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Author Guest Post: Francine LaSala
Writing in a Tsunami
Francine LaSala
When I was younger, before I had a husband or kids or a mortgage, I had many restrictions on writing. What time of day was appropriate, among countless other conditions. Before I was married, had two kids, and got swallowed by my house, how many works of fiction do you think I published? Zero. Zilch. Nada.
I make my living as a copywriter and ghostwriter of nonfiction and, more recently, fiction. So, yes, I published more than thirty works of nonfiction before I turned thirty-five, but for some reason, I could never get the fiction out. I had the “ideas,” I just never met the specific, ridiculous, “ideals” I set up for myself to actually do this fiction writing:
* at night, but not too late
* only Tuesday through Thursday (need to party all weekend, and then recover!)
* need to write on a clear head (see above)
* but also need to do some considerable drinking of wine to get the words to flow…
* need absolute quiet
There were about 20 others, but you get the idea. If I could not write in the ideal situation, I could not write. That cost me about fifteen years.
I finally came to realize that I was never happier than when I ran dialog and plot lines in my head, and I knew I had to get them out of me. But how could I possibly have time to write–with a job and a freelance business and a house and two small kids to take care of? I had to make the time. If it meant waking up at 4am or scratching out notes while I waited for the kids at the bus stop, I had to find those stolen moments, because in them was my whole reason for being. (I wrote so much of The Girl, the Gold Tooth & Everything longhand at the bus stop, and sometimes could even be found with my laptop smushed between me and the steering wheel. True story.)
I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about me–that I’m some super over-achiever. I’m not. I’m actually quite lazy. (Really, you should see my house.) But I came to realize that if I wanted to be a writer, if I really wanted to be a writer, I had to force it into my life.
Now, when people ask me about my writing process, I can honestly say it’s like writing in a tsunami. There are always kids swirling around–my daughters and their friends. And debris. Lots of debris. There are a million tasks that can’t be put off every day (plus a million others I ignore). My writing environment is noisy and sort of dirty. But all the restrictions are lifted now. And now that I know there are no ideal conditions for writing, I’ve been writing my face off–I’m shooting to release three novels in 2014! Why not?
All I’m saying is if I can do it, you can do it. When you really want to do it, you will. Just remember:
1. There is no such thing as an “ideal” time to write. Let writing come when it comes. Don’t give it restrictions; it will resent you. Embrace it. Let it climb into your lap whenever it needs a cuddle. It will reward you.
2. Keep prepared. Carry a pad and pen with you at all times. If you wake up in the night with an idea, sit up and scribble it down. Don’t be lazy. If you get an idea in the shower, step out of the shower, drip over to the sink or toilet or wherever that pen and pad is and jot it down. (Note: Ballpoint pens are your best bet in this situation.)
3. Your muse does not judge you. Your muse is not a fussy houseguest. Your muse wants to hang out with you in your PJs in your messy living room and drink wine and watch Lifetime TV with you and giggle with you. If you view your muse more like your pal and less like your mother-in-law*, you’re going to have a much more relaxed relationship.
4. It’s now or never. You can spend your whole life talking yourself out of writing. I meet people like this every day. I nod at the excuses of why they’d love to but just don’t have the time. I hope some day, like me, maybe they’ll see that they do. Life is short. If you have dreams, live them. If you want to be a writer, write.
* Just for the record, I use this “mother-in-law” thing as a broad-stroke, sort of cliched example. I have an awesome mother-in-law. (But I still clean for her. Not really for any one else.)
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Q&A with Sarah Louise Smith
Chick Lit Plus is so excited to share this fun interview with the very talented, Sarah Louise Smith. Read on to find out a little more about one of our favorite authors.
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve been writing stories since before I can remember, but it was only in my late teens and early twenties that I started to seriously entertain the idea of writing a novel and becoming an author… it then took about 10 years before I could actually sit down and write a whole, complete novel!
How would you describe your book?
My new book, Izzy’s Cold Feet, is about a girl who’s on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. She has had a traumatic childhood, and is very confused about the man she’s about to marry. It’s (hopefully!) sad, funny, and romantic with some twists and is written in the first person. My first book, Amy & Zach, is about a British girl, Amy and an American guy, Zach, and they take it in turns to share their story with the reader. They both have a secret and it has a few twists and turns.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Finding time to write. Getting a work, social life, family life and writing life balance can be tricky. I’m very lucky that my husband is willing to take on more of his fair share of household chores in order to give me more time for writing. I also find that I write about 25% of a novel and then start thinking about something new. I have to force myself to focus on one thing at a time and finish each project before starting the next!
What does your daily schedule look like?
I get up early and write, go to work (I work in marketing communications), come home and cook, then write some more, walk my dog, read or watch some television and then early to bed. It’s busy but I love what I do.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Just to keep writing. You have to commit to a story, or you’ll never finish. And no matter how much rejection you get, you must keep at it.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?
Ooh good question! Probably to dedicate more time to my writing. I sometimes wish I’d done all this earlier; but then I know my writing is better than it was 10 years ago. Perhaps I wasn’t ready, back then!
And now…let’s have a little fun:
What are your favorite movies/books?
Movies: Love Actually, Definitely Maybe, and The Holiday at my favourites right now. Books: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen and Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon (in fact any books by either of those authors are my favourites). I’m a sucker for a feel-good romantic comedy with a happy ending, as you can tell!
What is your biggest guilty pleasure food wise?
Milk chocolate. I have to ration myself.
What is your must have beauty product?
Beauty serum. I’m not a big make-up wearer and don’t spent tonnes of time or money on beauty products but I love that stuff.
What is in your purse?
It’d be easier to answer what isn’t! 🙂 Money, lip gloss, antibacterial hand gel, tissues, my kindle, keys, spare contact lenses, painkillers, pens, old receipts, a notebook, hair ties, earphones, and a bunch of other useless objects! 🙂
Who is your writing inspiration?
There are so many people who inspire me: other writers (including those mentioned above), my father (who also likes to write), but most of all, my husband, who encourages me and cheers me on.
Who is your favorite literary character?
Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice. She was fun, modern, and didn’t care what other people thought of her.
Celebrity crush?
Oh I have a few! One of them is Zach Braff. I met him last year, and he was very friendly and sweet.
Thank you so much for stopping by Chick Lit Plus, Sarah Louise Smith!
Q&A with Felicia Rogers
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve always been an avid reader. One summer I read over two hundred and ten romance novels! Then a couple of years ago I read a pirate story and I got the bright idea that I could write one. Sure, why not? Couldn’t be that hard, right? Wrong. I wrote a story, sent it to a friend, and she destroyed it with red ink. So I buried the book and waited.
Later I read this great historical series, again I thought, I can do this. So I asked my cousin, who is great with the English language, if she would like to write a book together. The plan was for me to write a chapter send it to her, she would polish it and then we would just keep going but she grew busy and wasn’t able to help and before I knew it I’d written a full novel on my own.
While seeking publication for my first novel, and becoming more and more discouraged, I wrote a short story called The Holiday Truce. It won Solstice Publishing’s Celebrate the Season Contest. The rush, the excitement, of realizing I’d won felt so good that I wanted to write forever. In that moment I knew writing was for me.
How would you describe your book?
Love Octagon is a clean, humorous book about family life. Honestly I started this book as a way to vent about issues going on in my life but in the end it was riddled with actual stories from my family and friends.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Trying to keep all the characters straight! I had two lists beside me at all times: the character list and the “what in the world do this people look like and act like” list. The main characters in the book encompass eight different women, eleven children, and several men.
Love Octagon by Felicia RogersWhat is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?
I would like readers to understand how much I enjoy writing about real life situations within different genres. I don’t want to be stuck just in historical, or contemporary, I want to be able to write about anything that pops into my head.
What does your daily schedule look like?
My daily schedule has changed drastically since I started writing. At first I got up early, read my Bible, and then wrote for a couple of hours, after which my normal activities of taking care of the kids and running my household kicked in. But now, I get up early and read my Bible, take care of the children, and write at night or whenever I can get a chance.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
The best advice I have is what I’ve heard from others, success as an author is not like a race but a marathon. You have to be in it for the long haul. Few authors get rich overnight but even without the money writing has its own rewards.
What is your favorite book?
I honestly don’t have one favorite book. I like lots of different authors that write in a myriad of styles.
Favorite movie?
Would have to be the Star Wars trilogy. I’m crazy about action movies.
Who is your favorite literary character?
To be honest, I don’t have one.
Who is your writing inspiration?
My children offer a plethora of writing inspiration. I’m also inspired by nature and everyday occurrences.
What is your must have beauty product?
This is tough because I personally hate wearing make-up, I prefer the natural look. I guess I would have to say lotion.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?
I would tell myself not to wait so late in life to write. Not to push myself so hard and to try and relax and have more fun.
Author Erica Dean Guest Post on How to be a …
How to be a respected writer in three easy lessons
Someone (who shall remain nameless to avoid any confrontation in the bedroom) once told me love was a figment of the imagination, nothing more than a chemical reaction… an electric impulse. Maybe that’s why I strive so hard to create that moment within the pages of a book. I want a romance so epic the non-believers are converted before the final page is turned. But my very own significant other scoffs at the idea, making gagging sounds as I read the pages of my book aloud. Is that any way to act in the presence of a professional writer? An esteemed author of fluffy romance? I think not.
Being a writer is hard work! I’ve followed the basic rules: 1) Spend the entire day lounging in pajamas, while 2) Conferring with the voices in my head, and 3) Living vicariously through the main character as I fall madly in love with my imaginary hero. And according to most of the literary greats, you should attempt this while half-sloshed.
So in a moment of defiance during this childish argument, I told him I’d decided to become a heavy drinker. Drinking is practically in the writer’s manual, right? Think Fitzgerald, Kerouac, Poe, Faulkner… even Dorothy Parker had a taste for the drink. Oh sure, they were probably into the heavy stuff, but since I write romantic chick-lit, I figured I should drink cosmopolitans. They seem to be the drink of choice in all the best girly literature. Then, I read that Hemingway drank daiquiris, and having had those before—they are pretty tasty—I decided I could take up drinking daiquiris… strawberry being my flavor of choice.
Of course, my husband just shook his head and rolled his eyes, mumbling “Good luck with that,” as he wandered off to do whatever husbands do. You see, he knows my ability to hold my liquor is on par with that of a sixth grader. Well, if sixth graders were allowed to drink alcohol, which of course, they’re not. And as it turns out, I shouldn’t be allowed either. Apparently, I giggle a lot when I drink. And I can barely get through one martini glass filled with the potent pink concoction before my giggles become obnoxious… or entertaining, depending on who you ask.
Basically, I’m a lot like my character, Katie James, in To Katie With Love. She’s not a drinker. She can’t hold her liquor. But somehow, fate (just call me Fate) decides she needs to drink far too much at her 29th birthday party, and she wakes up in her dream guy’s bed. Not a bad way to start the year, if you ask me. The guy is seriously hot… and maybe a little bit dangerous. Then again, having an assassin for a boyfriend just might be the least of her worries.
Q&A with Monika Zgustova
A little Q&A with author Monika Zgustova:
Describe the book in your own words.
Fresh Mint with Lemon is a story of a love triangle. The three main characters, a man and two women, are extremely sensitive and full of regard for one another, and it’s hard for them to make decisions. For that reason, hardly anything happens between them: they talk and talk, but without really getting to know one another better because, at the bottom of it all, they are afraid to learn what the others might think. The novel, a light summer diversion that takes place during torrid July afternoons and sensual Mediterranean nights near the coast, is a story of longing for happiness, love, and tenderness, which seem to be unattainable. In place of these things there is eternal misunderstanding between three people with very different pasts.
Describe any of the major figures, personalities and characters within the book.
Vadim is a sensitive Russian man who is strongly attracted to Patricia—a well-known American painter—and later to Radhika—an American of Indian origins, and a feminist militant. Vadim lives most of the time in his dreams rather than in tangible reality, and this makes him extremely indecisive. He cannot get what he wants in life because he doesn’t struggle hard enough for anything. This isn’t a big concern for him though; he is happy in his expectations and in his longings. According to his philosophy, the path towards a certain goal is more important than achieving the goal.
How did you come up with the idea for the book? How did it come to be?
I read Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being and was fascinated by the misunderstandings that words create between different people, as exposed in the section of the novel called “A Short Dictionary of Misunderstood Words.” I wanted to write my own book about misunderstandings between people who have different pasts or different cultural experiences. As far as the setting of the novel is concerned, I live on the Mediterranean coast, in Sitges, near Barcelona, so the location of the novel expresses my fondness for the place that has become my home.
How did you come up with the title of the book?
One summer night I was sitting with some friends in an outdoor café in the center of Barcelona and trying to decide what I felt like drinking. Then I noticed a sign on the blackboard with the café’s recommendations: “Fresh mint with lemon” was one of them. I thought it sounded very refreshing and summery, full of Mediterranean aromas and tastes. I thought of using the name of the drink as the title of my little summer book and shared my idea with my friends; they were all for it. We each drank a glass of fresh mint with lemon that night.
2Author Background
Birthday: March 22
Place of birth: Prague, Czechoslovakia
Are you associated with any causes or nonprofits? Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
What is your academic background? Which schools did you attend? What was your degree in? I got my basic education in Prague. Then, in the United States, I studied comparative literature at the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago. I got both my master’s degree and my PhD in this field.
Please list any awards or honors you’ve received:
City of Barcelona Award for the Catalan translation of The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier švejk by Jaroslav Hašek
Catalan Letters Award for the translation of The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier švejk by Jaroslav Hašek
Mercè Rodoreda Award for my collection of short stories, Absent Moon
Runner-up for the National Award of the Spanish Ministry of Culture for my novel The Silent Woman
Ángel Crespo Award for Translation for the Spanish translation of The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier švejk by Jaroslav Hašek, and for my translation work in general
Gratias Agit Award from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs for my work as an author and translator
Do you have a blog or author website? If so, what is the URL? www.monikazgustova.com
Favorites & General Questions
What are your top five favorite books?
The Lady with a Little Dog by Anton Chekhov
The Short Stories of Katherine Mansfield by Katherine Mansfield
Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? by Raymond Carver
L’Education sentimental by Gustave Flaubert
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
What are your top five favorite films?
Amarcord directed by Federico Fellini
Il gattopardo (The Leopard) directed by Luchino Visconti
Blue Velvet directed by David Lynch
Kagemusha directed by Akira Kurosawa
The Russian Ark directed by Alexander Sokurov
You can find Monika’s book here:
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