Extra, extra

The very talented Eileen Andrews has been interviewing writers and getting an insiders look at where the writing magic happens. Guess who she interviewed? So if any of you charming lil’ lurkers want a look inside my writing space, check out the interview here.

Here’s some of the interview, with just one teaser pic. You’ll have to check out the link for all the photos and the entire interview.

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The Interview

What’s the most important thing about your writing environment? Does it change regularly? Or do you require consistency?

I’m a closet romantic, so the overall atmosphere is the most important thing about my writing environment. I light candles, keep favorite books close, and start typing.

Some days I’ll switch it up and write in bed – just to be daring. As much as I enjoy spontaneity in life, my work environment remains pretty consistent.

Do you have a writing talisman? Something to jump you into writing?

Usually I’ll think of Jack London. Which sounds weird, but he said ‘You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.’

So that’s exactly what I do now. I’ve gotten into the habit of writing every single day, even when I don’t feel ‘inspired.’ Amazingly, it works.

Are you an evening or a daytime writer? What’s your writing schedule like?

I’m a day into evening writer. Typically I write between eight and fourteen hours a day, six or seven days a week. Though, lately I’ve been trying for a more regular schedule to avoid getting burnt out.

Ideally I’d love to write Monday through Friday for eight to ten hours a day. But I’m not very good at that whole cutting back thing just yet.

Are you a pantster or a plotter? What do you like about your method?

I’m a balls-out kinda girl, so it depends on what project I’m working on. The first book I wrote I was a complete pantster, and loved it. But with the second novel, I crafted a query letter first, then tried to make it work around that. I enjoy plotting basically for the challenge it provides.

It’s like‘Okay, I’ve got an idea of what I’d like to do, but can I make it work on paper? Am I going to fail miserably? Is this a terrible idea?’ I love the feeling in the end when it all comes together. Then of course I start looking for the next challenge right away.

Do you have a favorite book on writing? What made it so helpful?

I don’t have a favorite book on writing per se. I took creative writing in high school and college, but I think reading in your genre (and as many other books as you can) is the most helpful tool any writer can call upon.

I recently bought a book about forensics for writers, which I enjoyed. So technically that could be my favorite book on writing. Today…

What book or author has had the greatest impact on your writing career?

This is a REALLY hard question. Lilian Jackson Braun, Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich are a few contemporary mystery authors I just started reading. Shakespeare, Poe, Hemingway, Salinger, Frost & Dante have been longtime favorites. Kerouac’s Mexico City Blues is something I re-read periodically. Shel Silverstein is an author I was obsessed with as a kid.

I’ve also been reading The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides – it’s just amazing. I wouldn’t know where to begin with deciding the greatest influence! Basically they’ve all impacted my writing in some weird, eclectic way.

What author would you break the law to meet?

Find out my answer by checking out the link HERE.