In which the author, who is not crazy, interviews herself and the voices in her head. Should be fun. The tag was created for authors by Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen as a fun way to connect with other writers, and help us all get to know each other better.
I’m participating in this tag thanks to the wonderful GJ Stephens, who is releasing his first novel on Friday! (30th November) He is one of the kindest people, with a genuine wish to reach out and connect. I really recommend checking out both his blog, and his book.
Name one novel that inspired you to write.
Not so much a novel as a series by Nora Roberts. The Calhoun sisters was this amazing, emotional ride and I strongly identified with the oldest sister and her struggles. It was exactly what I needed, at the time I needed it most. After reading that series I started wondering if maybe I could take my own scribbles and give someone else that kind of experience. I’d always wanted to write . . . “someday”. After the Calhoun sisters series, someday became right now.
What’s your favorite genre to write and read?
It’s easier to ask what genres I don’t like. I range all over, from romance to horror to SciFi to Fantasy. I’m a real mood reader, and age is no barrier. I’ll read steamy adult, sweet middle grade, angsty YA. If the plot fits, I sits.
Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?
So far getting all the words down and organized into a coherent plot is the hardest part for me, so the books end up being stand-alone. I bow down in awe of the pure time and talent it takes to write a complex, multi-layered, multi-character series with an overarching plot that drives multiple books.
Use 3 words to describe yourself:
Nerdy. Persistent. Loyal.
Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.
How long did your first MS take to draft?
Eight years all together, because I spent the first few concentrating more on college and being a mom than writing and kept it more of a hobby. To be honest the first one will probably never be published, but some Frankenstein form of it will live on. The two novellas that are published took me five-ish months to write, and went through editing for another two. I’m not a fast writer.
Who is your author idol?
Nora Roberts. Her characterizations are always, always on point and so vivid. Her plots are character driven and I love that.
Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.
May 2018 I was actively querying as SE White, and submitting short stories like crazy. Nothing but rejections were coming back. After a while, the constant stream of “no” really makes you start doubting yourself and your ability as an author. My first book, Big Mistake, had just released in March and I was convinced it was the suckiest bunch of sucks to ever suck. Then Mary, from the Tropical Mary book blog, accepted Big Mistake for a review and she liked it. She had some really wonderful things to say. That one kind review gave me what I needed to get some of that confidence back and keep going.
Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.
If I spill salt, I have to throw some over my left shoulder. I know it’s a superstition and probably makes no difference to my luck levels . . . but I also know that I’ve gotta do it, just in case.
Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.
Easily, getting rejected constantly is the hardest part. It’s incredibly difficult not to let yourself sink into a huge suckhole of no and forget that writing is fun, you’re actually pretty good at it, and you will eventually hear “yes”. I don’t overcome it, not all of the time, but I have created a little mental shield. It’s a folder full of my good reviews and nice comments from beta readers. I open it up when the nos are threatening to drown out everything else in my head. Also, I treat myself to some Starbucks. I didn’t say I only use healthy coping methods.
What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.
INSTAGRAM! I love me some bookstagram. The reviews, the gorgeous images of books, the other nerds hanging out with me, the readalongs, the book challenges, I adore all of it. I’d be happy on nothing but Instagram for the rest of my book-loving life, but I get around on Facebook and Goodreads sometimes, too. You can probably guess how much I love Instagram by that super subtle photo bar taking up most of the side there —>
Share Some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.
Eventually, someone will say “yes”.
I nominate the following writers:
Kibby at Something of the Book
Lynn Michaels at Rubicon Writing
Maggie from Maggie Blackbird.com
Cameron from Cameron Allie.com
and H.K Carlton from Pick a Genre Already
(Writers: Use the graphic provided and answer the questions. Be sure to include credit for the originators of the tag, Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen! Nominate as many other authors as you like in your own post. Happy tagging, friends.)
Thank you for your kind words, the shout out and your wonderful answers!
Of course! 🙂