I
openly admit to being a pantser extraordinaire. I never know what’s
going to happen when I sit down to write! Each book flows naturally
from the previous one, and I like it that way. It’s actually really
difficult for me to plot. I do have to write synopses, but they rarely
bear much resemblance to the finished product. Fortunately, my editor
is awesome and doesn’t seem to mind!
2. Do I do anything helpful for world-building?
I
don’t really have much of a system. I do like visuals, but I rarely
tack up anything more than character models on my bulletin board. If I
need to “see” something, I’ll go hunting on Google. I do keep a
notebook for each story, but they’re sort of jumbled—sometimes I’ll
write chapters longhand when I’m not getting anywhere on the keyboard.
One of these days I really need to sit down and put all my bits and
pieces together into a story bible, because it really is a pain to have
to look things up that I’ve forgotten. Oh, I also write things on
Post-it notes, which I would not recommend for anyone. My husband
sometimes gets overzealous with the cleaning!
3. Best tips I’ve received on writing
I’m
a fan of the Nora Roberts method: just get your butt in the chair.
There are really only a few tips that apply to everyone as far as the
actual process goes. We’re all different, and we all work our own way.
But truly, one of the most important things is just getting your butt
in that chair, every day, and writing something. You can’t wait until
the spirit moves you if you want to make a career of this. Deadlines
are unmoved by anything, especially the spirit. Along those
lines, one of my favorite pieces of advice is from Steven King in his
amazing book On Writing. He basically says to keep pressing forward
with every story, to get your word count in for the day, every day,
because sometimes you’re actually doing good work even if you feel like
all you’re doing is shoveling, um, manure from a sitting positionJ
~~~~~~
Thank you to Kendra for sharing these answers on her writing:Please check out my review of Midnight Reckoning - a very enjoyable read!
Thank you to Jillian at Hachette Forever for these two books to read and for providing THREE sets of Midnight Reckoning and Firelight for giveaway!
1. Visit BOTH Kendra's website and Kristen's website and tell me something you found interesting and each site.
You must visit both please. This is required for entry and worth TWO entries.
2. For extra entry, comment on one or both of the reviews - worth one entry a piece.
3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
4. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Seven total entries possible.)
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* Limit one win per household.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 10, 2012
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on February 11 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on February 11 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.
and 
by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.
by Pauline Baird Jone. Read; review to be posted with author interview.]
