Posted by nisha on Oct 28, 2009 in
Blog 
Today we have fabulous author Jordanna Fraiberg to tell us about her writing life. Let’s hear what she has to say.
Thank you for joining me today for my Wednesday Writer’s Write series! Let’s get started. What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I always get a new notebook with unlined paper when I start a new book. I like to write in it almost as if I’m writing in a journal, with no attention to chronology or form (hence unlined!). I carry it around wherever I go and jot down ideas and questions as they come to me. This is how I begin to make sense of the story, the characters and the world I’m creating. I also need to be creatively fed while I go through this process. So I often have piles of books around me that I can dip in to for inspiration or to help answer certain questions, whether it be related to theme, craft or research. I also go to movies, watch TV and listen to music – all in an effort to figure out the tone, and to get in the right mind-set.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
My answer varies depending on where I am in the process. When I’m in the drafting phase, I like to get 1,000 words written a day. Some days this happens easily and quickly. Others are more arduous. I find that the closer I get to a deadline – and the more immersed I am in the story – I can write more. On the flipside, I also give myself room to not reach my daily goal and to recognize when I’ve done my best. Although that’s always easier said than done… When I’m in the brainstorming phase, whether for a new book or before I start a new draft (like right now) I try to spend a few hours every day outlining the story and writing in my notebook to try and solve some of the book’s problems before I commit to writing full chapters. But regardless of where I am in the process, one of the most important aspects of my routine is exercise. I try to work out five to six days a week. As a former athlete, physical exertion is something I crave. As a writer, I’ve found it’s something I need to clear my mind, and to help solve story problems.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I’m not the kind of writer who always knew I wanted to write, but in college, after finishing my thesis, I realized that writing was the thing that challenged me most. I spent several years after that feeling guilty for not writing, even though I was never a writer to begin with. It wasn’t until I started my career as a film executive in Hollywood that working with other writers lit the fire for me to take my own writing more seriously. I wrote a novel, which eventually got me my agent, and after that I came up with the idea for, wrote and sold In Your Room. Once I finished the final copy edits for In Your Room I made the decision to write full time and I quit my Hollywood career soon after.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
There are several things I tell aspiring writers. First, live your life. What I mean by that is go out and do the things that inspire you. Fill yourself up with experiences and observations. Even if you’re the kind of writer who doesn’t write anything autobiographical (like me – at least not yet!), inspiration and life experience will always make their way into your work, even if you aren’t fully aware of it. Second, read. Sometimes the thing that helps me most while I’m stuck is picking up a novel. Immersing yourself in good fiction does rub off. It helps you learn how to make language flow, how to move your plot along, and how to make your characters take risks. And lastly, write. You’d think that would come first, but my theory is you can’t write unless you fill yourself up with books and life first!
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m working on my second novel for Razorbill/Penguin, and it’s called Our Song. It’s a more serious book than In Your Room, but it also has a love story at its center. I will tell you more when I have a synopsis to share. I’m also working on a few other projects – a new book idea I can’t wait to get started on (once I finish this draft of Our Song!) and some things in the film world.
Wow, we really look forward to your second novel, Jordanna! 
Thank you so much for joining us! For those of you who want to read Jordanna’s work, check out her website to find more details, your local bookstore, or here.
Jordanna Fraiberg has worked in the film industry for the past nine years. Born in Montreal, Canada, she currently lives in Los Angeles, California. In Your Room is her first book.
Tags: Writers on Writing
Posted by nisha on Oct 24, 2009 in
Blog
Well, I’ll tell you what she’s up to. First of all, last weekend was Diwali, the festival of lights for those of you interested in the Hindu Religion. It’s this fabulous new year-esq celebration with lots of candles and good food and prayer and family. I was busy praying and getting my groove on with my cousins last Saturday in case you were wondering. 
I had to come into the office to finish some work, but that’s okay.
As for the book, I got edits back from my agent who wasn’t really keen on some of the changes I made so I have to hit the drawing board all over again. No one’s fault but my own. I think this book is finally starting to come together though. Once it’s ready to go, I promise you all I’ll be shouting it from the roof tops!
In my school life, I was “on call” in tax law, which meant my professor got to call on me for all the questions she had during the two hour period. Pretty crappy, but alas, I blew her away with my insane tax knowledge. Thanks to Barnes and Noble which is open until 11 on week days, I was able to drink lattes and study into the night, cramming for a class that I had slacked off in. No more slacking in tax law! I’ll try…
Anywho. That’s about it for me. I’m currently at the office again even though it’s a Saturday because I have to get some work done before Monday. How stinky is that? It’s okay though. I love my job. Seriously. I work with some really great and sweet people.
So that’s what I’m up to! I’ll keep you guys posted soon!
<3Nisha
Posted by nisha on Oct 21, 2009 in
Blog 
Today, we have author Stephanie Hale telling us a little bit about her writing process. Stephanie is one of the regulars on my bookshelf so I hope you enjoy her story as much as I do! Let’s take a look and see what she has to say.
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
Gosh, I don’t really know if I have a brainstorming process. When I get an idea (which usually happens in the shower for some odd reason), I just start writing and go where the story takes me.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I don’t really have a typical work day. I’m a stay at home mom first, writer second. I just try to squeeze in writing time when my kids are sleeping. It’s getting sort of tricky!
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I was a huge reader growing up and thought that being a writer would be the best job in the world. I never had enough courage to try until I was laid off from a job I hated. I knew then it was now or never. Luckily it’s worked out pretty good!
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Don’t stop reading. I hate it when I hear authors say they are too busy writing to read. You have to remember the joy of breaking open a new book and discovering new friends to keep your own writing energized.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
My next book comes out on April 1, 2010. It is called The Alpha Bet from Flux Books. I’m really excited about this one.
Thanks, Stephanie! We are just as excited as you. Thanks so much for answering questions about your writing life. We look forward to reading more from you! For those of you interested in reading more Stephanie Hale books, you can check out your local bookstore or here. To read more about Stephanie, check out her fabulous website linked above. Stay tuned until next time!
Tags: Writers on Writing
Posted by nisha on Oct 14, 2009 in
Blog 
photo credit: tobias everke
Thank you for joining me today for my Wednesday Writer’s Write series!
Thank you for having me, Nisha!
Let’s get started. What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I jot down any ideas I have–for characters, titles, stories, bits of dialogue, etc.–on index cards and file them in a box on my desk; so when I’m looking for a story idea I can flip through the cards and pick the most interesting ones. Sometimes several cards work well together and I combine those ideas. Then I start making notes. I loosely outline the plot and start writing. I usually get stuck fairly early on, so I’ll pause to make a more detailed outline. Then I just keep my eyes and ears open for anything I can toss into the pot. I love it when I’m working on a new idea and something from outside the story jumps out at me—it can be anything from a line of dialogue in a movie to an incident on the street—something that I never would have thought of myself but that fits the story perfectly and even expands it.
I also bounce ideas off my editor and agent, and they tell me which ones they think are most promising. That’s very helpful.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I wake up on the late side, make coffee, and check my email. Then I sit in front of my computer and write as much as I can, into the early evening. Sometimes (not often enough) I take a break to go to the gym. When I’m on a deadline, I give myself a quota of a certain number of pages I must write per day and I work until I reach the quota, even if I have to work into the night. I work a lot of weekends, too.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I’ve loved books from the time I was very little, and, like many writers, I started writing stories as soon as I learned how. It wasn’t really a decision; it was just what I always wanted to do.
I took writing seminars in college, thinking I wanted to write fiction for adults. One of my teachers asked me why I always wrote about children. I didn’t worry much about his comment since I was only 18 or 19 at the time–what was I supposed to write about, middle-age ennui? (The next story I wrote—trying to please him, of course–was about middle-age ennui and was a complete disaster.) After graduation I fell into a job in children’s publishing, imagining I’d eventually transfer to the adult division. But I soon knew that I belonged in children’s books. Suddenly my writing style and interests made sense! I remembered what my college teacher had said and realized it was actually very insightful.
After a few years in publishing I decided that, much as I liked editing, I’d still rather be a writer, so I quit and started freelancing. I really didn’t have enough experience yet, but I was too young to know how foolish I was, and luckily it worked out okay.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Write what you really love to write, not what has the most status or what you think you’re supposed to write. If you love fantasy, write that. If you love romance, write romance. All writers are born with certain strengths and weaknesses; accept yours and use them. You may want to write funny books, but if you’re not funny nothing can make you that way. That’s okay! Maybe you’re great at evoking the past and can write genius historical novels.
Most of all, if you really want to write, don’t give up. I’ve known many talented writers who never got very far with it because they never finished anything. E. Lockhart always says this, and she’s so right: Finish what you start. Finish it if it kills you. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad—just finish it.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m working on a novel called CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS, about three teenage sisters in a large Catholic family who have deeply offended their wealthy grandmother. It’s scheduled to be published by Scholastic in fall 2010 and, like HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT, it is set in Baltimore.
After that, who knows? Maybe I’ll finally tackle middle-age ennui. (But don’t hold your breath.)
Haha, that sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing with us, Natalie! For those of you who are interested in reading Natalie’s books (Like the amazingness of ‘How to say goodbye in Robot’) check out your local bookstore or here.
Natalie Standiford was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, but now lives in New York City. She plays bass in the rock bands Tiger Beat (featuring fellow YA writers Libba Bray, Dan Ehrenhaft, and Barney Miller) and Ruffian. Find out more at her web site: www.nataliestandiford.com.
Posted by nisha on Oct 10, 2009 in
Blog
I have had some pretty hot sexy Saturday men. Shia Labouf, Gerard Butler, Clive Owen, David Boreanez and Tom Brady to name a few. But Matt Damon is definitely up there as one of my favorites. He’s the all American guy that every girl wants in high school…or lusts after at one point or another. Enjoy!
Photos subject to individual copyright by photographers
Tags: Sexy Saturday
Posted by nisha on Oct 7, 2009 in
Blog
Today we have very talented author Jennifer Echols joining us. Thanks for answering a few questions for us, Jennifer! Let’s get started…
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
My entire writing process is a disorganized train wreck, which surprises and dismays me because I’m very organized about everything else in my life. The one thing I have going for me is that I WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN and NEVER THROW ANYTHING AWAY. I come up with an idea for a new book at an inopportune time–like, when I’m on deadline for my current book–like, at my son’s soccer game last Saturday morning–and jot it down on a grocery store receipt I find while pawing frantically through my purse for something to write on. I put it in the special place on my desk called Great But Untimely Ideas and come back to it later.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I get up at 4:30 a.m., work at my copyediting job for a few hours, take my son to school, work for a few more hours, write for about four, pick my son up from school, and spend the rest of the day with him. Some time in there I will squeeze in a long jog and, ideally, more writing.
Tell us about your big break in the writing industry.
I had a lot of query letters out for two different books that I was very confident in. One was my first published novel, Major Crush, and the other was an adult romantic comedy that never did get published. Quite a few agents had asked to see the full manuscripts of one or both. Then, in February 2005, I was trying to sell my house in Atlanta so I could move back to Birmingham, where I live now. My husband had already moved back to start a new job. My son was three. There was an ice storm. The real estate agents all wanted to show the house at once. Then the literary agents started calling me. You can imagine what this was like. I am surprised I was able to talk to them at all because somehow my son and I had managed to drop the phone in the bathtub.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Write the book you want to read. Following trends is fine, but not if they lead you somewhere you don’t want to go. This is a hard business, and it’s not worth it if you don’t love what you’re writing.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m on deadline for the sequel to my romantic comedy The Boys Next Door. The sequel is called Endless Summer, and it will be out next June. After that, I’m revising Forget You, my next romantic drama. MTV Books will publish it in July. Then I have another romantic drama coming out a year later, in July 2011.
Thanks for joining us today, Jennifer! Wow, 4:30 in the morning? I feel like such a slacker in comparison.
For those of you who want to pick up a copy of Jennifer’s books, you can hit up your local bookstore or here.
Jennifer Echols is a former newspaper editor, college writing teacher, and PhD candidate in English. She has written for numerous literary and professional publications, and she won the Whatley Award for the year’s best essay in the Journal of Popular Culture. Raised in a small town in Alabama, Jennifer currently lives with her husband and son in Birmingham, where she works as a freelance editor for scientific publications.
Tags: Writers on Writing
Posted by nisha on Oct 4, 2009 in
Blog
I have been SOOOO busy working on my final (well, hopefully final) set of revisions for my agent so I feel like everything has just been piling up like the dust in my apartment.
Well that dust is no more! I cleaned out everything yesterday and I have started to slowly chip away the things on my to-do list. I have been SOOO bad about blogging lately which I greatly apologize about. Two series have been regular, though. The last few sexy Saturdays have been posted and they are MIGHTY sexy. Go back to my previous blog posts and check them out. That and my ‘writers on writing’ column has been up consistently.
So with revisions, law school, work, and writing, I haven’t had much time for anything fun. Which is why, when my revisions were finished, I rushed out to my local theater to catch me some Bollywood. I saw a really fun movie ‘What’s your Rashee.’
This one guy dates 12 different girls, one girl from each horoscope sign, in order to find the right girl in two weeks so he could get married. It was really cute even though the hero couldn’t act worth crap. He danced really well, but that was all he was really good for. Prianka Chopra was the actress who played all twelve girls. She was awesome. I think she’s a really great up and coming actress.
To top it off, the music was fabulous. I’m still listening to it in my car…on repeat. If you guys can watch the movie or atleast get a hold on a couple songs from the movie, definitely do it. Lots of fun!
Now that I’m starting to get my life back, I have some school stuff to catch up on. I’ll post again next week to let you all know what’s going on! Until then, stay cool.
<3Nisha
Tags: bollywood
