Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Writer Wednesday: Frequently Asked Questions Part Two

Today I have part two of my Frequently Asked Questions that you all submitted.  If you missed part one, you can read or view it here. And once again, you have the option of reading the questions and my responses or watching the video of me answering the questions.


How did you create such an engaging blog with so many followers, and how long did it take?
I love my blog and my followers. When I started it, I was interested in meeting other writers and readers like me. I’ve made a lot of great connections over the years. I also like to be very open on my blog. I embarrass myself sometimes because I’m just me, no censoring. I’m okay with that though because I want my readers to know the real me. I’d never pretend to be anyone I’m not.

I REALLY want to know how you write those 8,000 word days: is the family sequestered for the day? are you on a floating island somewhere?
I’m held hostage by a bunch of characters who won’t shut up or stop pestering me to write their story. Seriously. My characters are demanding, and they talk so fast I can barely keep up. That’s really the only way I can explain it.

If you could write anywhere, where you would you pick? The beach? A cabin in the mountains?
While I love the beach and mountain views, I wouldn’t want to write there because I’d be distracted. Give me my boring old house any day of the week. I can stay focused there and just write.

You get an incredible amount of writing done. After you fast draft or get your first draft in print, how much editing do you have to do?
It really depends on the book. Sometimes I read a draft and think it’s really not far off at all. Other times I cringe and roll my eyes at myself.

Has the editing process gotten easier over time?
I love editing. Call me weird, but I do. I think the English teacher in me just gets giddy at the thought of reworking something and making it really shine. That’s not to say that edits are easy. They can be tough, but I remind myself how it will all be worth it when I’m finished.

Does your husband read your books?
Only my picture books. He’s not a reader at all, so if it’s more than a few pages, he’s not reading it.

Which five books have moved/inspired you the most?
This list changes every once in a while when I read a great new book, but here’s what it looks like right now:
Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Divergent by Veronica Roth

What is an embarrassing moment from your life? Did it help you writing? If so how?
Oh wow, I have many. Let’s see. On more than one occasion I’ve used the men’s room by accident, and of course I’ve been caught. I actually did use that for a short story that I sold, so I definitely think it helped my writing. Also, I can convey embarrassment on the page with no problem now. ;)

If you still have questions for me, feel free to leave them in the comments.

34 comments:

  1. I'd be to distracted to write at the beach or in the mountains, too. Now sucking in the inspiration is another thing. Yeah, my hubby isn't a reader either. Does it bother you that he won't read your work?

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    1. Not really. If he was a reader but didn't read my work, I'd be mad. But he doesn't like to read anything, so I'm okay with it.

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  2. Your husband sounds like my Felix. He hates reading which I was very surprised after I begged him to read the first few chapters of my novel and he did. But as far as reading the whole thing, I think I'd have to bribe him with a really good dinner or maybe some football tickets, lol!

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    1. If I read my book to him, he'd listen. He just hates to read. That's great that Felix read your first few chapters though.

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  3. My hubby rarely reads my novels too. He did read Model Position, which had him a bit flustered.

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    1. lol I can imagine! I won't let my husband even look at my NA titles. ;)

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  4. Hehe. You used the men's room on accident? How long have you been blogging for?

    That's awesome that you are okay with your husband not reading your work. That's kind of you : D.

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  5. I get a kick out of your answering about being held hostage by characters!

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  6. I am one follower who loves your honesty and wilingness to share your embarassing moments and writing journey, Kelly. Love the FAQ, too.

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  7. 8,000 words a day is a LOT! I've definitely had times with my manuscripts where it grabbed me like that, but that doesn't happen every day, for sure!

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    1. Yesterday started off slow but I ended up hitting 12,000 by the time I went to bed. Something just clicked after a while. You never know when a day like that will occur, but it sure is nice.

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  8. What a great interview! I still cannot get over how much you are able to write in a day. I think my fingers would fall off and the amount I would have to edit would be overwhelming! :) Happy that it works for you.
    ~Jess

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    1. I honestly think I write better when I don't over think what I write. Fast drafting allows me to do that. Otherwise I slave over each word and the pacing and flow ends up off.

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  9. I think I'd be distracted writing at the beach or the mountains for a few minutes but in the end, it would give me great inspiration. I'll take it!

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  10. It's awesome you can write 8,000 words day. I get restless easily, can never focus on one thing for too long. I'd write for awhile, go do something else, then come back to writing. I could probably get more done if I plowed through it.

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    1. I get tunnel vision when I write. It's like nothing else exists until I'm forced to get up from my laptop.

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  11. Oh dear. I've been there, but fortunately I didn't get caught. After a long plane ride it's juts hard to see to tell the differences between the little skirts and pants on the door signs.

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  12. I WISH my characters would chatter at me always, but they go through spells of ignoring me. :(

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    1. Mine are so demanding! I had bills to pay today, but they weren't having it. The bills sit unpaid, but I wrote 12,000 words.

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  13. Love you more than ever, after reading these answers. You're human, after all, even if you do the impossible eight-thousand word days and leave us in shame. Anyone who sometimes uses the wrong public restroom has my vote.

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    1. :) Thanks, Mirka. Yes, I'm human and I have my quirks.

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  14. Your husband sounds like mine! =) Though I have to say, the one time he listened to me read Dr. Seuss to our son, and then started playing around w/ it and changed it to a story about diarrhea, was kinda funny... =)

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  15. I'll take the beach or a park any day. Sure I'd be distracted at first but I'd also be wrapped with inspirations! Love the FAQ, especially the one about you entering the men's room. Think I've done that, too!

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    1. :) I've also been inside the men's locker room but that's another story.

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  16. I've written the most in boring places. When I'm outdoors or at a nice place, I want to explore.

    You're so prolific.

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  17. I'd be distracted by a lovely atmosphere, too, or even a view out the window! I write away from home only if I can go to a hotel or inn where I can sequester myself behind the blinds or drapes and either eat food I brought along or show up somewhere for meals not fixed by me. I could never write in a coffee shop!

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    1. Yeah, I need to tune out the world when I write. No distractions please.

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