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Apr.4,2012
D for Deniz
Every Wednesday, I feature a writer/blogger and his/her workspace. My aim is to get to know fellow bloggers/writers better through their workspace and writing habits. I also wanted my bloggy friends to share some of their writing wisdom here.
Today, I am most eager to welcome Deniz Bevan. She’s the author of that cool blog http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/
Welcome, Deniz!
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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?
Before I can answer any questions, I’ve got to have some coffee.
Deniz Bevan
Ah, that’s better. I can’t write without coffee, although at this point I think it’s more one of those writers’ crutches that Stephen King talks about; if the latte’s in hand, the writing will flow. I write both YA/MG and historical romance. In my day job I work for the UN. And if I have time for other hobbies I knit (http://simplescarf.blogspot.com/) and scrapbook.
I need an intern!
On Workspace
One of the many projects I’d give to an intern is setting up a desk space for me; I don’t have one. Our library has become a sort of catch-all room and half the books are in bins. So when I write, I tend to be all over the place, sometimes on the couch, sometimes on the bed and, if I get up early in the morning, at a coffee shop (though the music is often not my style). Without a desk with a corkboard above it, I’ve been creating collages and, recently, using Pinterest to keep my inspirations together. Here’s last year’s collage:
Neil Gaiman and the Dalek topped pencil I received as a gift last week… Other necessary aspects to writing, for me, are sunshine, gorgeous notebooks, and my favourite pen – the Pilot G-TEC C4, which has a very fine nib and comes in all sorts of colours, including a lovely shade of brown (no joke!). I haven’t used any other pen in years. And a latte. Oh my, yes.
On Writing
1. Who is your favorite author? Who inspired you to write?
Tolkien. Hands down. Although I was inspired to write long before I’d even read his works, so far back that I don’t really remember what sparked it, though it had something to do with my first grade teacher. Thank you, Mrs Allan!
2. What’s your typical day as a writer like? Do you have any writing-related rituals or quirks?
I’ve never had a typical day. There’s way too much day job, volunteering, friends, family, and laziness going on. When I’m drafting, I tend to write every day. When I’m editing, I slow down. I require bribes…
3. Do you write everyday? How many hours a day do you spend writing? What are some of your worst writing distractions?
My current distraction is Neil Gaiman. If I had been blogging back when I first discovered Diana Gabaldon (Summer, 2006), you’d have heard me going on and on about Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall and the squee! moment when Diana first wrote back to me on the Compuserve Books and Writers Community . Now I’m all about Neil’s Tumblr and the squee! when he wrote back to me – on a post about Tolkien, Lewis and Chesterton.
4. Why do you write?
So that’s why I write – for stories that you can fall into and stay up until 4 am reading. Because the characters won’t leave my head. And because words and language are so fun to play with.
5. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us? How about a favorite writing quote?
The best wisdom on writing that I’ve seen recently comes from Stephen King’s Bag of Bones (which I’m devouring so fast that I’ll definitely have to reread); no direct quotes, but if you want to read a novel that, among other facets, explores the life of a writer, Bag of Bones is it. Don’t be mislead by the title – a bag of bones is simply a character in a novel, after all. The writer gives him flesh.
Thanks, Nutschell, for a great time exploring writing!
Deniz
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Thanks, Deniz, 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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It was great seeing Deniz here and learning more about her.
I’ve read so many of King’s books, but I missed Bag of Bones. I put it on my wish list.
Great idea for the challenge. I really enjoyed the interview. It’s always fun to meet new bloggers, especially those with the writing itch.
That is very nice of you, to feature someone else. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for calling in earlier this week – I’m trying to keep up with all the people who’ve left comments on my blog, let alone work my way through some of the rest of the 1,936 A-Z’ers!
And calling in here, I find myself introduced to another’writing’ blogger!
Where writers write is always interesting. Thanks for the Wednesday Writer’s Workshop posts.
Very nicely written interview and I’ll definitely have to check out Deniz, have a great day.
It’s great to learn a bit more about Deniz.
Nice interview. Love the way different people get themselves motivated – I’m a Pinterest fan, too.
Whoo! I’ve only recently been introduced to Deniz, but I’m glad I was
Excellent interview.
Jamie Gibbs
Fellow A-Z Buddy
Mithril Wisdom
Phew that’s a cup of coffee for sure! (this said from me in Portugal where we drink tiny teeny cups of the strong stuff all day long). Great to hear how you work Deniz – you’re so active.
This is a great idea for A-Z!
Interesting snippets in the writer’s life…another coffee lover no less.
Deniz, so nice to e-meet you (and will have to pop over to your blog in a min.)
I created a vision board for myself, with pictures, art, and some text, like the heading of the New York Times Best-Seller List, book-signing notices, etc. Helps me keep my (mental) eyes focused on where I want to go.
Yes, interesting interview with Deniz. Greetings.
What a clever way to approach this challenge. I love the idea of featuring a blogger *lightbulb turns on* I will go check out Deniz now!!
Cheers, Jenn
Oh, my goodness! A response from THE Diana Gabaldan??!! I am rushing over to check Deniz’s blog out for myself. Thanks, Nutschell, for introducing us to this amazing writer/blogger!
Dawn
Nice to meet a young writer with so much future!
Yeah, but if you drink more than one latte, more than just writing will flow.
My favorite author is Stephen King. While he writes 1,000 pages (when 500 will do), overuses folksy colloquialisms which NOBODY uses, leaves no doubt where his politics lie, and delves into arcane pieces of “plot” which have nothing to do with the actual plot, I seek out every one of his books. He entertains me despite the aforementioned shortcomings. Plus, he’s an obnoxious Red Sox fan (a redundancy, if I ever heard one). Still, his stuff is good.
Hello Deniz!
Nutschell, thanks for hosting Deniz, one of my favorite bloggers.
Nice inspiration on Pinrest. Your answers about Tolkien and Gaiman didn’t surprise after following your blog all this time! I love hearing your answer to question #4–why you write.
Great interview. I’ll second Deniz on that King book. It’s very straightforward and relaxed. Another good one is Evanovich’s, and if I remember right, it’s called “How I Write.” Thanks for stopping by my blog. It looks like you’re off to a great start on this challenge. Good luck with the rest of it!
It was nice to meet Deniz. What a unique and interesting way to get to know fellow writers.
Hey…I know Deniz! It was so cool to learn more about her. Thank you for that!
DL @ Cruising Altitude 2.0
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
Thanks so much for featuring me today! It’s great to meet/wave hello to all of you. I think this is the best A-Z yet!
I’ll have to stop by her space for a visit! And “Cheers” on the coffee crutch!
This is fabulous. What a fun interview. I agree about Tolkien and I’ve really got to read “Bag of Bones.” I hear great things all the time. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the introduction to Deniz and the awesome interview. I love, love reading articles that highlight the writing life,styles and rituals of other writers. It is one of my favorite reads. I a excited about visiting Deniz’s site and of course checking out her cool pinterest boards.
Wonderful intro to Deniz. I feel like I know her already. It helps she is a Gabaldon fan, as well. I love learning what/who inspires others. I need to read the King book. It is always recommended but I haven’t gotten to it. Thanks!
Hi Nutschell .. and Deniz .. what a great review – talk about full on the two of you – never stop working or writing .. good for you ..
Such a great read – Cheers Hilary
Lovely to know more about Deniz.
Oh my gosh, so many lovely visitors! I can’t believe I missed you all while on vacation. Still trying to catch up…