Author Questions

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Good question; I didn't. Well...not at first. I actually wanted to be an actress and a singer. And as a matter of fact, I signed a contract to do television commercials at fifteen and then my agent went under. It was short lived fame.

At fifteen, after writing scripts for plays, I decided to write a story that kept reoccurring in my mind. After I finished it; I laid it aside and didn't do anymore writing, until 2003 and with a lot of determination and hard work, my first book Maddie Ann's Playground was born.

I have a great story in mind. Would you write it for me?

Although that's very touching that you'd consider me to write your story; I would say no. Why? Because I have novels of my own to write and the only way for you to master the skill of writing, is to write your own story.  

I've written a novel. Could you read it and give me feedback?

Again, no. I have so much to do with my writing, it takes up most of my time and of course, I have a family to attend to. Besides, if I write a story and it's similar to yours, it might cause a major conflict.

Where do your stories come from?

From everywhere. Life itself is inspirational. Everyplace I go, something sparks my imagination. Often, I have characters inside my head that won't leave me alone until I tell their story. I know how weird that sounds, but it's true.

How does it feel to be a published author?

Hmmmm...I get asked this question a lot. To be honest, I don't feel any different. I thought being published gave you many advantages, but not exactly. I'm not a glamorous star and no one has rolled out the red carpet for me yet. lol I just feel like my old self, still enjoying the stories I write and I get excited when my readers tell me how much they've enjoyed reading my work.

I bet now that you're published, you're rich.

I don't think so. Before my book became published, I thought the same way. I was advised from other authors not to quit my job just yet and guess what? They were right. I mean...no one complains when they're getting paid for something they loved to do. But, writing isn't all about the money. Well...for me it isn't. You write because you love to write and because you want to share it with the world. It gives you the most awesome feeling when you know thousands of people are enjoying your stories. That's priceless!

When you write, do you become your characters?

I love this question and the answer is yes!  Yes, I become my characters. I feel their sadness, and their tears and what they see and smell and taste. It's like a movie camera inside my head. Throughout my stories, I live their lives completely until the very end. And when it's finished, I get this emptiness inside my stomach. But all in all, it's an ultimate experience.

What is your writing space like?

Messy most of the time. It's not a very big room, but I do have lots of windows, so I can look out whenever I need inspiration. Anyway, I have tons of books on a bookshelf sitting next to my desk, and the usual papers, pens, pencils, and pictures of my family on my desk. My husband also shares the comp room with me, but I hardly hear a peep out of him. He keeps busy watching Sports Center.

I've heard it's easy to write a book.

To be honest, I think anyone can write a book. But if you're not willing to learn the skills you need to write proficient, your future as a writer looks bleak. It takes a lot of discipline, patience, and the drive to keep going. It also involves many rewrites and editing. So you've written your story to the very end, now go back, read it all the way through, and again. Make sure you have a note pad to jot down notes. Then you can go back and fix the plot holes, and add other ideas that came to you while reading.

My first book went through several transformations. I cut scenes, added scenes, changed some of my characters names, and added more conflicts.   

I plan to write a novel someday, but I don't have the time right now.

Again, if you're serious enough about writing a book, just start writing. Make time to write each day and make sure to keep the same schedule. Even if you write for an hour or two, it gets you closer to the end. Treat your writing as professional as possible. This will give you an incentive to write. But don't worry about getting it published just yet. Remember, your book is your baby and you want to perfect it before you send it out to anyone. And above all, never forget the real reason you started writing your story. Give it meaning; pour your heart out and above all, have fun!

I hear a lot about starting your stories with a hook. Is that important?

Very important! If the first two paragraphs doesn't grab an editor's attention right away, chances are, your book will end up in the slush pile. Actually, your opening sentence should jump right off the page. It should leave the editor wanting to know what happens next.

Here is an example from my first book, Maddie Ann's Playground: Claire Barton heard what the elders said about Old Creek cemetery. "Keep far away from that place. The devil lives there and he will kill you."

How did this opening make you feel? Are you curious as to what she's about to do? Does it make you want to read more? Ask yourself similar questions when you go back to read your story.

Another important issue to consider when rewriting your story; check for passive writing, overly used prepositional phrases at the beginning of your sentences. Keep adjectives at minimal. Use adverbs sparingly. Watch for POV issues. Remember, you can't be in one characters mind and then jump from another characters mind in the same scene. And be careful when using the famous 'TO BE' verbs. Is, was, were, to be, weren't, wasn't, been. They can lead to passive writing.

If you have questions about writing or would like feedback, there are several writers forums available online. 

Copyright 2008 Mackenzie Drew