Writing is utter solitude, the descent into the cold abyss of oneself. ~Franz Kafka
I’m incredibly passionate about writing. It’s something I feel I’m meant to do, whether I get published or not.
In spite of that, there are still a good number of mental hurdles in this journey.
If I’d known ahead of time the thoughts that would take over my mind, perhaps I would have turned back. I’m glad I started writing without knowing that:
- I would have moments when I’d look over my writing and discover it’s terrible–not just that I think it’s terrible, but that it really, truly is.
- There would be times I’d read writing advice that would tell me to not do something, and I’d say, “Ack! I’ve been doing that!”
- I would want to second guess every word I put down on the page, and that I’d be tempted to reword, rework, revise as I go, no matter how counterproductive it is.
- Most days I would want to give up because it’s all so difficult. … click here to continue reading >>
Today’s interview comes from Jennifer R. Hubbard, author of the young adult novel, The Secret Year (Viking, 2010). She is represented by popular literary agent (and superstar blogger), Nathan Bransford. Welcome, Jennifer!
Can you tell us a bit about The Secret Year?
After his secret girlfriend’s death, seventeen-year-old Colt finds the notebook she left behind, but he is unprepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship.
Where did you find the inspiration for this particular story?
I don’t know exactly. I had the idea of a secret relationship, a sudden death, a notebook left behind. I wrote the book to find out what happened next, and why the relationship had to be secret.
When did you know you were meant to be an author?
I’ve always been writing, ever since I could hold a crayon. I knew it would be part of my life, whether I published or not.
What is your writing process? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I mostly plunge in, but I use an outline during revisions. … click here to continue reading >>
