Krista Van Dolzer (who is giving away an advanced reader copy of my book RED BUTTERFLY until June 19 here) tagged me in the "My Writing Process" blog tour. Thanks, Krista!
What am I working on?
I’m working on a time travel middle grade novel, tentatively titled MR. MADIGAN’S JUNKYARD. It’s on its second “good” draft. I’m reading it through one more time before I send it off for a second round of critique by a couple of my sweet writerly friends.
I love Magic Treehouse, but my book is not Magic Treehouse. In fact, maybe I shouldn’t even label my book a time travel. (Krista, should I call it a time travel book? … She’s the only one who’s read it so far.) Time travel is a device in the story, but it’s not the main point. The main point is how my main character learns to face her own (actually really difficult) life.
Why do I write what I do?
Middle grade is my favorite genre! It took me awhile to realize that, but it’s true. So, after attempting to write young adult for quite a few years, I finally began to get middle grade ideas. And after the middle grade ideas started amassing in my brain and my first attempt at a middle-grade novel sold, I was officially hooked.
Middle grade is my favorite genre! It took me awhile to realize that, but it’s true. So, after attempting to write young adult for quite a few years, I finally began to get middle grade ideas. And after the middle grade ideas started amassing in my brain and my first attempt at a middle-grade novel sold, I was officially hooked.
How does your writing process work?
I get an idea (usually a character and a premise) and I wing it. That first draft is not a “good” draft. I would never let anyone see it! After that, there are usually a couple complete rewrites before I have the first “good” draft. Then it’s a matter of honing and shaping and finding the real story. It takes awhile, but I’ve tried other methods (like meticulous planning before I start writing) and they don’t work for me. Even though my first drafts stink, I love the thrill of writing them. I get to know my characters as I go. The only problem with this method is that writing endings is terribly difficult. I’m usually three “bad” drafts in before I can make myself write an ending.
I'm tagging my two gracious friends who agreed to read my Work in Progress next -- Melissa Sarno and Julie DeGuia!
This has been a fun little exercise. Thanks for reading!
This has been a fun little exercise. Thanks for reading!
Photo credit: msmediadesign from morguefile.com
Your time travel middle grade novel sounds interesting. I look forward to learning more about it in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susanne! :)
DeleteI love time travel ... and your new background on the blog :)
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks, Vijaya. I stumbled upon it. I was trying to simplify, but I loved it so much, I couldn't resist. :) If you love time travel, I might have to enlist you as a critical reader at some point ... if you want to!
DeleteMy first couple of drafts are always a mess, too. Your premise sounds great! :o)
ReplyDeleteI love MG too! ;) And yeah, I fumbled around with YA, before coming to the same conclusion. You are so amazing to have gotten so much done on it! Good for you! And you know if you ever need a reader . . . :D
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! I love writing (and reading!) MG, too.
ReplyDelete