Sunday, October 27, 2013

Kidlit Q & A

I was tagged by the lovely, Vijaya Bodach to answer a few questions about my current writing project. (Click here to read her answers.)

Years ago, I took a writing class where the teacher advised us not to give our stories away. By that, she meant that we should not talk too much about them before getting them written. Talking about our stories, she said, steals some of their energy. The more we talk them out, the more we lose some of the drive to actually capture them on the page. I have found this to be true and often have to hold myself back from submitting a project to my critique group too soon. I do better to keep my stories close as they develop. So I'm going to keep my answers brief.

1.  What are you working on right now?


I'm polishing two picture books and drafting a YA suspense novel.

2.  How does your YA suspense novel differ from other work in its genre?


As I write this, it's getting late, and if I fret over this question too long, I'm not going to get to bed, and then I'll be cranky in the morning. So in the best interest of all the individuals who I will encounter tomorrow, I'm going to skip this one.

3.  Why do you write what you do?


I wrote short stories, articles, and essays for years before having the courage to tackle a book. Writing for a YA audience has always been my first love, so it was a given that I would try my hand at YA novels. And writing flash fiction has helped me to be concise - very helpful with the ever decreasing word counts desired in picture books these days.

4.  How does your writing process work?


Until recently, my process consisted of snatching as many moments at the computer as I could. Those moments were hard to come by, so I never squandered them. Now that I have more time, I'm realizing that I have a real need for structure. Although I've always considered myself a pantster, with my current WIP, I've deliberately tried something new. I've done a ton of planning. I'm hoping this means the actual writing will go more quickly. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

5.  Any departing words of wisdom for other writers?


As best you can, focus on your work and trust the process. The more we get involved with social media, the more distracted we can become with the successes of others. It can seem like everyone is moving ahead but you. Nothing good comes from comparing ourselves to others. We're all on our own journey. We all have to find the way that works for us.

Now this is the point where I'm supposed to nominate other writers to answer these questions, but I think this has made the rounds pretty thoroughly (and like I said, it's getting late and I really want to get to bed.) So, if you're reading this, and you'd like to share a little bit about your WIP, please consider yourself tagged. And do stop back and let me know you've posted so I can come by and read your answers.




Monday, October 14, 2013

Sweet Talk

I hope you have a sweet tooth, because today's post is full of sugar: sweet blogging buddies and drool-worthy photos. By the time you click away, you may have a sugar buzz.

First I'd like to thank Marcia Hoehne for nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award.

The rules are: 1. Answer the following five sweet questions 2. Nominate five sweet bloggers.




1. Cookies or Cake? Cookies, preferably chocolate chip, or peanut butter, or peanut butter chocolate chip. Of course, homemade are best, but I'll confess to keeping Place and Bake's on hand for- ahem, emergencies.





2. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, unless we're talking Oreos. Then it's the Golden variety all the way. 





3. Favorite Sweet Treat? H
omemade fudge. My mother's recipe.

4. When Do You Crave Sweet Things The Most? After lunch and dinner. The meal just doesn't quite feel complete until I have a taste of something sweet.


5. Sweet Nick Name? My husband calls me Honey. Always. I have rarely heard him say my name. Actually, I think it would freak me out and I'd wonder what was wrong if he called me Ruth. Although, not as much as if he called me Debra, or Angie, or, oh never mind.






Now, I'd like to share this award with five sweet blogging friends:
Victoria Lindstrom When I think of sweet people, Victoria is at the top of the list.
Le&ndra Wallace Even though she gives a shout out to vanilla in her profile, and I am decidedly chocolate.
Sara Bowers Her posts are short, sweet, and give you a lift - just like a good snack.
The Art of Puro This boyfriend/girlfriend illustrating team have the sweetest illustrations. Take a look at their blog header.
Sara Dobie Because your first blog award should be absolutely delicious!