{"id":2376,"date":"2018-11-05T13:15:40","date_gmt":"2018-11-05T19:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crazy4fiction.com\/?p=2376"},"modified":"2018-11-05T13:15:40","modified_gmt":"2018-11-05T19:15:40","slug":"nanowrimo-qa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.tyndale.com\/crazy4fiction\/nanowrimo-qa\/","title":{"rendered":"Recharge and Write: Writing Tips from Tyndale Fiction Authors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so enjoy this special post featuring Tyndale Fiction authors Tessa Afshar<\/strong><\/a>, Carla Laureano<\/strong><\/a>, DiAnn Mills<\/strong><\/a>, Jolina Petersheim<\/strong><\/a>, and Beth Vogt<\/strong><\/a>. Discover writing tips and hear about what the writing process is like for these novelists.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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What\u2019s the best piece of writing advice you\u2019ve ever received?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Jolina Petersheim, How the Light Gets In<\/em> <\/a>author:<\/strong> An author friend with a large family told me to allow my life experiences to influence my work. This has really helped me relax when it comes to this demanding season of young motherhood. This time is valuable in every way. I don\u2019t want to lose it by wishing I had more time to write. Living life to the fullest is the best \u201cresearch\u201d I can do.<\/em><\/p>\n

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DiAnn Mills, Burden of Proof<\/em><\/a> author:<\/strong> To read the bestsellers, especially those in my genre. This helps the writer understand why a book is a bestseller: the various techniques and how to deepen knowledge of the craft. Reading keeps a writer\u2019s craftsman tools sharpened.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What is one thing you would go back and tell your unpublished writer self if you could?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Beth Vogt, Things I Never Told You<\/em><\/a> author:<\/strong> It\u2019s what I\u2019m telling myself right now: Don\u2019t ask why when things go wrong\u2014because things will go wrong. Instead ask, \u201cWhere are you in this situation, God?\u201d And then look for him in the unexpected circumstances. Achieving your writing goals might take longer than you expect. At times, juggling your real life and your writing life will seem impossible. You won\u2019t always receive rave reviews or win that award you want.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"Carla Laureano, Brunch at Bittersweet Caf\u00e9<\/em> <\/a>author:<\/strong> Keep working toward your goal, but treasure the time you have now to play and explore and learn. Now that I\u2019m published and have contracts and deadlines to adhere to, I still love writing, but it\u2019s a more linear, professional mind-set. Don\u2019t discount the freedom you have to find who you are as a writer when there isn\u2019t anything on the line yet. Try lots of genres, styles, points of view. What you think you want to write may (probably will) shift over time.<\/em><\/p>\n

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From your own experience as a novelist, what\u2019s the best place for a writer to start when they begin researching details for a novel?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Tessa Afshar, Thief of Corinth<\/em> <\/a>author<\/strong>: I write historical and biblical fiction, so research is a huge part of my writing process. But my starting point is often an emotional one. My favorite books are the ones that in some way touch my heart. That\u2019s why I start each project with that premise. Is there a character or situation that moves me, connects with me, challenges me? Once I have my character nailed down, I start researching her world. Where did these people live? What did their daily lives look like? I cook their food, study their maps, read their books, look at the objects they used. I try to bring their world to life in my mind. If my character is emotionally gripping and her world is real to me, the readers will sense it.<\/em><\/p>\n

DiAnn Mills:<\/strong> Interview those who have the same career as the hero and heroine. Establish skills and education needed. What is a typical day? What does the person like the most about his or her career? What does the person dislike? What are the challenges? Describe the person\u2019s social life. Visit the area your story is set in.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What should a writer do when lacking inspiration or feeling burned out?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Beth Vogt:<\/strong> I have several \u201cI need a recharge\u201d go-to\u2019s:<\/em><\/p>\n