Debut Author Interviews

What writing training have you had?

• Heather Tomlinson on...Training
• Carrie Jones on...Training
• Melissa Marr on...Training
• Kelly Bingham on...Training
• Jo Knowles on...Training
• Stephanie Hale on...Training
• S.A. Harazin on...Training
• Tiffany Trent on...Training
• Paula Chase on...Training
• Joni Sensel on...Training
• Suzanne Selfors on...Training
• Ruth McNally Barshaw on...Training
• Sarah Aronson on...Training
• Thatcher Heldring on...Training
• G. Neri on...Training
• A.C.E. Bauer on...Training
• Sarah Beth Durst on...Training
• Marlane Kennedy on...Training
• Ann Dee Ellis on...Training
• Greg R. Fishbone on...Training
• Judy Gregerson on...Training
• Eric Luper on...Training

What writing training have you had?

When I decided to get serious about pursuing my writing dream, I knew I wanted professional help. I took several UCLA Extension creative writing classes and joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (www.SCBWI.org). Since 2001, I’ve attended as many SCBWI retreats, conferences, critiquenics, and Writer’s Day programs as my time/budget allowed. I’ve found the Southern California chapters to have great programming and motivated attendees. Oh, and I met my eventual editor at the Pacific Coast Writer’s Workshop (www.childrenswritersworkshop.com).

Regular critique group meetings give me deadlines and support, and the other programs provide networking opportunities and inspirational boosts. On the other hand, I have friends for whom an MFA program has been a different—and very satisfying—route.

What writing training have you had?

1. I wrote a haiku in September of second grade. I had all the syllables right. It wasn’t about Tonka trucks. It was about nature so the teacher, Mrs. Snearson, posted it in big letters on the wall and decided I was gifted. Whew. Did I fool her.

The poem was:
Spring is fun you see
Because flowers grow with rain
And robins come home.

This is how I learned that teachers are important to writers’ egos.

2. We didn’t have cable so I had nothing to do except take walks in the woods and make things up. I’d talk to Big Foot and imagine we were going to run away together. I made up ghost stories. Then my big brother had a birthday coming up and I had NO MONEY, so I wrote him Star Trek stories. I thought he liked Star Trek. I was wrong.

This is how I learned that fanfiction was not for me.

3. In fifth grade we had AUTHOR OF THE MONTH contests. I did not win the first month, but I assessed the audience and won every month afterwards. I learned that:
Boys liked violence, UFO aliens, and potty jokes.
Girls liked romance and puppies.

So I made up a continuing story featuring a girl in the army who has a dog who is actually a UFO alien from the planet ABBA. The girl falls in love with another alien who has a problem with constipation.

This is how I learned that you have to go with your audience wants and if that’s poopy jokes, so be it.

4. I took a really amazing creative writing class in high school with Mr. Joseph Sullivan of Manchester, NH. It was the best class I’ve ever taken.

This is where I learned how to write better, how to vary sentences, how to use devices.

5. I took poetry workshops with Rob Farnsworth at Bates College while I was a student there.

This is where I learned about the beauty of language, but also that if you don’t want people to think you’ve been molested, abused, raped, caught on fire, abandoned, and abused alcohol, drugs, food and hamsters all on the same day you should NEVER write fictional CONFESSIONAL poetry in the FIRST PERSON. Ever.

6. I was in a writing group with really good writers for about six months. Once a week, every Wednesday.

This is where I learned what a bad writer I was.

7. I was a newspaper reporter/editor for about seven years. I am bad at numbers though, so it might be less.

This is where I learned how to right fast.

8. I am about to finish my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College.

This is where I learned how much more I need to learn.

What writing training have you had?

Once upon a time I wanted very much to take creative writing courses, but I thought writing was a pipe dream. I figured I’d be secure enough in my career to dabble in writing when I hit 40. That was my plan, so I didn’t fuss at pursuing any creative writing courses.

In college, I majored in Lit, minored in Soc. I did take a semester of writing prose non-fiction. It was a bit touchy-feeling for my tastes, but we only met with the prof every so many weeks. I liked that. In Grad School I concentrated on the Victorians, Faulkner, & Feminism—no writing courses there. After I finished my degree, I taught lit.

Three years ago, I signed up for two online writers crit groups. I met some nice people, but my multiple POVs caused much consternation. I heard advice on what the market wants, and I was told very often that what I wrote wasn’t it. I quit them both and wrote a couple novels.

I’ve never attended a live critique group, workshop, conference, retreat, or fiction writing course. What I did do, however, was read like a madwoman. I worked my way through a lot of classic literature, philosophy, academic articles, popular fiction, children’s fiction, and essays on all of the above. I re-read books to study what makes them sing or stumble. Studying literature and popular fiction has taught me more than I can express. Plus, umm, I study people. I bartended and taught and partied and took road trips and tried new experiences and met people from all sorts of walk of life. The combination informs my writing in ways I like.

Creative writing courses, workshops, and crit groups didn’t appeal to me, but many people find much merit in them. Like all things, there’s many paths to get where you want to go.

What writing training have you had?

For ten years, I took workshops, conferences, and the occasional writers’ day or something like that, mostly through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. And that was helpful. I had a critique group, and that was helpful. I read lots of books on “how to write children’s books.” I took a week long workshop through the Highlight’s Foundation and met Richard Peck, Ted Arnold, and many other people I stood in awe of, who encouraged me. That was all helpful, too. I had a pile of rejection letters, a pile of mediocre manuscripts, and a lot of hope.

Then I enrolled in the MFA program at Vermont College; and earned a master’s in Writing For Children and Young Adults.

By the way, a classic response to this information is: “Why do you need a master’s degree in order to write books? Can’t you just sit down and write?”

Well, yeah. For some people. But as I mentioned, ten years of trying to do just that, and I could see that I had gone as far as I was ever going to go, talent-wise and knowledge-wise. Two years at Vermont taught me more than I would have learned in a lifetime of self-teaching, and that’s no exaggeration. For me, the intensive, one-to-one teaching through Vermont is what taught me how to write, how to plot, how to understand structure and character and literature, all that stuff. The faculty there gave me the tools I needed to advance to the next level in my writing. It was the best gift I ever gave myself.

What writing training have you had?

I majored in English with a concentration in writing as an undergrad, then got my master’s degree in children’s literature. While in grad school I took a course on writing for children and got hooked. I decided to attempt my first YA novel for my master’s thesis. That’s my specific educational background. But I think my real training came after I graduated and found a job as a technical writer, and for a short time as an editor. The work involved constant revision, lots of research, learning how to take feedback, and learning how to listen. I still work for that company as a freelancer.

But obviously you don’t have to go to grad school or get a job as a writer to work on your skills. I recommend going to SCBWI conferences and children’s literature conferences, such as the one Simmons College runs every other year. Don’t just attend writing-focused workshops. Learn how to talk about books! Get recommendations for good books and go read them! Go to book festivals and readings—a lot of times these are free. I think there’s a lot to be gained by hearing authors read their work out loud, and usually there are good Q&A sessions afterwards that you’ll be sure to learn from.

That brings me to the best training tip of all: Read. Read every day. Read read read.

Oh, and try to write every day, too. Even if you only write 10 lines a day, I think if you can develop a daily writing habit, your skills will improve. Have fun and challenge yourself. Try writing from different points of view, or from outside your comfort zone. You never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.

:)

What writing training have you had?

I was a late bloomer to writing so unfortunately I didn’t think to major in English. So I’ve only had the college required English courses. I’ve always been a voracious reader and I think this has helped me the most! I can’t imagine someone could be a writer without being a reader first! You also can’t chain yourself to your computer. Get out and experience life. How in the world can you make up delicious stories if you’re stuck in the house all the time!

What writing training have you had?

I’ve had no formal education in writing or literature. When I finished high school my mother encouraged me to go to nursing school so I would always have a day job. Plus I’d already had a lot of experience working in the hospital, and I received a scholarship from there.

I have always been a reader and writer. Most of what I write is loosely based on life experience.

What writing training have you had?

Let’s see. I majored in English, much to my parents’ chagrin, at Virginia Tech. (I was supposed to be scientist or a business owner or something important like that). Went straight to my MA in English there. I’d wanted to be a writer since I was nine, so for me it was only a matter of figuring out what to do next. At the time, I was heavily focused on writing nonfiction, so I went for my MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) at the University of Montana. I was writing about environmental issues, so I decided to also get an MS at the same time (!) in Environmental Studies. I had always written genre on the side, but had been dismayed when people discouraged me from writing it because it wasn’t “literary”. The best things that happened to me at the University of Montana were not necessarily my creative writing teachers, but two very special people: Don Snow and Shannon Hale. Don was the editor of my dreams; he helped me take my nonfiction to the next level. Shannon encouraged me to get back to writing genre; we were the only two doing it in our program. She went on to write several novels, one of which (Princess Academy) won the Newbery Honor this year.

I think it’s crucial to remember that writing and publishing are two very different things that require similar motivational skills. Writing requires persistence, dedication, and a certain amount of joy and playfulness. Publishing also needs persistence and joy, but it also requires you to be public in a way that writing alone never will. When I thought I was ready to pursue publishing, I started going to conferences and I learned more from meeting authors, editors, and agents than I could ever have learned in a class about the same. The best gift I think you can give yourself as a writer is time. There’s no need to hurry. Realize that you have a lot more to learn than you thought. And give yourself permission to learn it. That’s really the best kind of training.

What writing training have you had?

Hmm…that would be no formal training beyond mandatory English classes throughout high school and college.

I was a Communication major, concentrating on Public Relations. So any formal training revolved around the principles of PR and how to create marketing material. None of it was focused on writing, specifically.

I’ve enjoyed creating stories since I was a small child and writing definitely comes naturally to me. I convey my feelings best when I can write them down.

Now that I’ve written a few manuscripts, the thought of taking a creative writing course to strengthen my natural skill runs through my mind now and then. I don’t think a class can teach me to write, but it could certainly help me break down the story development process and get inside my own head better.

But with the time constraints of writing, working and raising a family…taking a class isn’t very high on my priority list.

What writing training have you had?

Hmm. English major, college creative writing classes, scriptwriting and screenwriting classes and workshops, and a day job in which I’ve spent, good lord, 25 years writing almost daily.

I actually applied for an MFA program prior to 1990 and didn’t get in. (Someone familiar with the school later told me that since I did not make personal professor contacts or do any schmoozing — just sent in the application — I never had a chance. I’m really bad at that kind of networking, so it’s probably just as well.) At the time, I thought, well, to heck with you academic guys, I’m just going to go write and publish. It took a while, but it has been pretty satisfying to get there.

What writing training have you had?

When I decided to start writing four years ago, I took a great evening class at the University of WA. It was my first experience with the critique process and I’ll never forget how terrified I was to share my words with a group of strangers. But I survived!

Then I took a class through an organization called Field’s End, started by David Guterson on Bainbridge Island, WA. They have a conference in APril and I highly recommend it. www.fieldsend.org.

Aside from those two classes, I think I’ve gotten my best training through my writers’ group - four published authors who graciously let me into their group before I was published. I’ve learned more from their experience than I ever learned in the classroom.

What writing training have you had?

I loved writing in high school and was very good at it, and at drawing.
I was an Advertising major in college.
I worked in advertising/promotions for 17 years doing illustration, design, copywriting, some reporting and editing.

After that I freelanced doing illustration and design.

Ten years ago I won 6 national essay contests (5 grand prizes, one state prize) for Kudos/M&M Mars, Suave, American Library Association, Land O Lakes, Stouffers, and Robitussin.
Prizes totalled more than $70,000. I am, among other titles, America’s Most Harried Home Cook, Family Manager of the Year (retired), Working Mother of the Year (retired) and Dr. Mom (also retired). (The retired ones are annual awards)

When I decided to write children’s books, I took two online classes with Anastasia Suen: Easy Readers and Story Design.
I’d already sold my book before taking the Story Design one.

I’ve read a lot of books. Tons of books. Mostly picture books — I had no idea I had a novel in me until I started writing this book last year. Weird how things work out……

I think advertising copywriting and editing might be the very best training for writing kids’ books.
You have to be brief and to the point, and you have to hook the reader.
Word sounds matter, as do word images.

What writing training have you had?

I have a BA in English and taught Freshman Writing straight out of school. When I decided to fully commit myself to writing fiction, I joined writing groups and attended many SCBWI events. But I knew I needed more. So I applied to Vermont College and was lucky to get in. Last year, I earned a Masters in Fine Arts. It was a life changing experience. My Vermont College advisors challenged me to try new things. To tear up old drafts and write fresh. To look at my characters in new ways. Studying craft and reading was invaluable. I spent at least 30 hours each week taking chances.

There are many excellent programs. It was a hard decision to take on so much debt. If you can do it, I highly recommend going!

What writing training have you had?

I have never taken a writing class. As a history major in college I learned to go an awfully long way on very little fact. This skill is very important if you want to be a novelist. I also rely heavily on other books in the most honest way I know how. What I mean is, reading stacks and stacks of other middle-grade and young-adult books has given me a sense of what I like, what I don’t like, and where I think I fit in. And, yes, I am terrified I will brain-pocket an idea that doesn’t belong to me and pass it off as my own. That’s why I cease reading during the writing process. But the most important training is experience. In order for fiction to come out, something has to go in. That some something is experience. That’s why you see author bios like So-and-so has been a teacher, a bartender, a navy seal, an arctic explorer, and an understudy for several members of the Culkin family . We aren’t bragging or trying to be clever. We just want you to know that we have the real-life experience to back-up all the stuff you just read in our books. So, that’s my training: reading and experience.

What writing training have you had?

I’ve always been a storyteller. But I wrote only because I needed the story on paper first. When I was a filmmaker, I wrote screenplays because no one would get it right. Animation, the same thing. When I was an interactive media producer, I had to write the plan, the architecture of the experience so the story would have a strong through-line in this nonlinear medium. I started writing kids’ books because I didn’t think I was that good of a writer, my prose was simple, down to earth. When I started writing for teens using first person narratives, that’s when I found my voice. I can’t write beautiful prose. I couldn’t turn a phrase if it had power steering. But using a teen’s voice, particularly an inner city voice, I could tell stories rough and raw and straight from the heart.

I never thought I could write the great american novel, but the YA medium tricked. I am finishing my third book now. I am a reluctant writer writing for reluctant readers. And proud of it.

What writing training have you had?

I didn’t think of myself as a writer, not for a very long time. If you asked me in high school and college, I’d have told you I was a mathematician—because that’s what I was really good at, and that is what I loved. I loved other things, too—reading books, swimming, cooking, fine arts, working with people—and I wasn’t too bad at them. I also told stories, lots of them, mostly to my younger siblings and cousins. I wrote stories, too, as birthday presents and holiday gifts. And I wrote some truly atrocious poetry.

I decided that although I loved math, I wanted to be a lawyer. When I got to law school, all creativity seemed to be sucked out of me. I still read, but now I wrote law-related stuff. I did that for years. I wrote a heck of a lot—it was my favorite part about being a lawyer, all that writing. And I was good at it.

Then I had kids and started telling stories again. Lots of stories. And I began writing them down. That’s when the writer’s training started: by writing the stories down. I had years and years of writing experience, but writing a piece of fiction for a kid was something entirely different. I joined a critique group, attended conferences, went to the Highlights Foundation’s week-long Chautauqua workshop, and I learned a great deal from editors and other writers. I never got any formal training, though I have considered it. Ultimately, I learned to write by writing.

What writing training have you had?

I keep picturing someone benchpressing laptops and pole-vaulting over library stacks…

Anyway, I have wanted to be a writer since I was ten years old. So I suppose you could say I’ve been training for this since elementary school. :)

Seriously, though, I’ve read a LOT of how-to-write books over the years (my favorite is BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott), and I had a lot of really encouraging and wonderful teachers. As far as more formal training… In high school, I went to Duke Young Writers’ Camp for a couple weeks. Later on, I was an English major at Princeton, where I took some fabulous classes (including one with Athol Fugard and another with Mac Wellman).

But I think writing is primarily an on-the-job training sort of thing. I’ve learned the most about writing through the act of writing. And re-writing. And re-writing again…

What writing training have you had?

I was an education major, but I did take a few creative writing classes while attending Ohio State. After graduating, I attended a few conferences focused on writing for children. I would say, though, that the best training I had was reading tons and tons of middle grade novels. All the books I read as a child must have imprinted on me somehow—and I continued reading stack of books for the elementary crowd as an adult as well.

What writing training have you had?

My Writing Training

1. Writing a reflections contest story in fifth grade about a murderous old mother and her two sons who chase a group of kids down an old shaft. Hmm. I didn’t win. The judges said it reminded them of a popular movie that was out that year. I was of course very upset and won the next year with a story about a talking water fountain.
2. Bawling uncontrollably the summer between 7th and 8th grade because the protagonist in the novel I was reading had been caught toilet papering her crush’s VW bug.
3. Acting out The Crucible in 10th grade.
4. Majoring in English in college. I didn’t take one creative writing class. For some reason it didn’t occur to me so I spent the four years drinking literature.
5. Writing creative non-fiction in graduate school as an outlet to my more “serious studies.” I wrote about wanting to get on tables and scream during lectures. I wrote about my best friend who was so far away. I wrote about boys who kissed me and told me they loved me and then never called. I wrote about my mom forgetting things I didn’t think she should forget.
6. Taking my first workshop class in grad school and realizing that it was okay to do something I loved. It didn’t mean I was selling out.
7. Finding a some amazing mentors: Chris Crowe, John Bennion, Louise Plummer, and Dean Hughes.
8. Teaching writing classes when I was still figuring out how to write.

What writing training have you had?

I think the most intensive training I’ve received has come from the process of submitting manuscripts and having them come back with “positive rejections” — editorial letters that don’t lead to a book contract but do contain helpful hints about the need for more backstory, punchier humor, more character development, or whatever else a particular editor thought a particular story might need. I’m so grateful to all the editors who didn’t publish my book because it wasn’t ready yet, because now it is!

What writing training have you had?

Boy, I had a lot of writing training but I don’t know that any of it applied to fiction. I was once a newspaper copy editor. I wrote brochures and direct mail to promote concerts at Carnegie Hall. I worked at an advertising agency and wrote copy for my clients. There was also a mail order catalog that I worked for and I did national and local copy for those. At one point in my life, I wrote a lot of promotional pieces. And in college I took feature writing.

I think that all of that helps you develop a style, but writing fiction requires so much more. So, I learned by doing it and by writing a lot of bad books before I hit on one that really worked.

What writing training have you had?

When I was in high school, I wanted to be anything that had nothing to do with writing. I despised English class and just about every one of my high-school English teachers. If you post a question about high-school horror stories, I’ll tell you about Ms. Kendall and the PSAT debacle.

Anyhow, in college I took a few English courses as they were prerequisites and I discovered I liked creative writing. So, I took on a creative writing concentration.

But, I also wanted to make money in life so I became a chiropractor.

The funny thing is that I found it impossible to escape my passion and ended up typing little stories in between patients. As I started taking my writing more and more seriously, I sought out critique groups (both live and online), mentors, and attended writing seminars to hone my craft.

I still go to seminars and I always take something useful home with me.

But, the truth is that the thing that’s helped me the most is just writing and revising and writing and revising. Reading has also improved my writing immeasurably.

Someone said to me today that they could never write a book, and I disagreed with her. I told her that the majority of writing a book is just honing your craft and learning how to tell a story that people want to read!