How Thick Is Your Skin?

Last week, I was invited by my friend, Sue Bradford Edwards, to participate in this "blog hop interview." The idea is this: She sent me some interview questions, which I answer, and at the end I tag 3 other writers who will in turn answer the same questions on their blogs next week. Please check out Cynthia's answers to the questions at her blog, One Writer's Journey (suebe.wordpress.com).  Feel free to leave a comment and tell her it's from me. 

~ How does your writing process work?

~What is the hardest part about writing?

~What scares you?

Because I try to break the norms...not be a rule follower...be a rebel...I'm going to combine three questions into soap box discussion:

Writers seem to try and group themselves as either a plotter or a pantser.  I'm somewhere in between.  Before starting a big project I jot down notes, either on paper or on the computer.  I write down scene ideas, setting notes, character notes, words I like and in the case of the novel I just started querying, historical details that I think will be relevant to my story.  Then I write all of those things on note cards and put them into groups and glue them on poster boards. I mount them on bulletin boards on easels or anywhere I can get them to balance in my office.  Then I start writing on paper.  I pretty much write scene by scene.  Having the posters hanging everywhere really helps me with this.  I always know where the story is going to begin and end, but many times my characters have surprised me as I'm going along. 

When I've finished a manuscript, I read it out loud to myself and do more edits.  Adding in needed details.  My mg novel started at 18,000 words and ended up around 35,000.

When I think I am ready for a critique partner to read for me, I put the manuscript  in the correct submission format, with headers, page numbers, etc. I just read an awesome article on how to prepare your manuscript for a critique partner or for submission on Theresa Milstein's blog. Please check it out.

The first time you hit send it can be really scary, heck it's always scary, but you build up  tolerance.
I'm always worried that the person who reads my words will think it is awful.  So then I read it out  loud a couple more times before I hit send.  

Remember, you can't take it back one you hit send, so you want it to be the very best manuscript it can be.  ALWAYS use spell check!

Then while I am waiting to hear something, I write something else. Right now I am working on a fable. 

When I get a critique back, I read all the comments and suggestions...then let them sink in.  Sometimes you get feedback that is pretty tough.  Responding to it right away is not the best idea.  I got a critique from an agent a few years back that made me really upset.  I sent her a graceful thank you and stuck it and my story to the side for several months.  When I went back to it months later, I could see what she was talking about.  I reworked the ms.  I've had great feedback and suggestions from both agents and editors since then.  Having a thick skin helps you get through those moments. I had to remember the agent was trying to help my ms...not insult me.  Now the ms is improved, I'm working on finding a small niche' home for it...just like the editors and other agents suggested. 

~Who are the authors you most admire?
My favorite Non-fiction writer Stephen Swinburne and for YA Scott Westerfied, and finally, for picture books, Tammi Sauer.


Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me. You guys are the best!

Please check out Sue's  answers to the questions at her blog,   Feel free to leave a comment and tell her it's from me.

In addition, I am tagging the following authors:
Eve Gall
Robyn Campbell
Lenny Lee

Please stop by these blogs next week for glimpses into three authors' worlds. 

PS: If you missed this awesome post on critiquing over at Theresa's blog please check it out.