This week I realized that I’ve sent 25 Substack newsletters so far. While this may seem paltry to some, for me — someone who struggles with consistency in EVERYTHING — it’s a major win.
Occasionally, friends of mine who aren’t writers will ask me: How do you think of things to write about? They especially asked me this when I spent my days as a journalist.
I think one of my favorite aspects of being a writer — journalistic or not — is the intrigue. I’m always wondering, pondering, asking questions. I ask questions about the world around me, about what I observe in others, about myself, and about life itself.
The journey of asking questions leads me to hundreds of ideas for what to write about. I suspect most writers are like this. (But I don’t know “most” writers, so I can’t say for sure.)
Anyway… to celebrate the 26th newsletter, I thought I would tell you 26 things about me (in the form of 26 questions, of course). If you can’t read the whole thing, just skip to the bottom where I ask you 3 questions on a quick Google form. Thanks in advance, and enjoy my Q&A!
What is a word you’ve always loved?
Cornmeal. (Even as a young child, I remember thinking it was just the coolest word. Strange child, I know.)
What was your highest score in Scrabble?
My goal in life is to break 300. My dad was the greatest Scrabble player I know and he routinely broke the 300s. We all need a life purpose, amiright?
How many speeding tickets have you gotten?
This has nothing to do with writing — well, actually, it does. I’ve been pulled over for a ticket 4 times. But I’ve only been WRITTEN up 3 times. Still, that’s two times too many. I blame my lead foot on growing up in Atlanta. It’s eat-or-be-eaten on the ATL highways.
What was your favorite genre to write as a child?
I loved writing poetry.
What was your favorite genre to read as a child?
I grew up on Christopher Pike. And Mrs. Reed made us read The Wind in the Willows in fifth grade. It became a lifelong favorite of mine.
What is your favorite genre to write now?
While I’ve spent much of my career as a journalist and as a faith-based writer, I really love writing for kids. I have ideas all the time for PBs and YA stuff. But for now, I am working on a middle-grade magical realism novel. My goal is to finish it before Christmas 2022, rewrites and all. We’ll see how that works out.
What is your least favorite genre to write now?
Ironically, probably poems. I look back on things I’ve written and wonder if maybe I read too much Shel Silverstein as a kid. I’d be lying, though, if I didn’t say I have his “Ations” poem hanging over my desk. His poems are just fun. And don’t we all need more fun in our lives?
What is the best classic novel you’ve ever read?
I was an English major, so this is really tough. However, I’d have to say it’s a tie between Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce.
What is the best short story you have ever read?
This one also is a toss-up. I have two favorites: One is a collection (Cakewalk by Lee Smith), and one is a story — “A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell. Both are incredible for very different reasons.
What kind of writer did you think you would be one day?
I honestly thought I would go into short-story writing. And I said I’d never EVER ever write a novel. Well, you know what “they” say… (Who are “they” anyway?)
Only 16 Questions to Go! Keep Going…
11. Which MGlit writers do you most admire?
If you haven’t read Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder, it’s excellent. Right now, I’m on a Snyder kick. I am also in the middle of reading The Flooded Earth by Mardi McConnochie, and it’s gripping from page one. I’m not very far along so the jury’s still out.
Which author do you read when you just want to get lost in a story that is trustworthy and un-put-downable? (Yes, that’s a word — Nah, just kidding.)
I’m a big fan of Colleen Oakley novels. I also love the relational aspects of Kristin Hannah's novels. She creates characters that you feel like you grew up with, so rich and real.
If you could eat dinner with any author, who would it be and why? (I had to throw in an eat-dinner-with-an-author Q, you know.)
Hmm… I’d say that depends. If I’m looking at nonfiction stuff, I would love to have a meal with the late Rachel Held Evans. I knew of her because of some mutual friends, but now that I’m writing books and shying away from my journalistic background, I’d love to pick her brain just about the book-writing process and nerdy stuff like that. If we’re talking a novelist to join me for chowing down on tacos at our local taqueria, I’d have to say Colleen Oakley. She is local, she probably (??) loves tacos, and I am guessing that she has a super down-to-earth personality. So we’d likely talk books for part of the meal and all kinds of other fun stuff too.
To whom will you dedicate the novel you are working on now?
Most definitely my kids. My son came up with the idea initially, but I’ve developed it over the span of 2-3 years (before I ever started writing). And my daughter participated by thinking of humorous names to add to the characters’ journey. I may have a contest at some point for readers to guess which names were her ideas.
What is your background, and why middle grade?
I came from a nonprofit journalism background, which I enjoyed immensely. But at some point, interviewing real people limits your writing. (You have to actually tell the truth when you write about real people.) :-) So when I left the full-time journalism gig, I decided to write what I was smack in the middle of — middle grade. My kids were both in that age range, and I happened to be around lots of their friends. So it was the “obvious” choice for me.
If you got lost in a bookstore, what section would “they” find you in the next morning?
I’d definitely be with the picture books. I cannot explain why, but that section just calls me. It’s a comforting place, having grown up around books and being a real lover of the imaginative ways PB writers can spin a fun story.
Need a break? Just go straight to my 3-question survey.
What’s the highest amount of books you’ve ever checked out at the library?
Seventeen. I remember it very clearly because my brother was tasked with walking me to and from our local library one afternoon. He had to help me carry all 17 books home that day. I’m pretty sure that was a one-and-done trip — he never took me back that I recall. I can’t really blame him. :-)
When you were in your middle-grade era of life, what was your favorite place to hang out at the mall?
Definitely the mall bookstore and G. Whiskers. It was a sticker store with toys and trinkets. But the bookstore was where I could sit in a corner for hours while my mom shopped. (That was back in the day when you just left your kid in shops or took him/her to work with you.)
What’s your deepest, darkest writing secret (the one you hate to admit)?
I got a C in creative writing in college. It was devastating to me at the time. But I now know it was largely because I was so insecure. I rarely wanted to even read my writing, much less take criticism from other writers during roundtable reads. Because I so struggled to receive feedback, I would rarely edit or revise my work. (Duh! That C was a mercy gift.)
But also, I wish I’d treated my Canadian lit class with a little more respect. It was an 8 a.m. class, and I absolutely loved the literature we read. However, it was an 8 a.m. class. Do you see the theme? I am not a morning person and it was a real toughie for me to get to regularly. If you are game to read about the amazing landscapes that span Canadian literature, here’s a good place to start.
What’s your plan after you finish the novel?
My plan is to share it with other writers, get their feedback, and then share it with a selection of Beta readers. (If you know any kids in the 8-12 age range who want to apply for the position, email me at turbowordsconsulting@gmail.com.)
What has been the most difficult thing about your writing career?
Definitely not phoning it in. When you have a talent that people tell you you’re good at all your life, it is very, very easy to rest on previously-written good works. It is very, very tough to accept critique that will make you a stronger writer. But I have learned that hearing the truth is the nature of growth — not just as a writer but as a person. We have to be able to tell each other the truth and hear it, or we become stale.
What has been the most wonderful thing so far about your writing career?
The opportunity to sit and think, to people watch, to listen to others’ conversations, and to read — all in the name of research. There is no better life for an introvert.
What kind of novels do you absolutely refuse to read?
I don’t read romance novels or mysteries that involve gruesome crime. I’m not a fan of reading about things I can turn on the news to hear about. For a shortlist of my favorites, you can check out my bookshop list.
What is the worst book you’ve ever edited?
I won’t reveal the name, but let’s just say I no longer accept historical fiction as an editor.
What is the best book you’ve ever edited?
I have edited some really good books. In fact, the idea of writing a fantasy novel for young people was planted in my head about 12 years ago when I edited my first fantasy for young readers. But I’ve also read some incredible thrillers, nonfiction, memoirs… I am very fortunate to get to help other authors grow in their work while also getting paid.
Last question! What’s the No. 1 reason you decided to write this list in questions?
So that you could get to the end and answer my 3 questions! Also because I was a journalist, I love a good question.
If you made it this far, good for you! Go get your favorite snack and binge a TV series.