Saturday 19 April 2014

Writing Process Blog Tour


Writing Process Blog Tour
 
Recently I have been tagged twice in a Writing Process Blog Tour.
 
The first was by the 100% adorable, Felicia Maziarz, author of The Perpetual Papers of the Pack of Petshttp://www.stanleyandkatrina.com/2014/04/writing-process-blog-tour.html

Felicia was one of the lucky kids who had the opportunity to interview Mr. Rick Riordan on HuffPost Live’s Tell Me Why Program, with her friend, Erik of This Kid Reviews Books.  These kids are absolutely awesome, so hop on over to check out their writing process.

The second was by another extremely awesome gal  (also 100% adorable) who writes Middle Grade, and Young Adult fiction.  Give it up for Ilana Waters http://www.ilanawaters.com/my-writing-process-or-lack-thereof/

What am I working on?
 
At the moment I have a middle grade mystery with illustrations that I am about to independently release, hurrah.
I also have the third book in my Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy written and ready for editing.
I also write picture books and I have several manuscripts I am shopping around at the moment.



How does my work differ from others of its genre?
 
I write middle grade sci fi with a female protagonist.  That isn't so common it seems, so hopefully that sets my books apart and will get both girls and boys interested in the sci fi genre.

My picture books are quirky, I just hope one day a publisher will take a chance on them....
 
 
Why do I write what I do?
 
I hope to inspire kids to read, to write and to explore their world through the written pages of books.
 
 
How does my writing process work?
 
Early morning, I try to dictate using Dragon Dictate.  That is the only time I get without a very small elf bossing me around.  I also find I am most alert in the morning.

I try to do some form of writing every day, be it answering emails, writing blog posts, reviewing books, editing my manuscripts or conjuring new ones.  Some days I may only get an hour to do these things, but it all counts towards my writing routine.
When I am editing, I read it out loud. It is very painstaking, and my throat takes a beating but it helps to hear it out loud.
When I am revising, I am ruthless. If it doesn't move the story forward or diverts from the main characters point of view, CUT IT OUT, he he.
 
For picture books, I get the whole thing down, and then I trim it to below 500 words, every time.  No exceptions. Publishers will not take you on above 500 words unless you are already on their list.  
 
 
Next up we have Louisa Clarkson.  
 

Author of
 

 
 
 
Here's a few words from Louisa:
 
 
Things have changed in the publishing industry over the past decade, and today most authors must promote themselves to get their books noticed by readers. But promoting a book is never easy, especially for self-published authors or small press authors. They don’t have the backing of a big publisher; they compete against hundreds of thousands of books published every year, and many readers are hesitant to try new authors and stick with authors they know. So how do authors attract readers?
These are the issues Louisa Clarkson faced when researching ways to promote her children's fantasy novel, The Silver Strand, and that’s why she created the concept of Indicated, a place where authors help promote each other. "Authors are readers too,” she says, “when they find a good book, they tell their family, friends and colleagues, thus promoting a book to new readers.”
 

3 comments:

  1. Wow Julie, I'm so impressed! I love hearing how other writers write, the habits we form and how we overcome obstacles. Keep doing what you do!

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  2. I agree with Nina--you've got a great writing habit! Doesn't matter if it's just a little each day . . . eventually, it all comes together. Plus, who can disagree that I am wildly adorable? *primps*

    I agree your subject matter and protag make you stand out. Publishers are looking for more sci-fi, and GIRL sci-fi? So much the better. I wish you all the sweetness your writing journey deserves!

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  3. Thank you for agreeing to be a taggee (did I just make up a word?). Quirky is good! I like learning your writing process.

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