WOTP: Emily Layne, Young Adult Author

Sooo... My original interview for this slot wasn't able to happen. But luckily I know an agented author on submission very well. A certain, Emily Layne.
Otherwise known as... ME!
You guys probably already know everything about my publishing journey thus far, but it's always fun to revisit. At least, it was for me.

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

It feels silly to tell myself a little about myself... But here it goes. I'm a Christian, the oldest of four girls, and I'm the cliche I've loved to write since I was a kid story. Courtesy of writing so many stories as a kid, my typing speed is 105 WPM and courtesy of my dad I'm a potato chip fanatic. Since I was eighteen I've been writing with the intent of getting published. Six years later (you can do the math to how old I am!), I'm still determined to see my novels on the shelves and to discover fanfiction about my characters. And, honestly, I don't think that dream will ever die.

What is your “how I got my agent” story?

My story is definitely a long one, but I’ll shorten it as much as I can! I wrote four books before I signed with my agent and didn’t sign with her until the fifth one! In total, I had over 250 rejections for all four books (one was a sequel).

For THESE WICKED WATERS, the novel which got me my agent, I sent out fifty-three query letters that all ended in rejection, one way or another—except one. In fact, I’d closed out the query because I hadn’t heard back from the agent in over three months. Time went by during which I was busy giving THESE WICKED WATERS a massive overhaul. A year later, almost to the day, I got an email from literary agent Becky LeJeune, asking to see the full of my book. And within a week, I had an agent! It’s still hard to believe how everything worked out. The timing was perfect!

What novel landed you your agent?

Well, I kind of gave this one away! THESE WICKED WATERS (currently a working title until a publisher decides otherwise!) is the novel that landed me my agent. TWW is a mix of different genres, but I suppose it could be classified as a Young Adult Paranormal Thriller. I won’t give too much away, but it involves an island resort, a centuries-old vendetta, and vicious sirens.

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

I did tons of research beforehand. I wanted to know exactly what to expect. But of course, you can only do so much research! I will share a few facts for the Call that I found helpful:

1. Make sure you write down all of your questions beforehand. Nerves will make you forget what you wanted to ask!
2. Just because an agent is interested in your book, doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for you. Don’t let the allure of “literary agent” tempt you to choose a relationship that isn’t right for you or your book!
3. Take lots of deep breaths. Pacing in circles also helps!

Have you written/queried other books before?

Yes! I’ve queried three other books. Books that I will never let see the light of day again! The books were:

ELEMENTALS: a story about a college student who finds an evil locket and also discovers she can control all four elements and also happened to be stolen away as a child into the human realm. (Yeah, way too much was going on in this book!)

BOUND: a time-travel romance where a sixteen-year-old and her bad-boy classmate are thrown back in time, their only way back home is for them to stop a murder.

AFTER ALICE & SHATTERED: a darker, steampunk reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

Realizing that there’s more waiting ahead. I thought that as soon as I got an agent, the hard part of getting my book published. When, in fact, getting an agent was just the beginning of a long (and sometimes discouraging process). But slugging through the querying slush was great preparation for being on submission!

What is the best part about having an agent?

Having someone who believes in your book as much as you do. That, and a buffer for when the rejections come in!

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

I’m supposed to be plotting a new trilogy, but it’s hard to get geared up to write knowing another project is out in limbo. Other than trying to write, I’ve been building up my author platform—which is more work than you’d think!

Do you have any tips for writers who are querying?

Make sure your query letter is the absolute best it can be. And don’t get discouraged with rejections. Though it might not be what you want to hear, sometimes the first book you write isn’t The One. Keep learning and keep imagining!

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your book deal?

I have a certain cookie recipe that I’ve been waiting to make since I got the idea for my book. You can bet that I’ll be baking and singing and dancing and probably crying.

I'm seriously looking forward to these cookies! It was fun to interview myself, though a little confusing too. Below are some links if you want to stay connected with me:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Oh! And if you're a fellow writer slugging through chapter after chapter, I'm giving away a free eBook, 14 DAYS: FROM BLANK PAGE TO COMPLETED NOVEL. Just click here to get it!

WOTP: Heather Christie, Young Adult Author

Are you ready for the next author in the Wielders of the Pen series? I sure am! Today Heather Christie, blogger extraordinaire (not to mention amazing author!), is stopping by. Keep reading for a glimpse into the world of an agented author on submission.

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a wife, mother, writer, real estate broker, amateur cook, exercise freak, and avid reader. When I’m not selling houses, I’m writing books and blogging at www.HeatherChristieBooks.com. I have a BA in Literary Studies from the University of Texas, Dallas and I recently received my MFA from Pine Manor College, Boston, MA where I completed my first novel WHAT THE VALLEY KNOWS. My work has appeared on Scary Mommy, Elephant Journal, Mamapedia, The Good Men Project, Grown & Flown, Parent.co, Bon Bon Break, Her View From Home, the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Sammichs and Psych Meds, and The Lighter Side of Real Estate.

What is your “how I got my agent” story? 

I did a first round of forty queries. I had nine request for either partials or fulls. All passed, except for one who said that if I did “certain things” to the manuscript, she would reread it. I worked with a developmental editor for a year, revised the novel, and sent it back to that agent. I didn’t hear a peep! In the meantime, I attended the New York Pitch Conference and received two requests from editors to see the manuscript. I emailed the agent again, saying that I had interest from two editors. She got back to me immediately and we set up a phone call for the next morning.

What novel landed you your agent?

My first novel is titled WHAT THE VALLEY KNOWS. (YA-Women’s Fiction crossover)

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

At first I thought her interest was stirred because I said I had two editors wanting to see the book, but during the call, it became obvious that she’d read the manuscript very carefully as she had several suggested edits before she wanted to go on submission. We agreed to a timeframe in which to complete the edits and set up a time to meet the following week.

Have you written/queried other books before? 

No, this is my first attempt.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

The waiting is by far the hardest part. I’ve been on submission for sixteen months. We’ve had several “almosts.” My novel is told from three points-of-view: two kids and one adult. The YA editors have asked for revisions, removing the adult voice. My agent and I have decided I need to revise, but that it would be best to have a second novel ready and lead with it before going out on submission again.. Ugh! So, I’m back to my writing desk.

What is the best part about having an agent?

The access to the top houses.

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

The waiting is brutal. To stay sane, I started a blog in an attempt to begin growing my author platform on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My hope is that a publisher will recognize that I have a bit of a built-in audience and be willing to roll the dice on me. Plus, the positive feedback from readers is the shot in the arm I need to keep plugging away. I’ve also had a bunch of my pieces re-syndicated on larger sites and they’ve gotten great feedback (and I’ve even been paid for a few essays)!

Do you have any tips for writers who are querying?

Make it perfect out of the gate. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Study great query examples, take a webinar, find a trusted reader to tear it up, and then rewrite it again!

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your book deal?

I will break down and cry! The process has been so long and taxing. Sometimes, it feels like it is never going to happen. When the deal finally comes to be, I plan the relish in the moment, savor it with every particle of my being, AND shout the good news from my rooftop! And then I’ll frame the book cover and hang it on my wall! 

Framing the book cover sounds like an awesome idea! Who knows, ten years down the road you may need to get a new wall to hang all your shiny book covers.

Want to keep in touch with Heather? Make sure you check out her:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Blog

Until next Tuesday!

WOTP: Fiona Claire, Young Adult Author

The third WOTP querying author is the fantastic Fiona Claire! Hers is a book that I would love to see published for totally selfish reasons--I want to read it! Fiona has a really interesting background, but I'll let her be the one to tell you about it...

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

In Ireland, I’m what is known as a “seanachai” (pronounced shawn-akee). That’s a story-teller. And, no that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m great at making up lies, although I can do that too. I carry on the tradition of oral story-telling as a Bard. I’m a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (or, a Druid, duh), which means I’ve done a good few courses and study on spirituality, my native Celtic heritage, meditation, natural healing, and eco-psychology. In short, I love nature, trees, and anyone with four legs. (*side note: this does not exclude two-legged individuals)

My first career was as a dancer with two different U.S. ballet companies, where I learned to tell stories without words. From there, I segued into an acting career and worked as an actress in L.A. for over twenty years, telling stories with words other people had written. Finally, I enrolled in writing courses and learned how to write my own stories. Sort of. That’s actually an on-going process, isn’t it. So now I’m the reclusive writer by the lake in the wild west of Ireland, where I have my own tour business and put together writers’ conferences combined with tours of Ireland, called Ireland Writer Tours. I love introducing people to this country, as well as meeting the successful writers and editors who teach at the conferences.

I was the sole reporter/photographer for the local village news, until it folded. My fiction has been published in Athenia West, Triad and Touchstone and my play “Sorted Out” won first place at the Beehive Theatre New Playwrights’ Competition. When not writing or guiding tours, I work as head cook and housekeeper for two demanding black men who worship tuna and catnip. I also enjoy dancing, late night horseback riding and discussing existential realism with the neighbours' sheep.

What novel are you currently querying? What is it about in a few sentences?

ISLE OF NO RETURN – It’s a YA thriller about two girls from Palo Alto, California on vacation in Ireland who get kidnapped and taken to a remote island. The query for this is a masterpiece thanks to Emily, Goddess of Query-topia, who assisted in its creation. (Oh, you make me blush!)

Who is your favorite character from this book?

Hmm. It would have to be the MC, I guess, because she’s a driven ballet dancer on the fast track to stardom. She’s sidelined by an injury, which is what lands her on vacation in Ireland, and she’s a total romance-geek. Write what ya know (ha)!

Have you written/queried other books before? 

Yes! A historical fiction opus that had two agents foaming at the mouth for a while, but they gave up before ever starting.

A YA time-slip about a miserable teen who moves from southern California to a remote lake island in Ireland and discovers her past life.

A middle-grade novel about a boy with Asperger’s whose condition sends him straddling a parallel dimension.

And I’m also currently working on a non-fiction manuscript and another YA thriller.

Plus ISLE OF NO RETURN cooooouuuld maybe be a duology, but Ima hold off on that and see if anyone takes the bait.

What is the hardest part about querying?

Pressing Send. Waking up in the morning and seeing an empty inbox. Getting back on the horse and doing it all over again.

How did you go about picking the agents you wanted to query?

• Publisher’s Marketplace
• Writers’ Conferences
• Talked to loads of other writers – (for me that’s frequently via skype because I live in a really remote location)
• Stalked agents on the internet
• Read the Acknowledgements pages of books similar to mine
• Joined a singles website (just kidding)

 How do you cope with waiting to hear back from agents?

Eat red licorice

Clean the kitty litter boxes

Write something else

Talk to friends and let them remind me I’m not a useless piece of goat poop.

And GOD BLESS OUR WRITERS’ GROUP coz they always help!

Do you have any tips for writers yet to query or people who are writing query letters?

Yes. Always brush your teeth after eating garlic.

Also, the usual stuff: Join a critique group and get as many people as possible to read your ms before you query (btw, we have one available spot in the group I’m in); REALLY consider feedback and rewrite before querying. Do. Not. Rush. Subscribe to Publishers Marketplace (you can split the cost of the subscription with another person. Study agents before you query. Who have they represented? What do they tweet? Do you hate their favourite books? If possible, talk to their clients and find out if that agent is an all-business-type or an isn’t-my-puppy-cute type. In other words, try to query people you’ll be compatible with. Go to writers’ conferences whenever possible, not only to meet agents, but also to take pitch workshops. These can really show you where there might be holes in your story.

Long ago, my college professor in Theatre Arts told us, “Practice does not make perfect. It makes consistent. And that is not success.” While a consistent writing practice is great, if you’re simply rushing to get 50K words down, you’re missing the point. Just putting words on a page does not make you a better writer, and it won’t necessarily get you traditionally published. We need an awareness of the QUALITY of our work. Also, how do people react to what you have written? And most importantly before we query, we need to know how we fit into the market.

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your agent?

Well, bless your sweet heart, Emily, for saying that day will come. Here’s how I see it: 

Points for using an I Love Lucy gif! My favorite show--EVER! Fiona's got such a fun way of writing, doesn't she, guys? I've got my fingers crossed for her because this a YA I want to read. It could be a distant cousin of my THESE WICKED WATERS. Which makes me adore it all the more. Who doesn't like scary islands?
If you want to keep up with Fiona and her writerly exploits (and check out the cool tours of Ireland that she does!) visit the following links:
Fiona's Website
Ireland Writer Tours
Facebook
Twitter

WOTP Interview: Delise Torres, Adult Author

The next querying author in the WOTP series is the very talented Delise Torres! I had the honor of critiquing Delise's query letter and let me just tell you, she won't be querying long. She'll discuss the difficulties of querying, her current novel, and how to cope while waiting to hear back from agents.

To start on a personal note, can you tell us about yourself?

I’m originally from Puerto Rico, and currently live in Germany with my German husband. I have a PhD in Food Science, but after relocating to Germany, had a hard time finding a job. I never considered becoming a writer, but always had ideas for stories in my head. While trying to find a new path, I decided to write one of them, and now hope that this will lead to a career as an author.

What novel are you querying? What is it about in a few sentences?

My novel is titled PULLING ME BACK IN, women’s fiction with romantic elements. My main character, Gwen, is an art gallery curator who rekindles her relationship with her first love, Jeff, someone who broke her heart, but she can’t get over. It’s a story about how obsessing with the past can prevent us from moving forward, and how a strong sexual chemistry can make it hard to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Who is your favorite character from this book?

I love Jeff. He’s my most complex character, since he can be a bastard but also charming, and striking that balance was really challenging. He also goes through the biggest change arc.

Delise in Puerto Rico

Have you written/queried other books before?

No. This is my first novel.

What is the hardest part about querying?

The waiting and the not knowing. I’ve only been querying for two months, but the waiting is painful. You never know if the rejections are based on the concept or on the writing, and unless you get some feedback from a request (which I haven’t), there’s really nothing you can do but wait. It’s hard to feel that the outcome is out of your control.

How did you go about picking the agents you wanted to query?

Twitter has been the best resource. I follow Writer’s Digest and they share spotlights on new agents, so that helped me start my list. As I began to follow agents, I found more agents based on their tweets and recommendations. The Manuscript Wish List website and #MSWL tweets have also been of great help.

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from agents?

So far, I haven’t been coping very well. It’s hard to stay motivated when all you get are rejections. I did binge watch all the seasons of Gilmore Girls to keep me distracted. Sadly, I’m done, so now I will try to focus on my blog and also write a new story.

Do you have any tips for writers yet to query or people who are writing query letters?

1. Read books in your genre. This will help with comps and to know how your story fits in the current market. Once you can identify what makes your story unique, you can better prepare your pitch. I had the challenge that my novel is basically a romance, but doesn’t conform to the specifications for that genre. In order to sell it as women’s fiction, I had to focus the query on my main character’s journey and the lessons she must learn, and not on the romantic relationship.
   
2. Get feedback. My query letter went through several iterations as I figured out how to best sell the story. I had the privilege of participating in a Query Bootcamp, where several people critiqued my query letter and synopsis, and I also learned a lot by critiquing theirs in return. After that, I thought my letter was ready, yet I was feeling insecure, so I sent it to Emily for another opinion, and she helped me see where I needed to clarify. So even when you think you’re done, you can always make it better, so always get feedback.
   
   
3. Participate in online pitch contests. My first contest was for the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association, and my pitch was deleted because it read too much like a romance. This helped me realize the issue I faced, and I was able to re-do my query letter before I started querying. I also participated in Pitch Slam and got useful feedback. These contests really help you hone what makes your story unique and how to best pitch it.

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your agent?

I will go out to dinner with my husband. We already have a fancy French restaurant picked out for the occasion.

Best wishes to you, Delise! Querying is such an emotionally draining endeavor. Keep your head up and stay in love with your book. Everything else will fall into place! Delise has two great blog posts that offer tips on how to give and receive feedback. Make sure you check them out!

If you want to keep up-to-date with Delise's journey, make sure to follow her...

Website

Twitter

WOTP Interview: Emily Smith, Young Adult Author

The next category of my Wielders of the Pen are Querying Writers.
Querying writers have taken the next step after writing and editing their book. A quick explanation of querying...
Querying is when a writer composes a query letter (typically a 250-300 word email introducing themselves and their book--which is a challenge in itself!) and sends it to agents. After receiving this letter, agents can either respond with a rejection or a request or, after receiving a request, an offer of representation! All the writers in this category are currently in the querying trenches, waiting to hear back from agents. 
Let's check out our first querying writer... Emily Smith!

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure! Hi I’m Emily (Actually, it is my pen name) I’m an 18 year old student from Georgia, a small yet beautiful country. I study in English philology, which I absolutely love! I also love reading, writing, books, and horror genre.

What novel are you currently querying? What is it about in a few sentences?

Ah, that actually is the hardest question to me, cause I don’t want to give away spoilers! Well okay, at least I’ll try. The novel is a YA Dystopian Thriller. It is about two boys, Peter and Josh. Peter is a normal boy, yet he has a peculiar talent and Josh is a serial killer who is seeking revenge for his childhood.

Who is your favorite character from this book?

Peter! Peter and his father! I adore them in every way!

Have you written/queried other books before?

 I have written other books! I’ve written three novels. They were about kids who were the descendants of ancient blood wars and were trained as a super soldiers. Yet I never queried them because I knew I was too young for that, so for three to four years I did nothing but revise.

Location of Georgia. Map found here.

What is the hardest part about querying?

To stay motivated and keep querying. I bet most of the writers will say rejections, but I understand that rejection is a part of business. Still, staying motivated is very hard. Sometimes I seriously consider quitting.

How did you pick the agents you wanted to query?

I often visit Writer’s Digest and Twitter with #MSWL hash tag to see if agents’ interest match to my novel. If it does, then I’ll query. I also read interviews, and if they think like I do, but their MSWL don’t matches with mine, I still query.

How do you cope while waiting to hear back from agents?

That’s hard for sure, but usually I still keep revising and doing my daily chores. That way I don’t think about agents at all.

Do you have any tips for writers yet to query or those who are writing query letters?

Yes, do your homework and follow agent’s advice carefully. You might think that you can write a perfect query letter on your own, but trust me, you can’t!

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your agent?

I don’t know! I’ll tell you when I get an agent. I might jump out of my pants. I might say yes that’s good, but I still have to get published, so I don’t know.

Emily, thank you so much for chatting with me today. Emily is an awesome name by the way. Perfect choice for a pen name ;)

If you want to stay in touch with Emily and her writerly journey, you can find her at her website!

WOTP Interview: Alexandra Moon, Young Adult Author

Our last (but not least!) in Writers Yet to Query or Be Published is a writer I've known for a long time, Alexandra Moon. She delves into her novel that's been years-in-the-making and shares background information about her life as a multi-talented college student!

To start things off on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I’m both a musician and writer. I’m currently in my third year of college, pursuing a BA in music therapy. Which, by the way, I LOVE.  (If you’re curious as to what a music therapist is/does, check it out here).  That being said, I live a pretty busy life.

I’m a vocalist. I have a heart for the stage, and spent most of my high school and now college career appearing in various plays, musicals, and operas.

I am a fantasy writer at heart. I’ve always loved stories that deal with the otherworldly. Whole societies and peoples and cultures that are different from our own. That’s not to say I don’t read non-fantasy (one of my favorite books ins Rainbow Rowel’s Fangirl), but dragons and mermaids and princes (oh my!) make me squeal like a child.

What novel are you currently working on? And what is it about in a few sentences? (Feel free to list as my novels as you like, if you’ve written more than one. I’ll tweak the question.)

My current painintheneckbutiloveitanyway  baby is an YA fantasy called THE BLOODSTONE.

Ms. Moon in perfect concert form.

As I said, I’m a sucker for high fantasy so naturally I decided to take a crack at one for myself. THE BLOODSTONE takes place in the realm of Vurga. A thirty year war is raging, pitting the four “Continental Kingdoms” against the Dragon Kingdom. And the Dragons are winning. The story follows Arielle, a trick rider employed by the Elf Queen, and Cayden, a musician hired by an Elf noble. When Cayden is kidnapped by an unpredictable Dragon, who claims to be doing so for Cayden’s own safety, Arielle is commissioned to rescue Cayden. What ensues is a dangerous quest into the very heart of the Dragon Kingdom itself. A quest that reveals the stakes of the war are higher than anyone realized.

If you can remember, where did the idea for THE BLOODSTONE come from?

So, I have this interesting habit of creating the characters, then their worlds, then the story that I feel like best shows off these worlds. So, I actually created my two MCs, Cayden and Arielle, in eight grade. Obviously, I’ve developed them a great deal since then, but I fell in love with those two and their relationship. I kept trying to find a perfect world for them but none of them felt right. Around the same time, I created Vurga, a world for which I had no characters. It didn’t take me long to realize I’d created the perfection solution to my problem. Cayden and Arielle were meant for Vurga. And so, the BLOODSTONE was born.

Who is your favorite character from your novel and why?

Vurga’s Dragons are born human and gain the ability to shift to their serpentine form over time. The aforementioned “unpredictable Dragon” is my unquestioned favorite character. Her name is Oki Dane and she is a ball of energy and snark. What I like most about her is how confident she is in herself. She knows who she is and she won’t let anyone else’s ideas about her define how she views herself. This is a characteristic I’ve always admired and always wanted to cultivate in myself. Plus, she looks so darn cool (I may be a bit biased here though!). 

When she isn’t a gaint fire-orange dragon, she is cinnamon-skinned and yellow eyes. Her hair—as all Dragons—matches her scales. Basically, Oki is five-feet, ten-inches of orange-haired, yellowed-eyed sass.

And the one-liners.

Oh the one-liners.

Do you have any tips for people who have “always wanted to write” but have never actually attempted it?

It’s hard to begin, but honestly, just start writing with reckless abandon. Don’t start out trying to create a serious project at first. Write for fun. If you’re in class and get an idea for a character, write it down. Do a brief sketch. Start getting a feel for how you find inspiration and your process. You’ll start to realize things will begin to come together. The more your write, the better the words will flow. The more your plots and characters will work with you. But you’ve got to be willing to experiment, to try and fail sometimes.

My early stuff is a mess—heck, some of the current stuff I turn out is a mess. But, the beauty is it

Alexandra performing in Carats and Crumpets

keeps getting better and better. Seeing improvement from one draft to the next is amazing.

Writing is a craft, that is carefully honed. Like a musical instrument, it takes practice. And practice takes a willingness to not sound so hot for awhile.

Be patient with yourself. You’re not going to turn out your magnum opus on your first try. Or your second. Trust me, I’ve written stuff I thought was a Shakespeare and then gone back and read it years later and…..oh my. But, I am grateful to those cringe-worthy little 1,000 word stories because they got me started. And as long as I’m writing, I’m learning.

How do you find the time to write? Do you give yourself a strict schedule or do you have a different plan of attack?

Finding time to write is a CHALLENGE as a full-time music major. I don’t know if any of you have heard the rumors about music majors having no life outside the practice room…

I can conform those rumors.

So, I mostly write on weekends during the school year. And, of course, things like Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, etc. All this means I can’t be a “fast drafter,” which is annoying for someone who used to be able to sit down with her laptop and binge-write 10,000 words in a single sitting without breaking a sweat. Still, I take it one day at a time, and I have to make sure not to put too much pressure on myself. I love my life as a musician just as much, so I don’t mind taking a little extra time if it means I get to do both.

Finally, what are your future aspirations as a writer?

Short term, I want THE BLOODSTONE ready for querying by March. Which, I think is pretty realistic given my current pace. If that falls flat on its face, I have a couple projects in the kettle cooking and I’ll tackle them as soon as query letters go out.

Long term, I want to hold a book in my hands. I want to know people are getting the same joy from my worlds and characters that I get from the worlds and characters of my favorite books.  That is what bring me joy. What makes me excited to do this. 

This was such a fun chat, Alexandra! I hope to see THE BLOODSTONE on shelves in the future (who doesn't love a snarky dragon?!). 

If you want to stay up-to-date with Alexandra's exploits follow her links below:

Blog

Facebook

Goodreads

WOTP Interview: Stephanie, Young Adult Author

Second in Writers Yet to Query or Be Published is the NaNoWriMo victor Stephanie! She talks about her 2016 NaNo novel and tips on getting ideas on the page.

To start things off on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Stephanie and I am twenty eight year old from New Jersey. I have completed and won National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), in 2014, and I am competing again this year (2016). I also write different articles and posts for my blog. I write mostly about theatre and I write about books. Other than writing I really enjoy musical theatre as both a performer, tech crew, and an audience member. I’ve been doing musical theatre since around age nine, and it is a huge part of my life.

I read a lot of Young Adult Fiction and a lot of different classic novels. I’m the kind of person that is an avid TV junkie, and I watched a lot of different shows on TV and Netflix.  I am in school getting my BS in General Studies, but I have three AA’s in: Theatre, Journalism, and English. I want to be a writer and a journalist when I’m done with school.

What novel are you currently working on? And what is it about in a few sentences?

The novel I’m currently working on is called A NOT SO ORDINARY LIFE. It’s a young adult real life fiction aimed at teens and adults that enjoy reading young adult fiction. The novel itself is about two twins named Phoebe and Lizzie who are fostered after they’re born, and it talks about them and their foster family. I also talk about their mother, Scarlett, and where she is in her life at that time. I jump around between the present, the past, Scarlett, and doing a trans media post which is Phoebe’s journal or Lizzie’s blog entry.

If you can remember, where did the idea A NOT SO ORDINARY LIFE come from?

Steph's writing area

The odd thing is that the idea for A NOT SO ORDINARY LIFE came to me one day, and I just had this idea about twins that were fostered from a young age and didn’t know their mother. After I had found the two characters the plot wrote itself, and it just kind of flowed from there.

Who is your favorite character from your novel and why?

In my current novel it’s my character Phoebe. I designed her a bit like me but a little bit different from who I am and how I act. She is my favorite because she and I have the same interest. For example, she wants to be a journalist.

Do you have any tips for people who have “always wanted to write” but have never actually attempted it?

My biggest tip is to just get the novel down on paper if you have an idea. If you don’t have an idea yet, but you have the start of an idea just start with what you have and expand on that. Think about the stories that you read, and the characters that you already love, and write a story like that. Just write even if it’s anything that doesn’t make sense write the story that you want down, and edit it later.

How do you find the time to write? Do you give yourself a strict schedule or do you have a different plan of attack?

I find the time to write by using NaNoWriMo sprints on twitter. I do follow a strict schedule of three or four hours a day, this works most days because I’m a planner and it’s the way that I live my life every day. For days when I’m busy I use the time that I have, and I just will either write in the morning before I need to do other things.  

Finally, what are your future aspirations as a writer?

As I was saying before, I’d like to be a writer of fiction mostly in the Young Adult genre, but one day I would love to write a historical fiction novel because I have always loved History. I’d also like to write reviews and recaps for entertainment: Broadway shows, TV, Books, and Movies, I would love to just write to write, and hope that people enjoy the things that I’m writing. 

Thanks so much for stopping by Stephanie! I wish you the best with your NaNo novel!

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