Accountability for Writers
Show Up For Your Art
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Interview With Author Alana Terry: Showing Up For Your Art, Part 1
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Mon, 12 Jun 2017 07:08:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Alana Terry, the award-winning author of a number of books, including”The Kennedy Stern books,” a series of Christian suspense that bring up hot-button issues facing the church today, and the “Whispers of Refuge” series, novels set in North Korea that highlight some of the human-rights abuses in that area. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This will be a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Alana’s work yet, check it out! In the meantime, let’s dive into part 1 of this interview series:
Bio: Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.
Laura: Alana, how do you develop your ideas?
Alana: A lot of my inspiration comes from real-life stories. I read a lot of memoirs and biographies. For my North Korean suspense series, I try to keep up with the changes going on over there, and for my States-based Kennedy Stern series, I keep my ears open for different sorts of controversies going on in the evangelical world that could make good stories.
Laura: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Alana: Somewhere in the middle. I can’t go into a book with absolutely no idea, but I don’t bother plotting in depth more than two or three chapters ahead. I’ve heard writers like this called “headlights writers” since we have enough light in front of us to see what’s ahead but not much beyond that.
Laura: I love that! This is the first I’m hearing “headlights writers,” but I love it. Any tips or suggestions for those, be they plotting or pantsing?
Alana: I figure you just need to figure out what works for you. I like to plot out a brief outline for my next day’s writing right before I go to bed. I also believe that in the end it will save me time to sit back and ruminate over an issue for a few days if I have a plot issue instead of ploughing ahead, so I try to be gentle with myself if I have to step back and reevaluate my ideas.
Laura: Do you write daily or when inspiration hits?
Alana: I do try to write every day although I recognize that sometimes I need to be more gentle with myself if I’m stuck on a plot point. I also try to schedule about one week out of every month that’s more focused on editing and marketing and not drafting.
Laura: You know we focus heavily on “butt in chair” commitment here at Accountability For Writers, however, I agree that it’s also important to be gentle with oneself when stuck. I too find that switching to editing or marketing for a period each month makes a big difference in my overall productivity. But, even then, we can still hit blocks. How do you push through blocks or even just the drudge-work aspects of writing?
Alana: I think there’s a balance between being disciplined and being gentle with yourself. I try to take enough breaks (like I’m pretty good about taking weekends completely off the computer) that I don’t really burn out, but I also recognize that I can’t make myself write if I’m really stuck. That’s why I try to have a few projects going on at once so if I get stuck on one I can ideally go work on something different.
Laura: I get that, thank you. OK, next question for you: Character or plot driven?
Alana: I’m not sure you have to be one or the other! I’d say my North Korea series is definitely character-driven, and my Kennedy Stern more plot. I write a lot of suspense, which tends to be a plot-driven genre, but I do like to go deep into my characters’ POV to give them the justice they deserve.
Laura: Fair enough. What about your favorite type of hero? Villain? Anything else you LOVE to see in a work?
Alana: I really like antiheros, like Agent Ko in my North Korean spy thriller series. I’m also a fan of complex characters where you can empathize with their motives even if you find their behavior inexcusable.
Laura: I’m a big fan of the antihero, too! And complex characters make the most fascinating. What’s your favorite genre to write for?
Alana: I’ve been writing for years now but still don’t know that I’ve nailed down a favorite genre. Most of my books are suspense, but I also enjoy the literary fiction/women’s drama series I’m working on.
Laura: Do you sprint, participate in NaNoWriMo, or use other motivation or supports?
Alana: Yes, my basic writing day includes four half-hour sprints. I don’t always officially sign up for NaNo, but I do try to set and keep the 50,000 word goal.
Laura: Wow, that’s wonderful! It sounds like you have found what works for you in terms of keeping you productive. But that can’t be all that motivates you – who or what helped you get to your first and/or last book?
Alana: My husband is one of my biggest encouragers. I couldn’t do any of this without his support. He keeps me going when I feel like giving up.
Laura: That’s wonderful, the support of loved ones can make all the difference in the world, from my experience. Why do you write?
Alana: Such a hard question to answer because seriously I can’t picture not writing! So in that sense I write because that’s how I feel I’m fulfilling my calling. (And I know from experience I get really grumpy if I go too long without making one of my characters suffer!)
Laura: I get that I think a lot of us feel that way. That said, beyond fulfilling the need to write, what do you love most about being a writer?
Alana: I love the chance to meet and connect with so many other writers and readers. I always assumed writing was a pretty solitary gig until I found out how many relationships a book can build.
Laura: Oh! I agree! I so deeply value the relationships I’ve developed with other authors – they are some of the best I’ve built. I too long thought writing would be a solitary gig, but then I’ve had the opportunity of getting to know many wonderful authors such as yourself!
This is the end of part 1 of the 5-part interview with Author Alana Terry on Showing Up For Your Art. Stay tuned for part two, where Alana answers questions about “Perfecting The Product.”
FIND ALANA:
You can learn more about Alana Terry and grab a free novel at www.alanaterry.com/free-book.
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Interview with Author Krista Walsh on: Marketing and Promotion (pt 5)
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Tue, 11 Apr 2017 06:58:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Krista Wash, author of the wonderful Meratis and Cardis Trilogies, The Invisible Entente Series, and the Witch Hunt Series. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This is the final installment of a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Krista’s work yet, well, get to it – you won’t regret it. Now, let’s dive in!
Krista Walsh Bio:
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Laura: Thanks for participating in this long series. Let’s get down to it, let’s look at one of the bigger complaints of so many writers: So many loathe marketing and promotion. What’s your relationship to it?
Krista: I find it fascinating. I still have a lot to learn, but the possibilities are endless once you start getting ideas.
Laura: Great attitude! I suspect that’s precisely the attitude that helps create success. Would you say it’s easier to market when you love your story and/or characters?
Krista: That’s a tough call. When I’m excited about a story, I’m more passionate and enthusiastic about it in public, but the downside is that I jump into the dialogue in the middle of things, which doesn’t always give my audience time to catch up.
Laura: Ah, yeah, that makes sense. I’ve done the same thing myself. So, what are your marketing and promotion strategies?
Krista: I book ads, create teasers. Lately I’ve been playing with book trailers. I host FB parties and create book-related swag to send out as prizes.
Laura: I have to tell you, I’ve been really impressed with your efforts. Do you also use Amazon free or countdown promotions? If so, do you have a strategy for doing so? Have you experimented with timing?
Krista: I’ve used the Amazon Free promotions, but not the countdown. I stacked a bunch of ads for the free promotion, but it didn’t have the success I hoped for. I haven’t looked at timing yet, as the research I’ve read hasn’t been clear that there’s much of a difference, but it’s something to look at.
Laura: Have you discovered solid tools for making a best-seller category list?
Krista: I’m still searching for the perfect combination.
Laura: It does seem, at least in my experience, that what works one time, doesn’t necessarily work the next – but I think that may have to do with how the algorithm keeps changes. On another note, what are your favorite marketing tools? (social media, PR service or support, bookbub, etc)
Krista: BookBub is great, but now that they’ve opened their doors to Trad Pubs, it’s harder to get a featured deal for indie titles. When I do manage to get one, though, it’s by far the greatest bump to my visibility.
Social media is wonderful for connecting with readers, but for marketing, it’s not effective. Either people don’t see it, or you’re constantly plugging your works to people already in your circle.
Laura: Yes, that has changed this. Any insights into the world of Amazon algorithms or best-seller lists that you’re willing to share?
Krista: As soon as I’ve figured out the secret, I’ll be sure to share it!
Laura: Do you attend cons or other live events? If so, any recommendations as to events or strategies for promoting yourself while there? Also, I know you mentioned holding your own live events in an earlier segment, and I’m sure our readers would love to hear more about that, too.
Krista: I’ve hosted my own live events and have attended one small con. I’ve always had good success at these events. My strategy is simple: Make the table look pretty, and always appear engaged. The one con I attended, I looked around at the other tables and saw most of the vendors on their phones or wrapped up in their thoughts. They didn’t draw a lot of people do their tables. I try not to sit down, I don’t do a hard sell, but I make eye contact with people as they pass and always have free take-away swag people can take with them with ways to contact me or follow up with my books.
Laura: Wow, simple, but true – if you’re there to connect, and you’re in your own world, well, that kind of precludes connecting. Important observation, thank you for sharing. Do you employ giveaways, and if so, how would you describe the anatomy of a successful giveaway?
Krista: I occasionally try for a giveaway, but not often. There’s a danger of giving too many free things away – as I’ve learned the hard way. It’s a strategy I would look at again in future, though, to best learn how to go about it.
Laura: Excellent point. Any advice to authors struggling with marketing and promotion?
Krista: See what’s trending and figure out if there’s a way you can twist it to your own voice and audience. If something isn’t working, you’ll know pretty quickly, so change it up. And I would say focus on building your readers and forming connections over making quick sales. Loyal readers last longer.
Laura: Loyal readers last longer. That’s a terrific note to end this on – again, thank you so much for your time and wisdom!
This is the conclusion of the 5-part interview with Author Krista Walsh on Showing Up For Your Art. A big thank you to Krista for her patience with my many questions, and her willingness to share with other rising writers, the wisdom she’s learned along the way. If you missed earlier installments, you can find them as follows: week 1 is here, week 2 here, week 3 here, and week 4 here.
In the meantime, find Krista – and definitely check out here wonderful work:
www.kristawalshauthor.com
www.theravensquill.com (blog)
@kwalshauthor (Twitter)
@kwalshauthor (IG)
www.facebook.com/kristawalshauthor
books@kristawalshauthor.com
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Interview with Author Krista Walsh on: Finding Readers, Getting Reviews (pt 4)
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Wed, 22 Mar 2017 06:42:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Krista Wash, author of the wonderful Meratis and Cardis Trilogies, The Invisible Entente Series, and the Witch Hunt Series. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This is part 4 of a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Krista’s work yet, well, get to it – you won’t regret it. Now, let’s dive in!
Krista Walsh Bio:
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Laura: So glad to have you here for part 4 of our series, where we focus on Finding Readers, and getting reviews. How do find readers, Krista?
Krista: I’m still learning new ways to do this! So far, my method has been to book ads for the first books of my series and offer an incentive to sign up for my mailing list. As the list grows, the hope is to connect with readers so they look forward to my next release.
I also love joining other authors with Facebook launch parties/other cross promotion ideas. They’re fun, they let me connect with new authors as well as new readers.
Laura: Great methods, that much I know to be true – and I love joining with other authors for Facebook launch parties and cross-promotion. So, now that you’ve mentioned some ways you draw readers, what about the even tougher part – how do you get readers to give you reviews?
Krista: I ask nicely ^.^
With Amazon changing its Terms of Service, it’s getting more difficult to get reviews. People who have legitimately read and enjoyed the book have been unable to leave one because we’re connected on Facebook or Twitter, which are my main methods of connecting with readers. I have a review group that I send ARCs to, and usually the turnaround is about 15-20%. Otherwise, I do send out the occasional reminder on my FB page and newsletter that reviews are the best gift an author can receive (the # of them, not the content. Content is for other readers)
Laura: Oh, the Amazon TOS is frustrating – I’ve experienced the same issue. Amazon doesn’t recognizing that one can have fans who had made friend requests, but instead views it as friends who were “doing one favors” or some such thing. So frustrating. But, moving on: Do you pay for review services such as Kirkus, etc?
Krista: To date, I have not.
Laura: Do you connect with review websites?
Krista: Again, I haven’t yet. It’s possibly an avenue I’ll explore in future, but I’m not sure how effective it is.
Laura: I know – I’ve heard mixed responses to them. Do you feel that building connections with fans helps increase readership, and the likelihood of getting them to leave a review?
Krista: In my experience, yes! My main reason for connecting with readers is gratitude that they took the time to read my work and for wanting to connect with me. It’s incredibly humbling. But I do find that once the connection is made, these readers become your loudest supports, including reviews.
Laura: I agree – there’s nothing quite like fans reaching out – it is beyond humbling – excellent word choice there. What have you found to be the best way to connect with fans/potential readers?
Krista: I love chatting with my readers on Facebook. I have my author page, which is finicky at best to reach people, but I also have my street team and my mailing list, which is full of great people.
Laura: What’s the best approach to winning a reader’s heart?
Krista: As an author, I’m still exploring this question! I make a point to answer all the emails I get and reply to every comment on social media. If a reader takes the time to contact me, I believe it’s only right that I take the same time to reply – I always love when authors I look up to do the same for me.
Laura: I agree – that’s so very important. What’s the fastest way to lose a reader/potential reader?
Krista: Spamming them. There’s nothing more obnoxious than a constant flood of “Buy my book” so I try my best to avoid that.
Laura: Agreed! Any advice to authors struggling with finding readers and getting reviews?
Krista: Look where the trends are in social media and follow the crowds. I haven’t made my way to Snapchat, yet, but that’s where a huge younger demographic is hanging out. Make yourself approachable and have something of value to offer. Once you have the readers, the reviews will come organically.
This is the end of part 4 of the 5-part interview with Author Krista Walsh on Showing Up For Your Art. Stay tuned for part five, our final portion, where Krista answers questions about “Marketing and promotion.” If you missed earlier installmens, you can find them as follows: week 1 is here, week 2 here, and week 3 here.
In the meantime, find Krista – and definitely check out here wonderful work:
www.kristawalshauthor.com
www.theravensquill.com (blog)
@kwalshauthor (Twitter)
@kwalshauthor (IG)
www.facebook.com/kristawalshauthor
books@kristawalshauthor.com
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Interview with Author Krista Walsh on: Launch! (pt 3)
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Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:32:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Krista Wash, author of the wonderful Meratis and Cardis Trilogies, The Invisible Entente Series, and the Witch Hunt Series. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This is part 3 of a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Krista’s work yet, well, get to it – you won’t regret it. Now, let’s dive in!
Krista Walsh Bio:
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Laura: What do you do to prepare for your book launch?
Krista: After I finish the necessary hair yanking, nervous eating, and unrelenting insomnia, I get down to business. First, I make sure the link is available on Amazon a few days prior to release to give time for ARC readers to leave their reviews. I put together teasers and do some blog posts that I do my best to make fun and engaging.
There are a few ad services that don’t require any or a lot of reviews for a new release, so I try to book them as close to the release date as possible to kick things off.
Laura: Where are you published?
Krista: My Meratis and Cadis trilogies are both wide across distributors (B&N, Kobo, Amazon, etc), while for now, The Invisible Entente is exclusive to Amazon.
I also have print version for all books through Createspace.
Laura: How do you determine your pricing?
Krista: On Createspace, I let myself be guided by the minimum amount I’m allowed to sell by, and then try to keep it consistent across a series.
For the ebooks, I look at other successful indie books in my genre, and also go by page count. So far, I’ve never priced a book above $4.99USD
Laura: How did you promote your first book, and how have you tweaked or changed that with more recent ones?
Krista: I didn’t do much with the first one. I didn’t know enough about it at the time. Now I try to get as many eyes on it as early as I possibly can and ask my street team to help spread the word. I also promote my backlist with each new release to raise visibility.
Laura: Do you hold a book-release party? Online? Live? Both?
Krista: I host FB parties for each release. I find they’re a great way to connect with readers, to offer something back, to meet new people and maybe make a few sales.
I also love in-person events, but with my release schedule as tight as it is, I don’t have one for each book. Instead, twice a year or so I’ll throw something together and try to make it as fun as my online events. A friend of mine is an incredible baker and she makes cakes. At the last one, I had colouring book pages another friend of mine made out of my book covers and had a few locally made creations to give away in a draw.
Laura: Wow! Those are some fun ideas! What do you feel creates a successful book-release?
Krista: Personally, if I gain a few new loyal readers with each release, I’m really happy, and for that, I find reader engagement plays a big role.
Laura: You mentioned making sure the link is working prior to release, so ARC readers can leave reviews. Tell me how you go about distributing ARCs, and getting reviews prior to release?
Krista: I created a review list out of my newsletter subscribers, and exclusive offer for my loyal readers. I send out a separate newsletter with Dropbox links to the ARC files, and then send a follow-up email when the link is live.
Laura: Do you also blog, guest blog, promote through websites, social media, etc, prior to launch?
Krista: I do blog, but more because I’m excited than that I find it works for marketing. The same is kind of true with social media. I don’t find many of my sales come out of what I tell people. But it does help to stir up interest, so I find it worthwhile.
Laura: That makes a lot of sense. What about promotional materials? What bling works best?
Krista: I go simple but fun. Some of my favourite swag items are my bookmarks and notebooks with the book covers on them. I also do postcards. With my latest series, I’m trying something new with the cards where I have character stats on the back. Extra details that aren’t mentioned in the books. Any reader who has all seven postcards at the end of the series can post a photo of them to social media and win a prize.
Laura: Oh, love that idea – how fun! What about book trailers, yes or no? If yes, what makes for a good one?
I’ve been experimenting with book trailers for my latest series with some success.
We have fun going through music to see what will fit best and choose the setting. Personally, I like short trailers that focus on the tone of the story with a general idea of what it’s about. If I get chills while watching a book trailer, I’m likely to grab the book.
Laura: Very cool, these are awesome! As we wind up this portion of the interview, any words of wisdom for someone looking to create a successful launch?
Krista: Get creative and try new things. Something no one has ever done before might be the edge that launches you into the Hot New Release category.
This is the end of part 3 of the 5-part interview with Author Krista Walsh on Showing Up For Your Art. Stay tuned for part four, where Krista answers questions about “Finding Readers, Getting Reviews.” If you missed week 1, you can read it here, and you can catch week 2 here.
In the meantime, find Krista – and definitely check out here wonderful work:
www.kristawalshauthor.com
www.theravensquill.com (blog)
@kwalshauthor (Twitter)
@kwalshauthor (IG)
www.facebook.com/kristawalshauthor
books@kristawalshauthor.com
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Interview with Author Krista Walsh on: Perfecting The Product (pt 2)
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Sat, 18 Mar 2017 06:11:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Krista Wash, author of the wonderful Meratis and Cardis Trilogies, The Invisible Entente Series, and the Witch Hunt Series. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This is part 2 of a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Krista’s work yet, well, get to it – you won’t regret it. Now, let’s dive in!
Krista Walsh Bio:
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Laura: What’s your editing process like?
Krista: I go through about 15 passes from start to finish of the book, going through it myself about 12 times before publication. I takes notes while I work on the first draft so I know what needs to be changed during revisions, I do a couple of passes on the computer, then one draft I print out and do by hand (I would love to do more drafts by hand, but paper).
To keep things from being too overwhelming, I break the task up by chapter and take it one at a time, never going too far ahead so I don’t get lost in everything that needs changing.
Laura: Do you hire an editor?
Krista: I do! I’ve had some wonderful experience and some horrible ones, but I’ve found an editor now that I love, who works with me to bring out the best of the book.
Laura: Do you have alpha and beta readers providing feedback as you’re readying your book?
Krista: Yep! And I’m so grateful for their help. I use an alpha reader near the beginning of the editing process to help me at a deeper story level. If the plot doesn’t work, I’d rather know right away. I send to my betas after I send it to the editor to make sure I smoothed out all the rough edges and didn’t leave anything open or inconsistent.
Laura: What’s the biggest challenge of the editing phase?
Krista: Staying confident in my own voice. I always reach a point where I worry the changes I’m making in a draft are making things worse instead of better, and occasionally it’s enough to make me want to scrap the entire thing and go at it from scratch. So far, I haven’t gone through with the threat, but it can involve some tough love to push through and remind myself I know what I’m doing.
Laura: How do you develop your cover concept? Do you know what you want and convey it to the artist, leave it to them, or take another approach entirely?
Krista: Covers have never clicked with me. Many times I’ve been told to “look at the bestselling books in your genre and see what covers are trending”, which is great advice, and yet I have trouble translating that into ideas for my own covers. But I’m getting better!
For my most recent series, I chose a cover artist who knows the genre really well and knows what works. It gives me a chance to learn while knowing I’m in excellent hands.
Laura: That’s a good idea. How important would you say cover design is, in relation to book sales/success?
Krista: I want to say it’s really important. A catchy, stunning cover will draw the people scrolling down the Amazon page and checking out thumbnails, but at the same time I’ve seen a lot of books with poor covers hit bestseller rankings, so it’s difficult to pin down what the magic is.
Laura: Any advice on cover design that sells?
Krista: Personally, I love bright colours. Even if everything else is black, but there’s a splash of brightness, it’ll catch my eye.
Laura: Any advice as to what to avoid in cover art?
Krista: Too much colour – nothing turns me away more than a psychedelic trip after staring at the bright neon font against a kaleidoscope of an image. Choose a few images that apply to you genre/story, but less is more.
Laura: Thanks, Krista, for sharing some excellent advice!
This is the end of part 2 of the 5-part interview with Author Krista Walsh on Showing Up For Your Art. Stay tuned for part three, where Krista answers questions about “Launch!” If you missed week 1, you can read it here.
In the meantime, find Krista – and definitely check out here wonderful work:
www.kristawalshauthor.com
www.theravensquill.com (blog)
@kwalshauthor (Twitter)
@kwalshauthor (IG)
www.facebook.com/kristawalshauthor
books@kristawalshauthor.com
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Interview with Author Krista Walsh on: Showing Up For Your Art (pt 1)
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Fri, 17 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000
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I recently had a chance to catch up with Krista Wash, author of the wonderful Meratis and Cardis Trilogies, The Invisible Entente Series, and the Witch Hunt Series. I asked this popular indie author a lot of questions, from how she shows up for her art, to how she prepares for launch, and even how she markets her books. This will be a 5-part series exploring how this talented author shows up for her art. I hope you enjoy it!
If you haven’t read Krista’s work yet, well, get to it – you won’t regret it. Now, let’s dive in!
Krista Walsh Bio:
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Laura: How do you develop your ideas?
Krista: It’s a process, and one I’m still developing. I usually start with a character with a problem and branch out from there. Sometimes it’s stream of consciousness notes, sometimes an idea web, a “what if” chart, random scenes on cue cards…
Laura: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Krista: I used to be a certified pantser. I’d have a few ideas for scenes I needed to hit throughout the story, but never dug much deeper than that. Lately, my process has been changing a lot. With each new book, it seems. The more craft books I read, the more it evolves, and now I’m a dedicated outliner.
Laura: Any tips or suggestions on plotting or pantsing?
Krista: Regardless of preferred method, I think a blueprint is essential. Not an outline, but the beats a story needs to hit to make sure the structure is sound. Pantsing is a lot of fun, and sometimes I still throw up my hands with short stories, but the end results are a lot stronger (and require fewer rewrites) when the beats are lined out.
Laura: Do you write daily or when inspiration hits?
Krista: When I’m drafting I write daily. The word count can change, but I make sure to get in at least 1k a day. I find it’s easier to keep going once I’ve started. As soon as I take a day off, it becomes more of a challenge to get back into the flow of a story.
That said, during non-drafting periods (edits, brainstorming sessions), I’m a lot more forgiving of myself in terms of actual word count. Then it’s all about daily goals (editing) and letting my imagination run wild (brainstorming)
Laura: How do you push through blocks, or even just the drudge-work aspects of writing?
Krista: You can find ways through those?!
Generally, I find music works. Usually while I’m drafting, I develop a soundtrack that goes with the story. If I get stuck, I throw on my headphones and go for a walk. On a good day come home with at least one bit of dialogue or one scene that I jot down on a cue card. Having the new idea usually excites me enough to get back into it.
During edits, I break my tasks down into bite-size pieces so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.
Laura: Character or plot driven?
Krista: Character, for sure. For me, the plot is just how I get the character up the tree. The real fun is watching the squirm as they try to get back down.
Laura: Favorite type of hero? Villain? Anything else you LOVE to see in a work?
Krista: In hero or villain (especially in those grey characters that don’t fall on either side), I love intelligence. Sherlock Holmes, Tyrion Lannister, Hannibal Lecter — I’m a sucker for a character who knows how to outwit the people around them. They’re such a challenge to write, but one day I’ll get there!
Laura: Oh yes, I relate – me too!
Laura: Favorite genre to write for?
Krista: Fantasy! It didn’t start out that way. My first attempts at fiction were solidly literary. That was what I read, so that was what I wrote. Then magic crept in and I haven’t gone back.
Laura: Do you sprint, participate in NaNoWriMo, or use other motivation or supports?
Krista: NaNoWriMo is a fantastic event, and I jump on all of them throughout the year. It’s how I trained myself to get a first draft done in a month on a regular basis (which, again, helps if you have the blueprint in front of you so you know where you’re going). I also have some groups of Facebook that help keep me focused on days where my brain just isn’t having it.
Laura: Who or what helped you get to your first and/or last book?
Krista: My mentor getting started with Colin F. Barnes. He convinced me to walk the plank into indie publishing, and I’m grateful that he did. Lately, I wouldn’t be able to get through the process without fellow author Kate Sparkes, who’s great at talking me down from those ledges.
Laura: Kate’s awesome, we featured an interview with her here last month! I feel like you definitely need that kind of writing support, it makes all the difference. Ok – next question: Why do you write?
Krista: Because I need to. Because I can’t imagine a life where I didn’t. I have pictures of myself writing stories at six years old, writing novel-length fan-fiction stories at fourteen, my first novel written at eighteen (none of those will ever see the light of day). It’s my catharsis and passion, and I love it.
Laura: Love it – great answer. As a reader of your work, I can say it shows! You’re clearly one of those peop