Writing Process Blog Tour

A few weeks ago I received a message from the lovely Penny Gotch, who invited me to get involved with the Writing Process Blog Tour.

To read Penny’s entry, click here. 

So, having been passed the metaphorical flag – here is my entry!

Thank you to Penny Gotch for inviting me to do this!

 

What am I currently working on?

I have just published a book, 52 Writing Prompts, and am currently promoting my new novel, Searching for Katherine (Release Date: July 1^st 2014). I’m also working on an apocalyptic collection with Lorna Holland, Edd Hodsdon and Mark Looker.

My new(er) novel, Under the Lilies with You, is currently in progress and should be out at some point later in the year.

I have also just launched a new pen name: Melody Carter, and am therefore trying to balance both author names as well as have a life.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I write so many different genres, and I am happy to mix them. I’m working on a collection of poetry that tells the story of a relationship: so it is poetry, or a story? It’s both, I think.

Poetry has a stigma around it that I think many modern poets are trying to avoid: that it’s boring. I (try) not to write boring poetry, which usually means avoiding emotional topics, or putting a spin on them.

I think of myself as a writer who has had a real, every-day-worker-Joe life. I’m not moneyed (nor will I ever be), I didn’t go to fancy school, and I certainly haven’t had it easy. But, I think that works for my writing, because if I’m writing about everyday people: I know what I am talking about.

Why do I write what I do?

I write about real issues, real life stories: none of this fantasy/run-away-with-a-billionaire stuff (although some of that is actually quite good…).

How does my writing process work?

I asked my interviewees this question all the time – but now I realise how cruel it is! As far as my writer routine goes, I just make sure I write every day and check all of my social media. But in terms of novels, I think about the book for a few weeks – to make sure I like the idea – and then start planning. The planning process takes a few weeks, and then it’s time to start writing. I try to give myself word count targets, but I usually just ignore them.

I now pass the baton on and nominate: Mima, Lara Rye and Dot Gumbi

Interview with an Author: Mima

Today’s Interview with an Author is…Mima!

Pen name?

Mima

What got you into writing?

I started writing when I was around ten years old, simply because I loved to read. When I was sixteen, I wrote my first full-length (well, sort of…) manuscript and at that time, I was kind of bored with most of the young adult books I was reading and wanted to create my own.

What’s your favourite book and why?

I don’t know that I really have a favourite book however, A Million Little Pieces by James Frey is definitely a front runner. I was impressed by how Frey managed to dig into some really dark, intense emotions in this book and gave some very graphic descriptions of life as an addict. It encouraged me to dig a little deeper when I’m writing.

What’s your writing routine?

I don’t have a specific routine but I try to start my day off by checking my social media (especially Twitter) and my analytics. When I do start writing, I grab some tea, water and get ready to hunker down until I have finished a chapter/blog etc. Once I am on a train of thought, it is easier to continue with it rather than stop mid-chapter or mid-article.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee first thing and tea for the rest of the day.

What’s your favourite genre to write?

My first two books are general fiction but my latest one will be fantasy. In fact, most of the ideas I have for future books kind of fall more into a fantasy category.

You have a new book coming out, how long did it take you to write? 

I am not really sure because I had some life interruptions that took me away from it a few times. I usually write a chapter a day and there are 50 chapters, but I don’t write consistently every day. Editing is what really takes the most time for me.

Did you have any problems with the story?

Great question! I tend to follow my instincts when I write rather than outline in advance because I find it seems too forced. This time, I was down to the last few chapters and really wasn’t sure how I was going to finish things off. I just followed my heart and it all worked out!

Are your friends and family supportive of your writing career?

Yes! I’m very fortunate.

How do you manage your time? Is it hard balancing your writing life with your working life?

Currently, I am unemployed so I have to divide my time between writing and looking for a new job. When I am working, I tend to figure out a good time to write that works with my schedule. With my first two books, I kind of burned the candles at both ends and later regretted it, so now try to keep a little more balance.

Are you self-published or with an agent?

I am self-published. Originally, I wanted to go the traditional method, hand and hand with an agent but I finally decided that it was up to me to take control of my own career and just plunged ahead and self-published. I mean, why sit on the sidelines, waiting for the ‘glass slipper’ to be placed on your foot ? Life is too short!

How do you keep motivated?

I am actually pretty self-motivated but there are a lot of days I would prefer to just crash out and read a book, rather than write one! In general, I find the best way to stay motivated is to just make up your mind to do something and jump in with both feet before you talk yourself out of it!

Thanks, Mima!

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To check out Mima’s social media and book links, click below!

Website –  www.mimaonfire.com

Twitter   – @mimaonfire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mima/271461381835?ref=hl

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117175298559165170233/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122390.Mima_

Blogs :

Truth and the Dark Side (personal blog)

Mima on Fire (writing blog)

Books :  

A Spark before the Fire

 Fire