I try my best. And my best has to be success enough. Because there is only one Jill, and who knows what life will bring? Plus, Jill can't do all the the things she comes up with because she comes up with a lot. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">But if I "fail" to achieve my goal, that will be okay. Because I will still matter. I will still have worth and value as a human being. Not finishing a books won't be the end of the world. There are other stories to write. And if I can't write, there will be places to go. Things to see. People to spend time with. Writing is one part of who I am, but it doesn't define me.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? What are your thoughts on failure and success?</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-11126038828491368452018-07-25T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-25T06:00:13.236-05:00What do you do when you get stuck? (With Nadine Brandes!)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are back today with Nadine Brandes. As much as I've crowed about <i>Fawkes</i>, did you know that Nadine has a dystopian trilogy she wrote that came before <i>Fawkes</i>. It's called the <i>Out of Time</i> trilogy, and it's amazing. Here is a description of book one, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2zGcg42" target="_blank">A Time to Die</a></i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">How would you live if you knew the day you'd die? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government's crooked justice system. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2zGcg42" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="977" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0HoeEx1Tw9uGlHoqcP2zln57861gfpmDHDudj_OOIigYdhj3miBssnxJwbVN76SoBOcMPuydf3UYToo-YFZIlGJ_54pTOWhH7bdWUf30p4fxu40FOKqvMGgTNEsCPOkIQY8Kpe_LEA/s320/series_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Now, on to today's question</span>:<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What do you do when you get stuck? When either the plot has fizzled or the last scene you wrote took you to a dead end?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy1wwB0AwUwaFg570KvXL0aJ9FgK7mLSFML33qCRzQDM5iVDUscJiR9PKIlLXBFjavhHXsuXUWtzxunoDMkzf6wOgtlbFcwbUdTZmS4aPpy1r0Unj_RQr3dJB8Tp0kOCKPQPJWHx_pyw/s1600/Nadine+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy1wwB0AwUwaFg570KvXL0aJ9FgK7mLSFML33qCRzQDM5iVDUscJiR9PKIlLXBFjavhHXsuXUWtzxunoDMkzf6wOgtlbFcwbUdTZmS4aPpy1r0Unj_RQr3dJB8Tp0kOCKPQPJWHx_pyw/s320/Nadine+Day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s1600/Nadine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="178" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s200/Nadine.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Nadine: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I start outlining using bullet points. I don’t outline or really plot out my novels beforehand—I keep them organized in my head. But when I get stuck and I start trying to plot out the next scene, I usually get hit with inspiration. Or I’ll ask myself, “What needs to happen that hasn’t happened yet?” Do I need to kill off a character? Do we need to have a failed plan? Do we need a victory? Do we need a slow time or a romantic interaction? I try to think of what’s lacking from the story and then that’ll bump me into the next section of writing.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I sulk. For just a bit and then I allow myself the privilege of hacking troublesome scenes to pieces. I also walk, a lot. I live in a court and I pace relentlessly when I’m dealing with a knot or a plot hole. The neighbors think I’m crazy, but there are studies that say moving forward with your feet actually helps your brain problem solve, so I embrace the exercise wholeheartedly.</span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Shan’s answer cracked me up. I sulk a bit too, honestly. And my pride used to keep me from asking for help. I’ve now learned that if I can’t figure something out in regards to my story, it usually just takes five minutes of brainstorming with a writer friend to untangle it. Other writers (who know you and know your story) don’t have the burden of having to do the writing and untangling, so they have an amazing way of being able to point at what’s wrong and suggest how to fix it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Jill: </b>First, I fight with the thing, trying to beat it into submission. And when I finally stop living in denial and admit to myself, "I'm stuck!" then what usually helps best is to either do some mundane chore, like the dishes, to take a shower, to go on a walk, or to go on a drive. I need to get away from the computer and the keyboard and think, think, think. There have been times when I'll take the disaster to friends for brainstorming, and that often helps, but usually I can figure it out myself if I step away from the computer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If it's a major plot knot or hole, then I might need to spread out my storyboard cards again and see if I can rearrange some times, ad or take away. No matter how the problem gets solved, I usually fix my storyboard cards so that they read the right thing. Because I'll very likely get stuck again, and if my cards aren't updated, I won't be able to see the book clearly.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What do you do when you get stuck?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-68059331078797707782018-07-23T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-23T06:00:03.202-05:00Do you have themes that you find yourself writing about over and over? (With Nadine Brandes!)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so, so excited to have Nadine Brandes here today. I feel like I've been having a "Nadine Has a New Book Celebration" ever since I read <i>Fawkes</i> way back at the start of February! *throws the last of my confetti* I loved <i>Fawkes </i>so much and had to wait until July 10 for everyone else to get to read it too so I could talk to people about it. Gah! The agony!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, I'm thinking you all are probably not all that sympathetic to my plight. I think you're all like, "Hey, no fair! You got to read <i>Fawkes</i> in February! What gives?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tee hee. Yeah... I was super lucky to get to read a PDF copy for endorsement purposes, and did I mention that I LOVED IT?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is the description of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2L8WEKL" target="_blank">Fawkes</a></i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2L8WEKL" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrfOKr6kzt4DzBWzyq-irEiW2hMd0CbojCMtw-HJ9IxM8lzchr5tANX2TIKu9xKNh5pTOB0eF8bvcHgXbiXijN3cNftNyGRI4EWeKy3zdYwBk7nDmnV2a4RmrUTZJ3G97EPHCPrj8Ylc/s320/Fawkes.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father's plot to assassinate the king of England.</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Silent wars leave the most carnage.The wars that are never declared but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th-century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i>But what if death finds him first?</i></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn't do something soon, he'll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot--claiming it will put an end to the plague--Thomas is in.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i>The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.</i></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">No matter Thomas's choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there's no turning back.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And here is Nadine's bio, in case you're like, Nadine Who?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nadine Brandes once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning <i>Out of Time Series </i>and <i>Fawkes.</i> Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband plan to live in a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom. You can visit Nadine on her website at <a href="http://www.nadinebrandes.com/">www.nadinebrandes.com</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Welcome to Go Teen Writers, Nadine! Come and answer our first pa</span>nel question of the week:<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Do you have themes that you find yourself writing about over and over?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCf6BkUWRmSNcYHTv4j4aafnRi4p39pxPjgaUGVqB1V6sdQ3BLoPz9bFTr_Oyf7zUp0uAkwTi5g8kgWLolm-EByCoqa5o2UVvVFLSPdpHMKOOBufB5C_AdUq0CiCcLUqTMIDO43hIE_o/s1600/Nadine+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCf6BkUWRmSNcYHTv4j4aafnRi4p39pxPjgaUGVqB1V6sdQ3BLoPz9bFTr_Oyf7zUp0uAkwTi5g8kgWLolm-EByCoqa5o2UVvVFLSPdpHMKOOBufB5C_AdUq0CiCcLUqTMIDO43hIE_o/s320/Nadine+Day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s1600/Nadine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="178" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVwqBcOutCco6F7byu7vZqlgeeGmCKvBR9FlwhSKxXSbHGGGszCGuO8hyEAJ287l60gxGZHpNeJw_CvwNSnxbcbtXFJidyrcXxUJKd3xOABUQgmj2p0RHNjoIRPJnRHQhyphenhyphenHVI0vXcHQ/s200/Nadine.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Nadine:<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes! I noticed this with my most recent book—my fifth book!—that I always seem to be addressing the question “What is my purpose in life?” and how every single life, no matter its situation, has a mighty purpose in this world. I kind of like that I keep seeing that theme slip in. ^_^</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friendship, forgiveness, and bravery are a few of my favorites. These are all things I struggle with, not surprisingly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear. Always. Everything I write is about confronting fear. Fighting even when you’re afraid. Refusing to let fear win. And also faith. This takes shape in a zillion different ways, but I always seem to circle back to what my characters believe in their heart of hearts and how that touches on everything they do.</span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>When I first started out, I wrote a lot about purpose. In <i>Replication</i>, Martyr the clone believed his purpose was to die, and Abby thought that was totally misguided. That theme came naturally out of the story without my planning it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I still write about purpose some, but more so these days I'm writing about the discovery of who we are. Are we going to be ourselves or someone else? Wear a mask? Are we going to be defined by what others think or say about us? I'm writing about that in the new books I'm working on, but also the courage it takes to finally stand up to others and the world when you realize you haven't been yourself and you're ready to. So that's loosely tied to purpose, I suppose, but it's also about identity and calling. About not being willing to live a lie. Fighting for that integrity.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Do you have themes that you find yourself writing about over and over?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-15943952920794458642018-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-20T06:00:16.113-05:00Do you have a consistent writing process for completing a book? How has it evolved? (With S.D. Grimm!)<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the last day we have S. D. Grimm with us. I've so enjoyed her answers. I do hope you'll all add her books to your TBR lists. She is a talented author. Once again, her website is: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.sdgrimm.com/">www.sdgrimm.com</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> But you can also follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/s.d.grimm/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SDGrimmAuthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SDGrimm?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now for our final question with S. D.</span>:</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Do you have a consistent writing process for completing a book? How has it evolved?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJZcwAytMSIYFarC_ecTWAul8Z3K3ZCUHL_ivkcWysVfkx5BYScnBlHORdrut2H1z1Z3UaiHLkpL1uNWsTTtj1XATfleP8e90zhiFDwj7iC4I0upZEE7IsoWRB4O-5yOUac4P0ETpcxE/s1600/SD+Grimm+Day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJZcwAytMSIYFarC_ecTWAul8Z3K3ZCUHL_ivkcWysVfkx5BYScnBlHORdrut2H1z1Z3UaiHLkpL1uNWsTTtj1XATfleP8e90zhiFDwj7iC4I0upZEE7IsoWRB4O-5yOUac4P0ETpcxE/s320/SD+Grimm+Day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s1600/SD+Grimm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s200/SD+Grimm.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sarah: </b></span><span style="text-indent: 48px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you SO MUCH for having me here this week! It was really fun! And thanks for stopping by, everyone. Write on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes to today's question. [My process has] evolved dramatically. lol. I used to be more of a pantser: Well, I know how it ends, what would they do now? Is it boring? What catastrophe can I toss in there? Now, I am much more focused on the emotional satisfaction of a book along with those plot elements. So, I plan now. I meet my characters, get to know them and the main story plot point. Then I make an outline of the 8 major plot points and 8 major character arc points. From there, I make an outline of 40 major points, because that's approximately 80k words. And THEN I get to create a playlist of about 74 minutes (because my car plays CDs and I can burn one for the car) that follows the major points in the story. Then I figuratively crack my knuckles and get to writing. Once that's done, I revise twice, send to my beta readers, then revise once more and proofread. Then I send it to my agent.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I do. A very brief summary of my process looks like this:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-db2e19f5-90cc-43b6-3afc-a443c05f8bef" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brainstorm idea with critique partner</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write backcover copy style of blurb</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Research, if necessary.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write first few chapters</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write 2-3 page synopsis</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More research</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write first draft</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take six weeks off</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Macro edits, followed by micro edits</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Send to critique partners</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eat all the ice cream</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used to pride myself on being a discovery writer, but over the years I’ve found value in planning more ahead of time.
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Shan: </b></span><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the most part. Though I still consider myself a rookie, so I’m ever-evolving.</span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Idea</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brainstorm an idea by listing possible scenes</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Discovery write my way through these scenes</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I like where the idea is going, commit to it</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3">
</span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write a working synopsis that will act as my outline</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e6fce3a-90cd-a14b-556d-8721d37e08c3">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Discovery write my way through the first draft</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Step away for a bit</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Macro edit, micro edit</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Final read through</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Send it to beta readers</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try not to second-guess everything while I wait for feedback</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>My process is always evolving, but right now it looks like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First I come up with an idea or choose which idea I'm going to work on. Then I write a logline and a back cover copy paragraph. Then I start brainstorming. I c</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">reate some characters. I create a storyworld, complete with a map, names of countries, cities, and important landmarks. I create countries with names for rulers, styles of government, and history of conflict within their borders and with other countries. I go back to my characters and decide who lives where and what their lives are like. I come up with interesting backstory for the main characters and fill out my character charts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Then I move into plotting. I fill out one of my plot charts, coming up with three-act structure story elements and a few important in-between scenes. I write all these scenes on index cards and lay them out of the floor. I brainstorm until I've filled in all the blanks. If I need to write a synopsis, I do that here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Then I start writing the first draft, one card at a time. By chapter five or so, I will be able to tell if things are working or if I need more brainstorming. In the latter case, I'll lay out my cards again and set about fixing the problem areas. Or if I need to know more about a character or a country, I'll spend time fleshing that out more. Sometimes I'll ask writing friends for feedback on my magic system or plot or whatever has me stuck. Eventually I go back and work my way through the first draft until I reach the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">When I'm done, I'll take a break from that story and work on something else for a while. If I'm confident with the first draft, I might have some writing friends read it, but I usually wait until after a rewrite to show anyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">When I'm ready to rewrite, I scroll through the manuscript and make a list of all the notes I've left myself in the comments. Then I'll add anything else that comes to mind. (And often I already have a list that I started while writing the first draft.) Then I'll scroll through the story and fix everything on that list that is a big picture problem. Like, chapter three isn't working at all. Come up with a new scene. Or maybe I need to change the location of a fight scene. Once I've done all the big stuff and I know that the story is all there, I scroll through and leave myself instructions in the comments about the little things on my list. For example, if I want to remember to remind my readers that Spencer is six foot four, I'll leave a comment at the start of every chapter that says, "Spencer is tall." So when I'm going back in to line edit, if there is a scene where I can naturally remind my reader that he's tall, I'll try and work that in, at least once in a chapter or where it is natural. Like Spencer going inside a short door and needing to duck or getting into a tiny car and having his head touch the ceiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Once I have all my notes and reminders in there, then I start at chapter one and read my way through, doing a line edit and rewriting until I'm happy with the flow of the sentences. Here I'll also add description and change said tags to action tags, rewrite dialogue for character voice, things like that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once I'm done with my rewrite, I'll go back through and edit for my weasel word list. This is really tedious, but I think it helps tighten the story. I'll also look at first and lasts of chapters and paragraphs to see if I can write better hooks and also to cut and trim. The very last thing I do is spell check, then remove any lingering comments, which are usually reminders for the next book in the series or a place where I could pull out a good discussion question to put at the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Do you have a consistent writing process? How has it evolved?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-54531178476262484822018-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-18T06:00:11.276-05:00Who are some of your favorite fictional characters and why? (With S.D. Grimm!)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We're back with </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S.D. Grimm. Before we get to today’s question, I want to tell you about about her <i>Children of the Blood Moon</i> series. </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ujXwCw" target="_blank">Scarlet Moon</a></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is the first book in that series. I own this book (it's gorgerous!), and it's been hovering right near the top of my TRB pile for a while now. Life keeps interrupting all my reading plans, but I'm really looking forward to reading this one. Here is a description. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2ujXwCw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx14boZr_gFJG7BmgT2YJKsJdhqo9GHAlMqjiG7PLxz0V31hp2pQyEWHuwXPwDKyJu3QTji7BVjzEYMvy2QPhd9yzYyGcxd5k_BnVXHFTlSlZBPP3WmK_YelnOmKeWSOHn0ihsO-VpvsI/s320/Scarlet+Moon.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Evil is slipping through the cracks of its prison, and all Soleden trembles in its wake. Yet some would harness that evil to their own ends, and first among them is Idla, the sorceress queen bent on distorting the world. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Only one can stand in her way: Jayden. Upon realizing her mark as the prophesied Deliverer, Jayden conceals herself from her enemies and her Feravolk countrymen. But after the harm the Feravolk caused to her family, she s loath to rescue the not-so-innocent. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hiding her mark was never easy, but now that Jayden knows both Queen Idla and the Feravolk are after her, hiding her gift of the Blood Moon will be impossible.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doesn't that sound amazing? I really need to finish my book club book so I can read this one!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Okay, so let's get to today's question:</span></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Who are some of your favorite fictional characters and why?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys9iiIV-IF9NHpRcz-JYImLhGru3THNgYZFUnfeoGd1MDgw-EzCHTcbrd5ohZCjMdCOArGdIYvQAN39AMknFbWrXpJMW3sHt5aibTqLXSAbZnQuvzEjiX5Vfz05HrLI5hL2a6m-M_ySw/s1600/SD+Grimm+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys9iiIV-IF9NHpRcz-JYImLhGru3THNgYZFUnfeoGd1MDgw-EzCHTcbrd5ohZCjMdCOArGdIYvQAN39AMknFbWrXpJMW3sHt5aibTqLXSAbZnQuvzEjiX5Vfz05HrLI5hL2a6m-M_ySw/s320/SD+Grimm+Day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s1600/SD+Grimm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s200/SD+Grimm.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Sarah: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, setting my own characters aside: Quinn Runningbrook (<i>Defiance </i>trilogy by CJ Redwine) is my all-time favorite fictional character! Close second favs would be Newt Scamander, Captain America, Kenshin Himura, and Keith (Voltron Legendary Defender). Every single one of these characters was willing to see the light beside darkness in someone else and help them try to embrace the light instead. Every. Single. One of these characters was willing to sacrifice themselves for someone they love. Every. Single. One of them shows love by protecting. *shivers* That's my love language. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wow, I am impressed that Sarah was able to pull a theme out of her character choices! Hermione Granger is a big one for me. Veronica Mars. Lizzy Bennett from <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, of course. Neville Longbottom has a wonderfully fascinating character arc over the entire <i>Harry Potter</i> series. I really liked Sean in Maggie Stiefvater's <i>The Scorpio Races</i>. Martyr from Jill's <i>Replication </i>has a delightful voice and fascinating backstory. There are also some characters who I find very interesting, even though they are not a "favorite character" in the traditional sense. The Joker from <i>The Dark Knight</i> comes to mind. I like what the writers did with him, and how Heath Ledger portrayed him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shan: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could make this difficult for myself and chew on every character I've ever read, but a few are just easy peasy pics: Like Steph, I'm a huge Hermione Granger fan. Also, Elizabeth Bennett from <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. Wendy Darling, Sherlock Holmes, The Count of Monte Cristo. Jean ValJean from <i>Les Miserables</i>. Juliet Ashton from <i>The Guernsey Literary</i> and <i>Potato Peel Pie Society</i>. And because you're all catching me in the midst of my detective story obsession, I have to mention Detective Cassie Maddox from Tana French's <i>Dublin Murder Squad</i> stories. There are so many others, but what I love about the characters I've mentioned is that they each have very little in common. There's no rhyme or reason when a character grabs hold of me, just like there's often no way to pinpoint which real life humans I'll hit it off with. Something in the stiffness of their spine, maybe, in their unique brands of bravery. Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes and I love seeing it on the page.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jill: </b>Oh my. So many great characters out there. Hmm, let's see ... </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emma from Jane Auseten's <i>Emma</i>. I love how determined, yet misguided she is at the start and how much she grows. I adore Anne Shirley from <i>Anne of Green Gables </i>and Rachel Lynde. Jo March from <i>Little Women</i>. Hadassah from Francine Rivers' <i>Mark of the Lion</i> series. Kelsier from Brandon Sanderson's <i>Mistborn</i> and Alcatraz from Brandon's <i>Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians</i>. I love Percy Jackson and his cyclops half brother Tyson. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jean ValJean from </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Les Miserables</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">, so much yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh! I love, love Beatrice and Benedick both from </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much Ado About Nothing</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Their dialogue is spectacular.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And while I do like Hermione's character, I loved Ron and his brothers Fred and George more, I think. And Mr. Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Moaning Myrtle, Nearly Headless Nick, Professor Umbridge, Professor Snape, Gilderoy Lockhart, Professor Lupin ... Gah! Too many great characters in that series.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like Tink Igby from Andrew Peterson's <i>Wingfeather Saga</i>. I love the Grinch. I love FitzChivalry Farseer from several of Robin Hobb's trilogies. I do like Elizabeth </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">from </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pride and Prejudice</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but I honestly get a far bigger kick out of the side characters in that book, like Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Collins, Lydia, and Lady Catherine DeBourgh. They're nuts, and it's so desperately perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love Samwise Gamgee. So. Much. *hugs Sam* And I kind of like Gollum too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's funny, "they" say that it's often the side characters that make a book great. The hero sometimes isn't the most interesting character because he or she has to be the "every man" character the reader can relate to. Which is why, I think, we end up liking so many side characters more than the heroes. Maybe not. It's just a theory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Who are some of your favorite fictional characters?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-52614424407382770812018-07-16T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-16T06:00:05.253-05:00If you could go back in time and give your new writer self some advice, what would it be? (With S.D. Grimm!)<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are kicking off our third week in July. I can't believe the summer is half over already! This week we have special guest author S. D. Grimm with us. I'm super excited to hear what writing advice she has to share. Here is a little more about her:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-8b025989-4dca-42f3-19d7-f4bdb3675a31"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S.D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult fantasy and science fiction, which is to be expected from someone who has been sorted into Gryffindor, is part of the fire nation, and identifies as rebel scum. Her patronus is a red Voltron lion, her spirit animal is Toothless, and her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog. You can learn more about her novels at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.sdgrimm.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.sdgrimm.com</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had the honor of reading S. D.'s newest release, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2unCgvZ" target="_blank">Phoenix Fire</a></i>, for an endorsement, and I loved it! Check out what this story is about: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2unCgvZ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSnbjw52eFRjcGi2SDKHE6Lpn8CzDxS3MqLW-NIZfxS8SekCT0_nzgFTbMQk8kTyG8mLBZfOX8gp_MAWndSl_CFVW2iaUy_YyvqS4qlmbVJgnBqh__XG59djj3hnCqBB517CC0BbmVzw/s320/Phoenix+Fire.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>After spending her life in foster care, Ava has finally found home. But all it takes is a chance encounter with hot nerd Wyatt Wilcox for it to unravel.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Now, things are starting to change. First, the flashes of memories slowly creeping in. Memories of other lives, lives that Wyatt is somehow in. Then, the healing. Any cut? Gone.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But when Cade and Nick show up, claiming to be her brothers, things get even weirder. They tell her she’s a Phoenix, sent to protect the world from monsters—monsters she never knew existed. It’s a little hard to accept. Especially when they tell her she has to end the life of a Phoenix turned rogue, or Cade will die.</i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>With Wyatt’s increasingly suspicious behavior, Ava’s determined to figure out what he’s hiding. Unless she can discover Wyatt’s secret in time and complete her Phoenix training, she’ll lose the life, love, and family she never thought she could have.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Welcome, S. D.! Our first pa</span>nel question of the week is:<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
If you could go back in time and share one practical tip and one piece of inspiration with yourself as a new writer, what would they be? </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMRbzHpJi4H439ew9HSvv61_wDb46BM45WTZIaMXS5vmUlnzQ4L0XxkUc7kD60PtA0vNaDAKRoiHRLGYicAgTTIz-M3kvZut5Mo3ry5cbq2F4CLl6JcMIB5R4TfL8blhe3rckFP2X7Ng/s1600/SD+Grimm+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMRbzHpJi4H439ew9HSvv61_wDb46BM45WTZIaMXS5vmUlnzQ4L0XxkUc7kD60PtA0vNaDAKRoiHRLGYicAgTTIz-M3kvZut5Mo3ry5cbq2F4CLl6JcMIB5R4TfL8blhe3rckFP2X7Ng/s320/SD+Grimm+Day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s1600/SD+Grimm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgKh4vqADA5gcQmgOv-UxYXIf-n8jgWCl_lpBnIh3K_f-d8UJKkV7kWrJEHTCVQ1ZcXvpg_py2Nrj_Qyay3zCDD5w7zQia1cwc7PcWkSrCm0CUU7TxYPxwK8GNceSDfjA05za7RmEcQ/s200/SD+Grimm.jpg" width="132" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sarah: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you read that gorgeous quote by Erin Hansen: "What if I fall?" "Oh, my darling, what if you fly?" It gets me every time. It sends shivers though my spine because, yes, this is scary. And hard. But the dreamer part of me embraces the possibility of flying, like I'm sure it does you. ;) So don't let fear win. Jump.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Stephanie:</b> <span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My practical tip would be: “Start using action and emotion beats instead of dialogue tags.” My writing became much smoother when it wasn’t so weighed down by the dialogue tags.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My inspirational tip would be the quote from Michael Crichton that, “Great books aren’t written. They’re rewritten.” I always had unfair expectations of what my first drafts should look like, and I know it would have helped me immensely as a new writer to know that edits are a natural part of telling a great story.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-3e8dcc39-4de6-d6b2-d84a-432fceeea6c1" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Shan: </b><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oooo. I think my practical tip would be, “Don’t worry about being an author right now. Worry about being a writer.” We have a tendency to focus on career goals early on and while that may work for some people, it can distract from the process of actually writing your first novel. Write first. World domination later.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My bit of inspiration would be “Settle in for the long haul.” It’s a painful bit of advice, but it’s more true than anything else I’ve ever heard about writing. For most of us, becoming an author does not happen overnight. It’s not like you finish your first manuscript and someone hands you a diploma and a six figure salary. It’s painstakingly hard work and your schedule is not the only one you’ll have to navigate. There are a lot of professionals involved in the process of a traditionally published author. It is most definitely a long haul. </span></span></span><br />
<br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-58621352-4de7-086b-5fed-54f1fbf8481a"></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-58621352-4de7-086b-5fed-54f1fbf8481a">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Jill: </b><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Practical tip: “Jill, stop worrying about scene structure. That’s not how your brain works, and that’s okay. Just enjoy writing the story and see how it turns out. That will serve you much better.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because I was obsessed with trying to make my scenes fit into Dwight Swain's scenes and sequels, and while it worked sometimes, sometimes it didn't. And I spent years agonizing about what I was doing wrong.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inspirational quote: Steph stole mine! LOL! Seriously, though. That Michael Crichton quote is my absolute favorite writing quote ever, and I needed to hear it so badly when I was starting out. But Steph didn’t put the whole thing, so I think I can use it again: “Books aren't written</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">—</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">they're rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn't quite done it.” I needed to hear that about the seventh rewrite. I needed to know that was normal. And I needed to know that my book wasn’t going to be perfect the first time. When I learned to give myself permission to write a messy first draft as I floundered to find that story, I was finally able to create without stress. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, what would it be?</h2>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-6131006175790211362018-07-13T06:00:00.000-05:002018-07-13T06:00:02.382-05:00Do you outline your books, discovery write, or are you a hybrid? (With Jonathan Friesen!)Today is our last day with author Jonathan Friesen for summer panels, but you can sign up for his newsletter or email him on <a href="http://author.jonathanfriesen.com/contact/" target="_blank">his website</a> and also keep in touch with him through his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJonathanFriesen/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FriesenJonathan" target="_blank">Twitter</a> accounts.<br />
<br />
Before he leaves, we have one more question for Jonathan:<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Talk to us about outlining. Do you outline your books or discovery write them? Are you a hybrid?</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMamXy9_x7D-jnQcuyocwfHYcwm2EB2TB91w4toqGNvm5WmUUAT3iJG1ROF7n0w6NF3o6JK5VCP_33Xk0pcamQmoaBMIM4i3mCzhlThyphenhyphenwRbf_YI9Sm3X2eOsBM2120orsB0EAvdkB-VuA/s1600/Jonathan+Day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMamXy9_x7D-jnQcuyocwfHYcwm2EB2TB91w4toqGNvm5WmUUAT3iJG1ROF7n0w6NF3o6JK5VCP_33Xk0pcamQmoaBMIM4i3mCzhlThyphenhyphenwRbf_YI9Sm3X2eOsBM2120orsB0EAvdkB-VuA/s320/Jonathan+Day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOrYvCxO9Y60-g0-R04lUyF-xza0WedtEKRGDWX4n20wJ1nkMCNkE49CL1qar_B3kJeNUgKCiar-EYVFJeFy-ZaUh2uxLfsNUWsgYyRcb5g9q78qPCYg2IZkAPivd0I-URE3BJdOZmeY/s1600/Jonathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOrYvCxO9Y60-g0-R04lUyF-xza0WedtEKRGDWX4n20wJ1nkMCNkE49CL1qar_B3kJeNUgKCiar-EYVFJeFy-ZaUh2uxLfsNUWsgYyRcb5g9q78qPCYg2IZkAPivd0I-URE3BJdOZmeY/s200/Jonathan.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="179" /></a><b>Jonathan:<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I usually write a half-page narrative plan. It’s not much, but hey, it both gives me direction and leaves room for me to get lost along the way, something I consider to be essential when writing a good story. The narrative is short enough that I only get to include the most important aspects of the tale, which helps keep me focused. Now, I don’t get too excited about this brief summary. What gets me going is my other pre-writing exercise. Somebody gave me this idea, so maybe this won't be new to anyone: I ask every main character to write a letter to every other main character. These letters are long, pages long. This is where I discover the unique voice of each character, and the feelings they hold toward other characters in the story. Nobody will ever criticize you for writing a simple story. But you can’t get away with writing stories in which all the voices sound the same. These letters help me create real, unique characters. That’s when I get excited.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNkopPVLWi1N4KbRmCBb28KSDRqTZjERIPO1Xl96Z8kWzt0iPZZzd8920Ml9azfZyoGEOltfyXVmkvEVwFiPwbcbZ9Av-B6n727GMTbbKsVoS2XbHK5QMEkURSDuzpc7oWVdo0vYFis/s1600/JillWilliamson.jpg" /></a><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jill:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> T</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">hat's so interesting, Jonathan! I've never before heard of an author who had characters write letters to each other. I might have to try that sometime. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a hybrid author. I start out with a list of scenes for each major point in the three-act structure. Then I write those on index cards, lay them out of the floor, and once I decide how long the book is going to be, I brainstorm scenes to fit in all the holes. When I’ve got a pretty decent plan, I stack up the cards and discovery write one card every day until I have a rough draft finished. Sometimes I have to pause to rearrange the cards or add new cards, but this process usually gets me a descent rough draft to work from. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s1600/ShanDittemore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="134" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsT_4PqfMCL6szWeTQsPPLORFUnd9vDd-6K7gO6dLaoIb3G4YP9k3p-ShnobGdFoy2EH5QtkEC1X3bBIIqwhHu8i-ZvVwmbf3FtXghyPyUlaRSCdcaKDWUvjoWaTSC74BUaAnmg5pGrI8/s200/ShanDittemore.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Shan: </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I do not traditionally outline, but I do pen a working synopsis early on in the process and I work off of that. I adjust it as I go, and it acts as a guide when I need direction. Mostly I write by feel, but it’s good to have landmarks to shoot for. The more experienced I get, the less I am willing to waste time on things I definitely won’t use. So while I definitely discovery write my scenes, I’m more deliberate about them than I used to be.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s1600/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZ3KziHCVjwjEuF1ONiUSUJYWNuPO3slzmEQkbczx6mQU7NL_NlNgUozKT1lBWJ-YNtOOmSDg7F1M6Dgv03wZoD7bEhl8AYaJTdGhdTqvEjRrCybk1mx-1eKJ7unpr3jPIWNE5hz518/s200/Stephanie+Morrill+Low+Res.jpg" width="151" /></a><b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Stephanie: </b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a hybrid. I work best when I have a 2-3 page synopsis, and I start writing from that. Sometimes I outline an individual scene before I begin writing it. I have found that helps me to get the writing done faster.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about you, writers? </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you outline your books, discovery write, or are you a hybrid?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jill Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943570354349667196noreply@blogger.com9