The Writing Nut

Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome Sci-Fi and Fantasy author Simon Kewin.

Learn more about Simon and his books by checking out his website simonkewin.co.uk.

Welcome, Simon!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

 Simon Kewin, Sci Fi and Fantasy author

Software development pays the bills. I’ve been a programmer and software designer for twenty-odd years. My plan is obviously to write fiction for a living, too …

As to genres, I mostly write fantasy and SF, but also some mainstream. And things that fall between the cracks. If I’m honest I’m wary of genres; they seem too simplistic to me. I like stories that could be fantasy and could be realism, for example, depending on your interpretation of events. But, sure, give me sword and sorcery too. I love that.

Interests? Plenty in theory. A full time job plus a young family plus the writing means I don’t have much spare time. Sound familiar? But I play the electric guitar when I can and we love to go walking in the hills. We’re lucky enough to live in a very beautiful part of the world (the Wye valley in England). We also go to the theatre and art galleries and concerts whenever we get chance. I also love computer games. When I was a boy I would play them for days on end. One day I shall do so again!

Oh, and cricket. I love cricket. Let me know if you want me to explain the rules…

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I have a desk in the room I optimistically  call “the study”. Other members of my family might have different names for it. Like “playroom” for example. I can write almost anywhere really and that’s something I’ve become used to doing over the years. All I really need is my laptop or a notebook and some peace and I’m happy. This picture is of my desk in “the study”, where I guess I do most of my writing. Also the view from my window. Sometimes I think it should be more mundane and less distracting (I enclose a couple of pictures). I did a degree in literature a few years back, fitting it in and around the rest of my life. It was invaluable experience at writing to deadlines with limited time and lots of distractions. That’s something I continue to do.

Simon’s workspace

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

My desk is just a desk, nothing special. I have a fantasy of having a writer’s retreat: a little room all of my own with an oak desk and my computer and all my books around me and a door I can shut. Maybe one day. As to arranging things, I can’t work in a mess. It’s impossible for me. I have to have a completely tidy desk before I can start work. I don’t know why. I spend a lot of time tidying my workspace rather than writing in it…

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

I’d say none. Is that odd? Apart from the lack of clutter already mentioned I just need a computer. And a cup of coffee is always good. I listen to music sometimes, once I’m into a piece and it’s flowing. But at the thinking/planning stage I tend to work in silence.

The view from my desk in summer

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

Just the computer…

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

I like my coffee black and strong. Sometimes coke or grapefruit juice. I very rarely drink alcohol because, alas, it gives me a migraine.

The view from my desk in winter

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I find this almost impossible to answer. At a pinch I might say Ursula K. Le Guin. But, really, where do you start?

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

Like many people, I don’t get that much writing time. I’ve learned over the years not to have time for quirks or rituals (apart from the tidying thing), but just to sit down and write when I can. Because it can be hard to do that, I’ve gotten into the habit of spending other parts of my day thinking about what I’m going to write when I get chance. Running through scenes and ideas in my head. I find this invaluable. When it works, I find I can just sit down and splurge out 1000 words onto the page.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

Barring holidays and sickness I write every day. At least an hour but the more the better. I set myself daily word count targets and I make sure I stick to them. Distractions are too numerous to mention but I think that’s one of the great things about having limited time to write. If I had the whole day I’d spend half of it on Twitter and Facebook and Pinterest. I basically set aside all distractions and write.

4. Why do you write?

I don’t know. I have to. I guess my question would be, why don’t other people?

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

Just don’t ever give up. Write what you want and need to write. Don’t let the inevitable rejections stop you. They’re not a rejection of you, they’re just one editor’s opinion of one of the stories you wrote. Another editor – even the same editor in a different mood – might have accepted it.

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Thanks,Simon, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome MG/YA and Thriller author Catherine Stine.

Welcome, Catherine !

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

MG/YA/Thriller Author Catherine Stine

Hi everyone!

My name’s Catherine Stine and I write YA and kid’s novels. In YA I’ve written a futuristic thriller with a generous dash of romance called Fireseed One. It is set on a changed earth in 2089 and asks the question, What if only your worst enemy could help you save the world? Varik, the son of a murdered marine biologist, must travel to a lethal desert with his enemy, Marisa who’s destroyed the world’s crops, for a mythical hybrid that may not even exist.

Now, I’m writing its sequel, Scarlet’s Fire**, set eight years later. I ask the question, If Everything About You Changes, What Remains? Fifteen year-old Scarlet, long-pledged to the much older Stiles from the Fireseed desert cult, escapes with only a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn. I’ve also recently completed a YA horror-laced fantasy. I love writing speculative fiction!

For middle graders I’ve written fun adventure stuff like A Girl’s Best Friend for American Girl about kids who volunteer at a pet-sitting place, where a feisty Husky dog named Pepper keeps escaping! It’s a choose-your-own adventure with over 20 endings.

These two distinct genres appeal to the two sides of my personality: adventurous and fun, yet futuristic and ever-curious. I’m also an illustrator, and for Fireseed One I did nine original drawings.

Here’s one of Flyfish, a hybrid of fish and sea-grapes, allowing the fish to grow up on vines in floating warehouses!

I teach creative writing and literature part-time as well. I love teaching almost as much as I love writing and drawing.

On Workspace

I write in three different places—at home, at a communal writing space and in the country—again, a testament to the various parts of my personality.

My small home office in New York I call the Rabbit Hole. Here are pictures of it.

The Rabbit Hole has a welter of illustrations, photos and Xeroxes of checks from various jobs, which I find motivational. Perhaps it’s the Capricorn in me. I pin up photos of my characters, which I gaze at, imagining what each might do and say.

I also belong to a writers’ space in downtown Manhattan, where I work in a cubicle to the sound of other writers typing. It helps me stay serious and focused to hear other people work too!

On some weekends, I work in the Catskills, in an old cow barn. My writing beverage is black coffee in the morning, and black tea all day. No milk, no sugar in either, but I do like a sugary treat in the afternoon.

Catherine’s first grade art (pig lovers)

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

It’s impossible to say who my favorite author is! In adult fiction I like Don DeLillo and Justin Cronin. In YA, I’m enjoying Franny Billingsley. I’m reading some great indie YA, and I love to find new authors of this type. My latest indie fave is Alison DeLuca.

2. Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

On a good day, I spend up to 3 or 4 hours writing. Most days it’s more like 2. If I write consistently, it adds up. I did 45K words in November, which I was happy with. My worst distraction hands down is Facebook! I love to check in on my writing friends and also read what’s up in the news.

3. Why do you write?

Why do I write? To entertain! To thrill, to discover, to creep myself out and explode verbal and visual pyrotechnics all over the place. I write for the love of my characters, and to describe this crazy, lyrical dance called life.

4. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

Favorite writing quotes? Oh, many. DeLillo is good: “What we are reluctant to touch often seems the very fabric of our salvation” and “I don’t want your candor. I want your soul in a silver thimble.” How’s that for sliding-off-the-tongue spectacular?

If you like funny, Oscar Wilde is the man: “Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.”

Writerly advice: Chop the first ten pages off your manuscript, and then revise, revise revise! After that, get a trusted beta reader to edit, and shampoo, rinse, repeat!

Thanks, Nutschell, for inviting me over for this visit!

 **Catherine is still debating on whether to use Scarlet’s Fire or Ruby’s Fire for her sequel title. Maybe you can help her out by casting your votes below. 

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Thanks, Catherine, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

You can learn more about Catherine on her website - catherinestine.com and on her idea city blog. 

You can also purchase Catherine’s books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace. My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome Shelly Arkon, author of Secondhand Shoes.

Shelly’s Bio

 When Shelly isn’t doing the laundry, cleaning, cooking, chasing grandkids, listening to daughter drama (five of them), or lopping heads of hair at the salon, she’s writing beside her two fur-peeps, Sir Poops and Hair Ball, while her hubby is flipping through TV channels. Her debut novel, Secondhand Shoes, will be out soon. She’s also the keeper of  Secondhand Shoes, A Novel, http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/ and The Life of a Novice Writer http://www.shellysnovicewritings.blogspot.com/

Welcome, Shelly!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

 Shelly and her cute grandkid

I’m a hair lopper for one of those chain salons. I’m like a hair cut robot. It’s a lot like factory work. The chair is my conveyor belt for heads of hair.

My hobbies are trying to keep up with Jillian Michael’s workout videos. I used to go to the gym 6 days a week at two hour pops. I spinned, boot camped, and weight trained until one day I drained my adrenals. So now I work out at home, 3 days a week, and stop when my body says its time. Nausea speaks pretty loud. Don’t you think?

I can write and spell anything backwards. Now that’s a special talent.  I’m dyslexic. I hope this doesn’t disqualify me as a writer. An attorney, I once worked for told me I’d never get any where since I could never spell anything correctly. Ha! Lesson learned. I’ve got spell check, and I always ask people how to spell their names now when I sign them in for their appointments. Also, I have a nice collection of dictionaries to help me out.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

My writing areas are all over the place lately. When my 23-year-old daughter moved back in I lost my office. Sometimes I write at the kitchen table but my legs and feet swell.  So when that happens I opt out for either the sofa or my big bed.

Shelly’s workspace

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

I got my kitchen table from a store called Sticks and Things in 2005. They went bankrupt not long after.

Our bed came from Haverty’s.

The sofa came from The Leather Store.

I use Sir Poops and Hair Balls crates to organize my ‘how to’ books, thesaurus’s, dictionaries, and note cards. I also keep a poster board full of Post-It Notes with ideas. I’m a pantser so plotting ruins everything for me.

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

My tablet. Just in case something pops into my head about the story I’m writing or another one I’m working on. Strange how that happens. Maybe it has something to do with the cinnamon and vanilla smelling candles I keep burning near-by. Gotta have candles.

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

I like the kitchen table because I have a great view of a palm tree and a blue Florida sky. And like I mentioned above, I need my tablet and my candles.

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

Water and hot tea are my writing beverages. I love British, mint, and jasmine teas. Stevia is my choice of sweetner, too.

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I don’t really have any favorites. Although, there are a lot of new authors I love like Lorelei Bell, Lisa Olsen, and Mike Saxton. When I was a kid, I devoured Anne of Greene Gables and the Laura Ingalls series. My inspiration came from these series along with watching the old vampire and werewolf movies. I’ve wanted to write ever  since I was nine. 

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

The mornings I use to write my blog, read other blogs and comment. I also go through e-mails and do a little social networking on my days off. Most times I’m an evening writer but will stop by 10 PM. I need sleep. I also write to Egnigma, Soundscapes, and Sarah Brightman. This music puts me in the zone.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

 I spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours a day writing. It depends on how I feel. If I can’t push a full four hours I don’t because then I just can’t produce. As for distractions, once I’m in the zone no one can take me out. Sir Poops and Hair Ball are my best motivators. They listen to me read my stuff a loud. And they always approve.

Sir Poops-a-Lot and Hair Ball

 4. Why do you write?

I write because I have to. The voices don’t stop. Ideas are always coming even when I’m sleeping. Good stories come out of dreams, you know.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

Just write. Don’t worry if its perfect. Doing something everyday makes you better. We’ll never be perfect. Even after our book is sitting on a shelf or on Amazon. We’ll still find something we could have changed. Go to a critique group to get feedback. Reach out for beta-readers, too. Never beat yourself up. My favorite quote is a Nike one: Just do it!

And thank you so much for inviting me to do this. This is one of my favorite posts that you do. This was an honor.

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Thanks, Shelly, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome YA Writer Lynda Young, author of that fun blog W.I.P. It: An Author’s Journey.

Welcome, Lynda!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

I used to work in graphic design and 3D animation until I chose an early retirement and decided to write full-time.  My favorite genre is anything speculative, so that includes scifi, fantasy, paranormal, anything strange and unusual. My hobbies would include photography, art, and eating chocolate. No hidden talents, but I do love puzzles despite not being so good at solving them.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

Even though I have an office, I do most of my writing on the couch. I open up the windows and let the sun pour in. The cat will sit on the armrest or on the back of the couch behind my head, which adds to the cozy feeling.

Lynda’s workspace

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

My office space is super small. I share it will my hubby, and we both have a lot of junk to spread out. It’s also cold in winter and hot in summer. When I went desk hunting I picked a corner desk with a matching set of file drawers. Hubby uses one corner of the room and I use the other. There’s just enough room for a heater or a fan to sit between us, depending on the season. I decorated the walls with framed images of my published artwork. And I love my fairy lights.

Lynda’s office desk

 3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

I don’t need anything specific for writing, though I do love my toys, e.g. my purple pens, my kindle, my gazillion notebooks. However, while at my desk my calendar sits on my left (for checking the deadlines), my printer/scanner on my right, and my Wacom tablet (a digital art tool) sits in front of me (under all the junk in the pic), along with my computer, of course. I also use two whiteboards. They don’t fit in the office so they hang on the wall in the back room. It’s here I do a lot of brainstorming, and map out my storylines

Lynda’s whiteboards

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

I love that I can move around the house and write just as comfortably on the couch, in the backroom, or in my office. I like the variety, the natural light, and my purple pens.

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

Mostly I drink water. Sometimes in winter, I’ll drink a herbal tea instead. If I want to be naughty, I’ll have a hot chocolate. I’m not a coffee drinker—gasp!

Lynda’s favorite picture (She’s the one in the middle)

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

When my primary school teacher read out The Hobbit to his class, I fell in love with the story. It’s rare I’ll read a book more than once, but I’ve read The Hobbit twice and Lord of the Rings three times. Tolkien has been my biggest influence, even though my writing isn’t Tolkienesque. I love his fully-realized world.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

My typical day as a writer: After a morning walk and waving my hubby off to work, I have breakfast, read the bible, and check my emails. I try to stop my online social interaction there. It doesn’t always work. Sometimes I can’t help it and I have to visit some blogs first, or twitter. After 9am I settle in and start writing. Sometimes I’ll forget to have lunch so my hubby has a habit of reminding me via instant messaging. If after lunch the writing is still flowing then I’ll keep going. I usually can’t write much after 2.30pm though. The mind starts to drift. After that I’ll read for an hour or so. Then I’ll throw myself into social media. I finish when my hubby comes home. The rest of the evening is spent with him—cooking, talking, laughing, playing computer games, or watching movies. Sometimes I’ll blog after dinner if my writing took over during the day, but I’d prefer to just switch off from everything for a while.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

I try to write every day. On weekdays my average writing time is only about 5 hours a day. On weekends I’ll write up my blog posts for the week or I’ll work for a couple hours on my latest manuscript. My biggest distractions are social media—blog visits, Twitter, and Facebook … and solitaire (bad, I know).

4. Why do you write?

I’ve been bitten by the curse of a creative mind. I call it a curse because if I deny creativity, or if it doesn’t happen easily, then I go a little strange and restless and sometimes even grumpy. I write to keep others around me sane.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

My favorite tip I like to give writers is this: Keep writing. Don’t give up. Write because you love it, not because you want to get published.

My favorite quote is from Jack London: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”

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Thanks, Lynda, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome Miranda Hardy, author of that fun blog Miranda Hardy: Future New York Times Bestseller! 

Welcome, Miranda!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

Miranda Hardy

If anyone asks me what I do for a living, I tell them I’m a writer. I do, however, have another side job in which I work as a commercial credit underwriter, so basically I’m always writing one thing or another.

I write in several different genres (children’s picture book, sci-fi, fantasy, inspirational), but I’m currently working on a YA Paranormal/Horror.

As hobbies, I enjoy capturing awesome wildlife pictures and torturing my children by making them do crazy things like blow up 1,000 or so balloons in order to prank a colleagues’ workspace. I’ve also been known to do wild fun things like white water rafting and rugged hiking from time to time.

Miranda river rafting with friends

I have, on occasion, completed an acrylic painting or two…have to love Bob Ross!

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I write in a variety of places, but I’ve written tons at my desk in my bedroom. I also write at the library on the weekends.

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

 My desk was given to me by the wonderful and talented Ainsley Shay. I put things that are important to me on the desk for inspiration.

 Miranda’s Workspace

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

 I have an accounting clock that belonged to a dear uncle of mine. I also have a very important message written out above my desk, a gift from Ainsley also. It’s a good reminder to just WRITE.

Miranda’s Accounting Clock

 4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

 I love that my desk is in my room, in my own space, away from the noise that occupies my house on a daily basis. I have a dictionary and thesaurus, as well as a book of 10,000 baby names…all very handy tools.

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

Tea, unsweetened iced tea.

Miranda’s inspirational board

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I’ve read a lot of classic’s in my youth, but I didn’t get serious about writing until after I took a literature class in college. Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” inspired me.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

Lately, I don’t begin to write until the late evening hours during the weekday. I come home from work and seclude myself in my room. On the weekends, I stop by Starbucks on the way to the library and spend several hours in a comfortable chair by a window overlooking a large tree and pond.

Miranda’s laptop

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

I try to write every day, yes. I’ve been making a goal to write at least 1,000 words each day no matter what. The reason I go to the library on the weekend is to get away from the chores I have to do at home. When I’m home, I’m reminded of what needs to be done around the house.

 4. Why do you write?

I write to escape to another world, a world that brings a smile to my face. Besides, it’s the best way to express my craziness.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

 “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Benjamin Franklin

“If you never give up, you never fail.” Miranda Hardy

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Thanks, Miranda, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome Mark Koopmans,  author of that funny blog Aloha! Mark Says Hi from HI. 

Welcome, Mark!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Mark Koopmans

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, I’m a naturalized citizen since 2003. I’m also a husband, writer and stay-at-home dad to three boys under the age of six

Normally I post on Wednesdays, but have added a wee bit of humor Mondays and Fridays.

What do you do for a living?

See above, but I was a trainee truck driver in Ireland, a busboy in Holland, a clown in Spain, a cowboy in France, a restaurant manager in England (and that’s before I came to America…J

What are some of your hobbies or interests?

My current WIP is co-writing the memoir of Donald Braswell, an opera singer who lost his voice at the height of an amazing career.

When that’s done, I am going to tend to the patient seeds buried in my small garden of fiction.

I love to read, and always have three books “on the go.” I *heart* baseball in general and the LA Angels in particular.

 Do you have a hidden talent?

Does patience count?

Hired by several bars (in my youth!) to sing Karaoke at the end of the night, I could clear *every* punter in twenty minutes… I still do a mean “Tragedy” by The Bee Gees

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I write here, at the dining room table, so I can’t get clutter-y, which is a good thing. No, it is!

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area? 

We bought it once our third son was born… we used to have a round table for four. Now, we have a rectangle table built for six

Mark’s Workspace

Sit, open laptop, arrange beverage to my left, Baby Monitor to my right, and away I go… 

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work? 

I write evenings, so after we do prayers with the older boys, my wife stays to settle them, and the Baby Monitor (yes, it is a proper noun and I head downstairs. 

Mark’s Baby Monitor

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often? 

Every night it’s tidy! Apart from the BM, the only favorite thing is the remote control for the fan (this came with the house. It’s the coolest invention, evah!) 

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

Coffee in the morning/afternoon, *IF* I ever write in those hours, otherwise I’ll have a glass of wine in the evening.

Mark and his Uncle Tom, on a recent visit to Ireland

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

Dennis Lehane (Gone, Baby Gone; Mystic River) is my favorite author. My Dutch Oma (grandmother) gave me the love of reading and later, writing.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

Don’t laugh…I *have* to shower before I can work on WIP

For other stuff, I check email and visit blogs in the morning and afternoon, but as a stay-at-home Dad… Yeah, I don’t do much writing in the daylight (which is *fine*… we’re blessed with these boys and the WIP will get done… one of these days

Mark and his boys

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

I write Sunday to Thursday for about three or four hours – children permitting! My distractions are the three mini-monsters, but as we tried for years to have even one baby, I wouldn’t change these “distractions” for the  world

 4. Why do you write?

I’m like that old fable about the scorpion and the frog and the scorpion stings the frog, and when the frog asks him why, the scorpion said, “I can’t help myself. It is my nature.”

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote? 

• ·        Passionate about writing? Be professional, too.
• ·        Dying to tell your tale? Be true, too.
• ·        Facing another rejection? Be resilient, too.

 “Give us your tired draft, your poor query, your huddled ms yearning to breathe free.”

 Ok, so my made-up quote isn’t written on the Statue of Liberty, but it would be cool if it was

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 Thanks Nutschell for such a fun interview… you think outside the box, and I truly enjoyed answering your interesting questions J

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Thanks, Mark, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome Karen Strong, author of that fun blog Musings of a Novelista.

Welcome, Karen!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

Karen Strong

Hello everyone! I currently reside inAtlanta. My day job is in software development and my team provides intelligence to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Although I do love being a techie geek, I also love to write mystery, paranormal, and speculative fiction for kids and teens. I have very limited time but some of other interests include science, astronomy, and SEC college football. My favorite hobby is shoe shopping and I have perfected walking in 4 inch stilettos. Ha, ha.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I have a home office where I write most of the time. But sometimes I write at the coffee house in my neighborhood.

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

When I remodeled my house, I special ordered the desk. I like that it has enough space for my printer and laying out my manuscript pages.

Karen’s desk 

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

I’m a plot chick, so I usually have outline and index cards to help me organize scenes and subplots. I sometimes have any craft books I’m reading for reference. One of my favorites is THE SYNONYM FINDER by J.I Rodale

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

I love the chair in my office. It’s one of my favorite places to curl up to write long-hand and revise scenes. Also a fabulous place to read books.

Karen’s chair 

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

 I usually drink ice water but if it’s Friday night and I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sip some Ballatore Spumante Rosso.

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I have so many favorites! But I would choose Scott Westerfeld for concept, Deb Caletti for characterization, Laini Taylor for description, and Suzanne Collins for plotting.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

My day job takes up a lot of my time during the week but I try to write between 9pm and midnight. I tried writing at 6am before going to work but I’m a night owl by nature and I find some of best writing for me takes place between midnight and 2 am – but I always pay for it the next day.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

When I have software releases scheduled for the day job, I can sometimes go several days to 2 weeks without writing because of the long hours required. Otherwise, I usually write 1-2 hours a day during the week. Most of my writing happens on the weekends. But I never write more than 4 hours at once – my mind goes blank after that.

 My Kindle is actually my biggest distraction. I have SO many books that I want to read!

4. Why do you write?

I’ve been making up stories since I was 5 years old. I couldn’t see myself not writing – it’s a part of me.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

Writing is so unique. Techniques can vary from person to person but I do have a favorite writing quote from Joyce Carol Oates:

“The first draft may be stumbling and exhausting, but the next draft or drafts will be soaring and exhilarating. Only have faith: the first sentence can’t be written until the last sentence has been written. Only then do you know where you’ve been going, and where you’ve been. The novel is the affliction for which only the novel is the cure.”

6. Care to share a favorite picture?

 my favorite picture from my Hawaii Writing Retreat in May 2012

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Thanks, Karen, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome fantasy and romance author Susan Gourley. You can find her blogging at Susan Says.

Welcome, Susan!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

Fantasy and Romance Author Susan Gourley

Currently, I teach high school. Now, you might assume I teach in the humanities or language art fields, but I don’t.  I teach physical education and love it. But I’m still retiring next June and becoming a full time writer. I love writing epic fantasy and that is my first love for reading also. Under my pen name, Susan Kelley, I also write fantasy romance.  I do read almost every genre of fiction to be found.

I do some running almost every day though currently I’m resting after some knee surgery.

Resting up after some knee surgery

I love to cross-stitch, crochet and bake.  I’m not sure it’s special talent, but I’m very good at puzzles of all sorts. Jigsaws are my favorite, but I’m also good at fixing things because I can look at something and understand how it’s put together.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I do some in the living room, but most of it I do in my office where I’ve put two cheap desks together to form a corner set up.

Susan’s Workspace

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

I bought my two desks at different times. They give my lots of room to spread out. I’m limited on rearranging because my office is pretty small.

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

I always have my planner open on my desk. I jot blogging ideas down on it. Also I keep my little black book where I write down books and authors I want to read. I always carry it with me to the library and the bookstore.

4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

I love that I’m situated in a corner so when people come in the room, they can’t see my screen. I really don’t like people reading over my shoulder. I also have enough shelf space to keep everything within reach.

Susan’s bookshelf 

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

I love water and often spice it up by drinking flavored seltzer water. I also drink coffee at almost any time of day. Iced or hot and black. Maybe once a week, I’ll have a glass of wine while I write.

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I fell in love with Tolkien in junior high school but never considered I might be able to write.  He’s still my favorite author.  As my children grew up and didn’t need me every moment of the day, I wrote my first fantasy romance in long hand. I never stopped writing after that though it took a few years to get published.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

During the summer months, I usually do some blogging in the mornings, posting and visiting. Then I do chores around the house. We have a big lot and it’s nearly full time to take care of it and my six bedroom house.  Then I’ll work on my writing after dark. During the school year, I don’t get a chance to write until evening or the weekends. I am completely without quirks, but I do like to have a movie playing while I write, even if I don’t watch. I can hear it.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

Some days I only work on promotion, but it’s always something toward my goal of being a more successful writer. I usually find between two and four hours per day.  The only distractions I get are my children stopping in to talk. I have to stop for that.

4. Why do you write?

I like telling stories. I never have to try and come up with ideas. I have so many books still floating around in my head, I wish I could type faster.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

I would say never give up to other writers. And select the path that is best for you. Some people are doing great by self-publishing. Others go the small press route. And you can also try to sign with an agent and hope for a contract from one of the big publishing house. There are so many options I think everyone can find success.

How about a favorite writing quote?

“Butt in chair, and write.”

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Thanks, Susan, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am most eager to welcome author Julie Flanders, whose debut novel Polar Night will be published in 2013.

You can find Julie blogging at julieflanders.blogspot.com

Welcome, Julie!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

Julie Flanders

I work as an academic librarian in a small liberal arts college. I currently work at this job full-time, but my goal is to eventually be able to support myself through writing full-time and working as a librarian part-time.

I write adult fiction, and my first novel is POLAR NIGHT, a suspense story that includes paranormal elements. I’ve had a tough time figuring out just what genre it is! I’m currently working on a novel that revolves around a historical romance and includes a ghost. So I guess I would say that I love including elements of the paranormal genre in my writing.

I love animals, and one of my biggest interests in terms of non-fiction writing is writing about animals and animal-related issues. I write columns about animal news and general pets issues for the Examiner.com and make it a point to support animal rescues through my writing. As far as hobbies, I love to read and I love going for walks and exploring new walking trails with my dog. I also can’t deny that I am a television junkie.

If I have a hidden talent, I’m afraid it is still hidden from me! I don’t think I have one.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I do almost all of my writing on my couch! I know I am probably in the minority, but I don’t have a desk just for writing. I love stretching out on my couch with my laptop and plenty of pillows

The only desk I have is my lap desk for my laptop.

 Julie’s workspace

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

My sister gave me my lap desk as a present and I know it sounds silly, but it’s one of my favorite presents I’ve ever received.

Julie’s lap desk

When I stretch out on my couch and have my laptop on my desk in my lap, I’m totally comfortable and able to get the writing juices going. My couch is my work area!

Julie’s writing couch

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

My dog Clancy and my cat Nate are my companions while I work. They stretch out on the top of the couch or at the far end near my feet and keep me company. This helps me relax and get writing.

Julie’s dog Clancy on the couch

 4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

I just love the comfort of it. I do have a shelf of writing books in my living room that I consult when needed.

5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

I love coffee if I am writing in the morning, but otherwise I just drink water. It’s boring I know but I actually love water!

 Julie’s cat Nate on the couch

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

I don’t have one particular favorite, but I am a huge fan of Elizabeth George, JK Rowling, and George R. R. Martin. I would say Elizabeth George helped to inspire me to write, because I love her Inspector Lynley series and when I first read them many years ago I loved making up additional stories for Lynley in my head when I was done with the books. I didn’t realize at the time that what I was doing could actually be called fan fiction! I never actually wrote the stories down, it was just something I’d do in my head when I was restless or bored, not just with George’s characters, but with other characters I loved or ones I imagined myself. It took many years before I finally started writing the stories in my head down.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

Since I work full time I mostly write at night or during breaks at work, and I alternate between writing my current novel and writing my non-fiction articles. I enjoy contacting people I am interested in writing about for my articles and conversing with them, so that takes up a good bit of my time in terms of my non-fiction writing. I’m not sure if this is a quirk, but I can’t stand any noise when I am writing. I don’t like to have music or the television on when I write.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

I try to write every day but I’m not always successful. The hours totally vary, if I really get into a rhythm with writing I will write for 3 or more hours at a time, but if I’m stuck sometimes I’m lucky to make it 15 minutes. I think my biggest distraction is probably my phone! If people call me while I’m writing I have a terrible time getting back to what I was doing. I’m also terribly distracted by television, I have to admit. I love watching tv!

4. Why do you write?

It took me almost forty years to figure it out, but writing is the only thing I really love to do. I always thought, oh, I’m not creative, I could never do that. But the truth was I had just never tried. Once I finally gave my writing a chance, thanks to some wonderfully encouraging friends and family members, I realized it’s what I love and what makes me happy.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

I think the only words of wisdom I have is to encourage anyone who wants to write to just get started and do it. My favorite writing quote, and one I always try to keep in mind, is this from Stephen King’s On Writing:

  “you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”

6. Would you like to share a favorite picture with us?

My favorite picture of myself is one I just discovered when going through some old family albums after the death of my father. The picture is of my dad and me on Martha’s Vineyard, in a place called Menemsha. My dad’s family has lived on Martha’s Vineyard for centuries, and my family visited there nearly every summer when I was a kid. I’m three years old in the photo, and holding my dad’s hand as we climbed on the rocks alongside the shore. The novel I am currently working on takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, and a pivotal scene takes place on these rocks. The photo has become very special to me.

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Thanks, Julie, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

194 total views, 1 views today

Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace.  My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them  share some of their writing wisdom here.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Alana, newest member of our own CBW-LA’s board, and author of that incredibly helpful blog writercize.

Welcome, Alana!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

 Alana Garrigues

Hello there, loyal Nutschell enthusiasts! It is an honor to be here with all of you today. I would first like to thank Nutschell for offering me the guest slot, and to all of you for allowing me to share a bit of my writer’s soul with all of you.

I have the unique pleasure of knowing Nutschell in person through the Children’s Book Writers of L.A. - the non-profit writer’s group that she founded a couple of years ago. And, truth be told, she is the reason that I started this blogging thing! During a writing workshop about query letters (recap can be found on this very website), she began talking about the writer’s platform, and how important a public image can be in this day and age when self-promotion and marketing is valued nearly as much as the story itself. Not one to blog about my personal life, reviews, political opinions or the like, I hemmed and hawed a bit in my head. I wanted the blog to be purposeful, but not alienate any particular audience. I wanted to be driven to write it.

A couple days later, in the shower, where all great ideas are born (that, or in the car!), writercize was born. Writing exercises. I would create a writing exercise meant to be completed in 5-20 minutes, type up a little background or intro to the exercise, and – here’s the catch – try it out along with my readers. I would post whatever writing was borne of the exercise, whether I loved it or hated it. The exercises are meant to be used by writers, dreamers, students, teachers – anyone who wants to jostle the creative juices and get them flowing again. There is a combination of fiction, journalism, non-fiction, poetry, word play – a little bit of everything!

For over a year, the blog went strong, and then my twins turned five and had the summer off school, and I took a little break from the blog. In the meantime, ideas are still brewing in my mind for future posts and there are nearly 200 exercises posted and somewhat categorized sitting on the site, waiting to be discovered by just the right readers and writers!

So, enough of that background. Thanks for sticking with me! On to the nitty gritty of Nutschell’s interview….

WHO AM I and WHAT DO I DO?

I am lucky enough to dedicate my days to “staying home” with my children. I put that in quotes because, as any mother knows, staying home rarely means staying home, with errands and school and classes and playdates. But, yes, I stay home with five year old identical twin girls. They are in half-day kindergarten these days, so I have a few hours that should be spent on the couch with a soap opera or great American novel, eating bon-bons, but I’m not. I try to stuff a whole bunch of life into those few undisturbed hours. I am a freelance journalist, and I write a few stories a week for our local weekly newspaper, as well as the odd company bio or website lingo here and there. I am looking to extend my freelance writing to broader markets over the next year. Beyond journalism, I volunteer with a couple of great non-profits and keep myself pleasantly engaged in the community, to the best of my time and ability!

 I like many types of writing – as far as kids’ stories go (hence CBW-LA), I am playing around with picture books at the moment. When I have more time, I can see it morphing greatly into YA literary fiction. I also love, love, love to write about true events and people. One of the best things about journalism is being able to meet ordinary people with vision and drive doing truly extraordinary things, and I get to view the world through their eyes over the course of an interview. That is a really special gift they give me, and I am constantly inspired by their passion and commitment.

My writing strength is clarity and organization – my weakness is creating the story … and keeping a tight word count. Probably why I am so drawn to journalism with a weekly or a magazine!

 I am not sure that I have any hidden talents, but I do really like to mosaic and I am a pretty good cook. No dish is ever the same in my house, because I don’t adhere to any recipes and cook everything according to the day’s creativity, but I really enjoy making a mouth-watering meal. I try to garden, but lose interest a little too quickly to reap any great reward. Photography makes me ridiculously happy. I speak Italian. I bounce around to different museums as often as I can. I used to teach piano, but have hardly touched one in about 15 years. I want to learn to surf. Really, really badly. I could be anything in the world, I would be a student forever. I LOVE to travel, and to hike. I’ve camped on several feet of snow in Whistler, ridden on top of a bus in Ecuador, taken a sailboat ride down the Nile.

I digress – back to the interview.

On Workspace

1.  Where do you do most of your writing?

I do most of my writing at my computer on the desk, which sits in the SE corner of my living room. That is where I blog and write articles. Emails are primarily composed on iPad, unless they are long or I need to cross-check my computer for additional information.

Creative writing has to happen as far away from technology as possible, so I take a notebook and pen upstairs to the chair by my bed, or into the backyard. I like absolute quiet while I write.

2.  Where did you get your desk?  How did you go about arranging your work area?

 My desk is from good old Target. Nothing special about it! It comes with a white chair that I used to use, but when I began to spend more time sitting in front of the monitor I switched to the black swivel chair from some office store. Much more comfortable, though not nearly as aesthetically pleasing together! If only there was a method to the madness of my piles, life would be good.

Alana’s workspace

Perhaps one day I will have an assistant who can read my mind and intuitively file things as I would. I have two weaknesses when it comes to organizing spaces, actually three:

 1 – I can see the potential of beauty in my mind’s eye, and that trumps reality. I become blind to what is actually before me.

2 – I despise routine, so anything that needs to be attended to frequently falls to the wayside. (Like newspaper clippings – they get done about once every 3-4 months while the papers pile up.)

3 – I don’t want to jump into organizing unless I know I can complete it, in the way I ultimately will love it. There’s no half-ass in my world. I either make it happen really well, or I procrastinate until I can. Bad, bad habit that I have been trying to break for a few decades. Perhaps this will be the year ….

3.  What are some important things on your desk?  Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

 Nothing on my desk is terribly important, although it does have cards and a few trinkets from friends and family who make me very happy. I have a dim light from IKEA with cherry blossoms etched in – two textures of off-white – and that makes me smile.

 4.  What do you love most about your workspace? Do you have any favorite objects on your desk, or things you use often?

My favorite thing about the desk would have to be its placement – right next to the window, with very tall Birds of Paradise outside. I also get to see the hummingbirds and wild peacock who come visit while I work, which is nice.

 5. What’s your writing beverage?  What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

My beverage of choice used to be a green tea, or a black tea with milk. These days, it’s a latte made with the delicious Nespresso machine. No matter what, it has to be warm. I don’t drink it hot – tongue burns to easily – but I don’t like cold drinks over ice either. So, once it has steeped and cooled off for about 15 minutes, it is ready for me to savor.

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author?  Who inspired you to write?

My favorite author would possibly be Roald Dahl. Shel Silverstein is great. Madeline L’Engle. A.A. Milne. Those are all kids’ authors, and probably come to mind because I spent so many years loving them, and they were relatively prolific. I love that Dahl jumps across genres. As far as “regular” writers, I’d have to go with Maya Angelou, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Kate Chopin. There are books that I really enjoy, but perhaps since writing for adults takes more time, the authors haven’t published as much. Or maybe it is because I have less time to read now than I once did. I admire Ken Follett for his story-telling ability. Shockingly, I have never read a single Stephen King novel.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like?  Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

Rituals before writing …. hmm …. get my drink. Spend anywhere from five minutes to an hour “procrastinating” – letting material sink into my head. Sometimes that means Project Runway, sometimes going for a walk, sometimes poking around Facebook. Something mindless while my subconscious processes. Then release the energy and let it out. Write first, edit later. I never edit as I go.

3.  Do you write everyday?  How many hours a day do you spend writing?  What are some of your worst writing distractions?

I write most days. At least four days a week, often more. I try to take the weekend off to spend family time and re-energize, but it is rare that not a word creeps into my weekend. I spend about 10 hours writing Monday and Tuesday, and more than that researching, and then it tapers off to an hour a day for the rest of the week, until my mind is spent. I definitely front-load my energy. My biggest distractions are my own brain, my children and sleepiness.

 4. Why do you write?

 Why write?

I write because I love it. I write because it allows me to be introspective and creative and crazy and quiet. I write to try on different people and professions, to play around with scenarios and emotions. I write to communicate. I write to explain. I occasionally write to entertain. I write because words are important. I write because it is a skill that I want the world to appreciate, to remember the value of literature and the written word. I write because I can reflect with my thoughts and research as I go. I may get tongue-tied over an idea in person, as my mind races faster than my lips. I write because ideas come to me at random, inconvenient times and places, and I need to record them to share them. I write to leave something of myself for my children to see as they grow older. I write because words make me smile. I write because it is fun to write.

5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us?  How about a favorite writing quote?

I have no favorite writing quote. The only wisdom I can offer is to live life offline as much as you can, so that when you plug into your computer, you have the energy and experience to make things happen on paper. Don’t be afraid to “overhear” nearby conversations and pick up on dialogue. Research, research, research so that your story sounds plausible. Commit to yourself, and incorporate writing into your life. No one write a novel

And visit writercize. Often! I would love to have you over to try out some of the exercises over there!

Cheers!

Alana

writercize.blogspot.com

alanagarrigues.com

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Thanks, Alana, for giving us a glimpse into your writing life.

Wednesday Writer’s Workspace is an ongoing series, and if you’re interested in being featured here, simply leave me a message in the comment box, and I’ll be sure to email you.

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