Author Tag - 4 ~ AuthorTube Newbie Tag

Author Tag – 4

AuthorTube Newbie Tag

QUESTIONS:

1.How did you find out about AuthorTube?

I came across YouTube author and writing craft videos about a month ago and absolutely love it. I’m contemplating starting my own Vlog on YouTube this coming year. The videos are so very helpful and it’s a really neat way for authors to gather and help support one another.

2.What genres do you write in?

I write Historical Romance; primarily the Regency and some of the Georgian periods (as the Regency was part of the Georgian period). I also write contemporary romance, YA, NA and I might be dappling in Mystery & Suspense down the road too. For now, I’m focusing on publishing my Historical Romance books and later I might consider publishing the other genres. Historical Romance is by far, my absolute fave genre!

3. What is your preferred writing tense, point of view, and category of story? (Children’s, YA, NA, Adult, etc.)

          I prefer writing in Third person, present tense; however, I do have some flashbacks in my stories or foreshadowing. My favorite category is Historical romance, but another close runner up is New Adult. I love writing about characters in college dealing with all the things that college kids deal with and a lot of myself comes into these stories as well.

4. Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser?

          I’m a huge plotter. Especially now that I’ve found Scrivener, my plotting will come to an even more organized and detailed manner. I create very lengthy outlines, character sketches, setting sketches and just about anything I can think of to outline and keep me on track when writing. There are some elements of my stories that just come off the top of my head and sometimes I keep those and sometimes I delete them. This past year I totally pantsered my NaNoWriMo book and it felt very strange to me; yes, some dialogue and elements were really cool, but I really got stumped in many parts because I hadn’t outlined and thought it all through.

5. Are you a self-published, published, or yet-to-be published?

         

I’m yet-to-be published. However, I am planning to self-publish. I’ve decided this based on situations in my life (dealing with chronic illness and in and out of hospitals.) However, there is a series I’m working on that I’m contemplating pitching to some publishers. But yes, self-published primarily. I love being able to control everything about my books and who I am as an author; rather than someone dictating or creating it for me.

6. What publishing company, literary agent, and/or printing company are you represented by or use? If you’re not yet published, what is your dream publishing house and/or literary agent?

If I were to get published, I’d love to have my books published by Avon Romance.

7. What AuthorTube related videos can we expect to find on your channel?

          I’ve not yet started this journey; however, this is in the works. I would like to start writing craft videos to help other authors learn how to write and also how to self-publish. I will also be sharing vlog’s about my own writing and books that are coming out soon.

8. When did you start writing?

          I’ve been writing ever since I was a child, I used to love creating stories and characters. I began seriously writing a few years ago; however, those stories never went anywhere as I hadn’t focused on becoming a writer. I saw it more as a hobby. This past year I’ve decided to pursue my career as a published author.

9. What was the first story you ever wrote?

          It was many years ago when I was a child. For English class we were asked to write a short story. I wrote a story about a girl who was preparing for a horse show in Kentucky. I don’t remember much more about it; however, I do know that she won first prize and prior to the show her horse had become injured so there was a lot of conflict and concern for her as time was running out and she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to show.

10. What authors have inspired your writing the most?

Oh so many! Lisa Kleyas, Sabrina Jeffries, Tessa Dare, Christy Caldwell, Lisa Jackson, a new writer who is not yet published whom I’ve come across via YouTube: Shaelin Bishop (Shaelinwrites on youtube), this young woman is very inspiring and I feel is going to be an award winning and bestselling author one day!

11. Do you schedule your writing sessions or simply get to writing whenever you can find the time?

I definitely schedule my writing time. I’m a morning person plus my household tends to get a tad busy which naturally brings about noise come later morning and I need complete silence in order to think and create, so I get up very early in the morning and start writing whilst others are sleeping or just going about their morning routine. I plot, plan, outline, etc., throughout the day and at any time of the day or night (yes there are times I’m awake at 3am and plotting), but writing is very scheduled.

12. Do you type on a computer, typewriter, write everything out by hand, or use a blend of those? And where do you write in general?

          I was writing my notes, outline and first draft by hand; however, since finding Scrivener, I will now be typing everything out as I can have it synced on my PC and Ipad. SO even if I’m sick in bed, I can still write, which is awesome!

13. What are you most looking forward to now that you’re a part of AuthorTube?

Looking forward to connecting with other authors, giving support and helping new writers out!

Author Tag - 3 ~ Writing Habits

Author Tag – 3

Writing Habits

Questions:

1. Typed or Handwritten?

My outlines and first drafts are all handwritten in FiveStar spiral bound notebooks. I’m contemplating looking into Scrivener, so this method may change in the next year, we’ll see.

2. Cursive or Printed?

I write in all cursive, except headlines/topics are printed.

3. Show us your favourite pen.

My favorite pen is a simple black ClipClick pen, I like this because the ink comes out smoothly and it’s a nice fine line; it’s also not too dark, faded or smudgy.

4. Where do you like to write? (Location)

When outlining and/or writing my rough draft, I enjoy writing at my “Writing desk” or sitting in my reading nook.

For writing the 2^nd and final drafts and editing, I like to sit at my office desk and I work in word on my laptop.

5. Who are your five favourite authors in terms of authorial style?

I’d have to say:

Lisa Kleypas

Sabrina Jeffries

Christi Caldwell

Lisa Jackson

Vivienne Loret

6. What are you your three favourite books on writing?

Oh tough one, I’d have to say:

Outlining your Novel by K. M. Weiland

Structuring your Novel by K. M Weiland

Plot Perfect by Paula Munier

7. Have you ever competed in NaNoWriMo?

Yes, this year was my first time doing NaNo and although I didn’t win, It was a rewarding experience, taught me a lot about myself as a writer (am definitely not a pantser) and I’m looking forward to CampNano in April!

8. Have you ever won NaNoWriMo?

Not yet, but plan to win it in 2017!

9. Have you ever had anything published?

Not yet, but that’s in the works. Am hoping my Wexford Sisters Series will be published in 2017, at least the first two books in the series. However, another series is brewing in my head to, so that one might also make its start in 2017 as well.

10. What projects are you working on now?

I’m currently working on my first book in my Wexford Sisters series. It’s a very detailed and lengthy series with a lot of conflict and back story, so this series requires a lot of work.

11. What is your soundtrack to writing?

I do not listen to music when I’m actively writing; however, any songs that remind me of my book, I’ll gladly share down the road.

12. Do you have a writing pump-up song?

No, I do not.

Now, it’s your turn. Any authors out there or aspiring authors, I invite you to take part in this tag! 

Author Tag - 2

Author Tag – 2

1)  What is the working title of your book?

My Current WIP is titled “The Duke’s Fair Maiden – The Wexford Sisters: Book One”. I’m not sure if I’ll stick to this title or change it as the book progresses and/or a theme develops for the series as a whole. However, for now this is the title.

2)  Where did the idea come from for your book?

The idea quite honestly came out of my head back in January. I had envisioned these four sisters, who had lost their mother a couple years ago to TB and just lost their father (will not disclose how). They were left penniless and in order to get out of a life of poverty, they needed to marry. So we begin with the oldest sister; Isabelle, who must find a husband by the Season’s end.

3)  What genre does your book fall under?

Historical Romance, taken place in the Regency period.

4)  Which actors would you choose to play in your movie rendition?

For my heroine, no actresses come to mind but she reminds me a lot of Duchess Kate Middleton, from her personality to her soft looks (except my h has brown eyes). 

I can't totally see my h wearing her hair like this as she attends a grand ball!

For my hero, definitely Chris Pine comes to mind when I think of my H. I could just get lost in those sparkling blue eyes and that’s how my h soon finds herself feeling… totally lost!

Strong nose and those stunning blue eyes!

Oh, I could definitely see him wearing a cravat! Charming and so breathtaking, indeed!

 I can totally see him looking at my h like this, with such a cute smirk on his face!

5)  What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

When confronted with loss and teetering on the brink of nothing; will love prevail and drive the demons away or will despair capture their souls forever.

6)  Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

At this moment, I’m planning to self-publish this book and series. There is another series that I’m working on that I might be pitching to publishing houses. I’m leaning towards self-publishing due to the freedom of setting my own schedule and having control and the creative license to design my book, cover, etc. More on this topic later!

7)  How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I’m currently still working on the first draft, so I’ll keep you updated. However, I’m hoping to release it this coming spring (sometime between the end of March and beginning of June.)

8)  What other books would you compare this story to?

Well it’s a regency romance, so I’d say it’s rather similar to Jane Austen books. However, it’s got its own story and voice to give, so it’s quite frankly its own unique tale. A tale of two people torn from life’s experiences, teetering on the brink of nothing or striving to find solutions to their trials and in the midst of everything; finding the solution is each other… the strength, love and passion that each brings to one another… a deep love that captures them by surprise!

9)  Who or what inspired you to write the book?

I’m a huge lover of historical romance books and a huge history buff. Especially anything about England and especially Regency England. I have been toying with the idea of writing a historical Regency book ever since I was in college and first read Mary Balogh’s An Unlikely Duchess.  In later years, I read Lisa Kleypas Devil in Winter, and so many other regency books. I was hooked on the genre and knew one day I wanted to write lots of Regency books!

10)              What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

My H has to overcome a very personal battle and something almost consumes him and causes him to lose it all. It has his basis on a very tragic event that occurred in his life. Later, after meeting and falling for my h, he soon learns that his personal battle is one that has affected her life; not just his particular battle but the truth about her father’s death comes out. This adds some great concerns for my h and through the deep love for my H that begins to grow within her, she wants to help him overcome his battle; however, she’s also struggling with her own inner demons and is not sure she can give her heart.

I’m so looking forward to bringing you my Wexford Sister’s to you. Each sister is very dear to my heart and I can’t wait to share their tales!

Love,

Marie

Author Tag - 1

Author Tag – 1

Friends, I’ve seen a lot of YouTube videos on writer tags, and I thought each week I’ll do a writer tag for all of you. You’ll get to learn more about me, and if you’d like, you can do the writer tag as well. So, I found this writer tag on Kim Chance’s video on YouTube. BTW, she is awesome, and I will be sharing more about her and her amazing videos in another post. So let’s get to the questions.

Writer Tag Questions

1. What do you eat or drink while writing?

I’m a huge tea lover, and I’m always drinking a cup of tea. I’ll get a pic of my favorite tea mug soon. My favorite tea is Twining’s English Breakfast.

I rarely eat when I’m writing, but when I do, it’s either an Oikos Greek yogurt or some goldfish crackers (Yes, I’m SO addicted to these!).

2. What do you listen to while writing?

I need absolute silence when I’m writing, so I don’t listen to anything.

3. What is your biggest writing distraction?

Noise, especially music.

4. What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you while writing?

I was going full steam ahead in my current book, and for whatever reason my mind completely blanked. Like total brain fart! So, I just got up from the manuscript and went out to make myself another cup of tea, came back sat down, and thoughts began coming in again.

5. What's the best thing that ever happened to you while writing?

When I was researching books written during the Regency period and this one, particular author popped up. So I looked into her books, and I found one of her books that was perfect for not only my heroine, but it helped open up a conversation between she and my Hero about his deceased wife. So it fit perfectly and took the book in a new direction that I didn't intend it to go.

6. Who you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?

OK, this is odd, but I often chitchat with my cat. I’ll ramble out thoughts on my characters or where the book is going, etc. I prefer to write alone, so I don’t really communicate with anyone. I will talk about my writing with my family, but I don’t really communicate with them during a writing session as I need 100% focus.

7. What your secret to success and your biggest writing flaw?

Secret to Success:

I’ve not yet published a book, so I can’t claim TRUE success yet. However, in my own personal goals, I have had some success along the way. One thing I will advise you is to know your craft. I know it’s time-consuming and yes, can even cost money for books and/or courses, but invest in your career and delve deep into understanding and mastering your craft. Even when you get your book published, still continue to learn and master your craft.

Also, no matter how crappy your rough drafts might be and time-consuming life can be, dedicate a bit of time every day (at least 6 days a week, I understand taking a day off, and I always take Sundays off) to write. Even if it’s 50 words, doesn’t matter. Write something and keep at it.

Biggest Writing Flaw:

Oh many at this stage in my writing, but I’d say one thing I’m dealing with overcome at present is head hopping and hooking my readers. To solve these particular struggles, I’m going back and review all that I’ve learned thus far on head hopping and going through my manuscript and diligently changing any areas where I see this happening and trying to pinpoint why exactly I keep stumbling into doing this. For hooking (you, my readers), I’ve got an awesome book that is all about doing just that. So that’s on my reading list for this weekend!

Also, at least in my WIP, determining where to begin. Whether I should start with my H and h meeting for the first time or starting with when they are both faced with the fact that they must find a suitable mate by the end of the Season. To solve this problem, I’m diving more into writing craft and in particular “Starting your story, Do’s and Don’ts” and also conferring with a good writing friend to get her input.

8. What inspires you? Or what makes you productive?

A lot of my favorite authors have inspired me and continue to inspire me every day. Too many to name, but to name a few: Christi Caldwell, Vonda Sinclair, Lisa Kleypas, Lisa Jackson and Christy Carlyle. Also, when I got sick a couple years ago and realizing just how short life is, this just really inspired me to go for it and write. All my life I’ve written things off and on and yeah thought about being a writer, but also thought that wasn’t a “Secure” job, or it’s a “Pipe Dream.” However, I’ve realized that it’s my dream and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I just finally made up my mind that I was going to write. I love historical romance and have always wanted to write it, and so I’m going for it!

So on the same lines, this is what helps make me productive too. Another thing that makes me productive is creating a writing schedule/plan and also, listing my goals. Now, this doesn’t have to be set-in-stone, as life happens and impacts things. However, having a schedule/plan and goals gives me something to aim for.

9. What is one thing you do or other writers do that's annoying?

One thing I do that is very annoying, editing as I go. I MUST stop this. Yes, I am a professional editor, but I need to just write my work and edit later. This is so annoying that I do this. For my NaNoWriMo book, I wrote it all out in Word to know the word count, but ugh I couldn’t stop editing. So I came up with a plan, I’m going to write all rough drafts by hand in a three ring binder (NaNoWriMo will always be different as I need the word count). Also, another thing I do and I don’t know if it’s annoying per se, but I doubt myself A LOT, like I always think my ideas are stupid or nobody will want to read this and blah blah. I really need to work on this!

As for other writers, nothing annoys me. I’m so inspired and proud of all of you for going for your dreams and giving all of us such wonderful books to read!

10. Are you willing to share something you've written?

Yes, absolutely and I will be sharing an excerpt from my NaNoWriMo soon. Once I get more of my first Wexford Sister’s book written, I will share that with all of you too.

So there you go. This has been a lot of fun, and if any of you have any more questions for me, please send them my way. You can message me on FB (Marie Greaves), email me at authormariegreaves@gmail.com or comment below. Also, any of you wanting to do this tag, have fun!