Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always been drawn to stories, starting with the books my mom read to me before bedtime when I was little. I’ve been reading and writing ever since. In university, I studied ancient languages, captivated by some of the world’s oldest written tales and texts. I even taught university courses in this area for a number of years. However, I never forgot about the contemporary fiction books that spoke to me as a young reader and that first sparked my interest in writing. I’m now the author of five humorous novels for middle grade readers and I lead writing workshops on the fiction writing process. I’ve offered workshops and classes to thousands of participants since 2010. My latest and sixth book is a non-fiction guide called The One Week Writing Workshop. It gathers all of my in-person workshop lessons into one place. It lays out my seven-step writing process to help aspiring writers get their own novels written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel. It’s a non-fiction guide for aspiring authors looking for a reliable writing method. Veteran writers looking for a fresh perspective or a jolt of inspiration will find it useful, too. The book is based on my most popular in-person writing workshop—a weeklong program where we do fun, bite-sized lessons to walk through my seven-step novel-writing method. It’s like a portable workshop you can do anytime and at your own pace! By the workshop’s end, you’ve learned and practiced a complete writing method you can use to finally get your dream novel written.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this qualifies as “unusual”, but when I’m stuck in a scene, I head out for a walk. There’s something about movement and the outdoors that help my ideas to flow again. Occasionally, I bring a notebook with me in case a (forgettable!) unforgettable line pops into my head, but usually a writer’s walk is enough to get me back on track.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve learned about writing and stories and grown as an author thanks to so many books and authors. Narrowing it down, I would say the authors who inspired me to read and write in the first place are my main influences. C. S. Lewis, Judy Blume and Gordon Korman are at the very top of that list.
What are you working on now?
In terms of fiction, I’m working on a novel-length reimagined fairytale and am enjoying the challenge! My middle grade novels so far have been mostly rooted in the real world, so it’s been wonderful stretching myself as I play with fantasy elements.
I continue to post articles about writing on my author blog. I’m working at putting together a teacher’s guide to complement The One Week Writing Workshop book. I’m also developing an online video course based on The One Week Writing Workshop book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many ways to connect with readers these days! My favorite way is on my author blog where I post writing tips and articles, reflect on workshops, and share all manner of book news. A lot of my readers are also writers, and it’s a passion of mine to keep the conversation about writing flowing between us!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read what you’re drawn to and write what your heart and mind are asking you to write. It’s important to keep our own unique creativity and sense of joy fueled as we write! The more we can approach writing as a joyful, dynamic, even playful activity, the more likely we are to stick with it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have a plan, but don’t forget to start writing! This appeals to me as a planner-type, but it also reminds me that a lot of the magic happens in the writing itself. You want to share a story with your audience, not your outline!
What are you reading now?
Lately, I’ve been reading fairytale and folktale retellings as well as historical fiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is to keep combining my two passions: writing fiction, and teaching and inspiring others to write through workshops and non-fiction guides.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That would have to be The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
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