Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
Today, Lisa T. Bergren, author of the River of Time series (which I LOVE, find my reviews here), is stopping by for a “How I Write” feature! Many thanks to Lisa for participating!
About the author: Lisa T. Bergren is the author of more than forty books that have sold over two million copies combined. She writes in a variety of genres–children’s books, YA, adult fiction, devotionals and more. Lisa lives with her husband, Tim, three children, and a fluffy white dog in Colorado. To find out more about her go to LisaBergren.com, or follow her on Facebook.com/LisaTBergren, or Twitter (@LisaTBergren).
Are you a planner (outline, etc.) or do you “pants” it?
A bit of both. For the most part, I’m a pantser, but when the research or fictional world demands it, some planning is vital, if I don’t want to rewrite a ton of it.
Do you write daily or sporadically when you’re inspired?
I write only when I’m within 2-3 months of deadline. I research and rest up until that point.
What time of day do you find you write best? Or you enjoy more?
Noon-6pm; I get all my “housekeeping” done in the am–chores at home, email, Twitter, Facebook, marketing, then I’m good to go!
Where is your favorite place to write?
The library. At home, I just get too distracted.
What tool(s) do you use to write? Microsoft Word, Pages, Scrivener, typewriter, pen and paper, and/or napkins/toilet paper?
Notes on paper. Laptop to write.
What are you thoughts on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?
It’s radically changed over the last couple of years. Now I suggest everyone pursue traditional publishing but educate yourself on self-publishing. Then you can decide for yourself!
The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren:
More “How I Write” Q&As!
Lisa is one of my very most favorite authors EVER. I loved reading more about her process. I can totally see the benefit of all the research she does, because the books feel real.
Thanks for the giveaway & for hosting Lisa!
Ems recently posted..Why I Love LDS Authors
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Thanks, Ems!
i loved your books sooo much!!! i read them all in the day i got them.. then i lent them to my best friend who told her friends about your books who then told their friends, and now we’re all major fans!!! btw my cousin just recently is reading my copies of your books and loves them, she’s your newest fan!!! needless to say your books inspired me especially since i am an aspiring author and dream to one day be published…. 🙂 thanks sooo much for writing the river of time series!!!!!! <3
The only books that we haven’t read yet our bourne and tributary because i don’t have the means to access them…. unlike a lot of people i was sad to find that i could no longer get the books at my local christian bookstore as that was the easiest way i could keep up with the series… 🙁
I just wanted to tell you that i really appreciated to see how you were attentive to your fans and readers for example, some of us wished for a print edition of the novellas and you did it ( that’s what i would dream to win)
thank you once again
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
I adore my River Tribe! I was happy to find a way to put BOURNE & TRIBUTARY in print via Createspace. 🙂
Lisa Bergren recently posted..Scavenger Hunt Stop #32
Twitter: fakesteph
says:
Not going to lie… I use writing as an excuse to not do housework. 🙂
fakesteph recently posted..Waiting On Wednesday: The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
I think that’s a perfectly legitimate excuse.
It seems crazy that you wait until two or three months for a deadline! I wonder if that ever makes you feel overly chaotic! And the library is a great place to pick to write! I would get distracted by all the books though… 😀
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
It does. And yet when I get immersed in the story, I want to stay immersed, so it works for me.
I know about being distracted…aside from writer’s block, it’s another hurdle in writing!
Len D. recently posted..WoW: Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader by Cassandra Clare
What sound advice, especially about planning and pantsing and also about how she goes to the library because it’s quiet.
Thank you:)
I like that Lisa writes the best from noon to 6pm! I think I am most productive at that time of day too! Loved her answers! Thanks for this amazing giveaway – I would love to win!
Interesting that you don’t continually ‘write’ as such. Though I imagine the work never ends such as the research you mentioned.
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Yep. The story continues to work in my mind and heart while I’m not writing. It’s like a seed making its way up to sunlight…
I never read Lisa books before, but i seeing this series on another blog. I like cover book and curious about this series. Thanks for giveaway, i think i will check out info about this series 🙂
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Dive into the River, Filia! The water’s fine!
I have been hearing a lot about self publishing and it seems like a lot of authors like it but are not sure about it. So they are not sure how to give their opinion about it, because it takes a lot of research and a lot of moxy.
[…] A Book and a Latte shares How I Write: Lisa T. Bergren. READ the River of Time series. Seriously! Like now. […]
I love The River of Time series and I adore Tuscany!
Linda Cacaci
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Your last name belongs in one of my books… 🙂
I sincerely LOVE Lisa’s River of Time series! It is brilliant and I can’t seem to get enough of it! I have recommended it to all of my book reading friends and family 🙂 LOVE this and please considering getting it if you are on the fence, you won’t be disappointed!
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
And I ADORE fans like you, Crystal! Thanks!
Hey Lisa! You know I LOVE the River of Time Series. LUCA *sigh*. Get interview!
Jennifer Hartz recently posted..Desecration Blog Tour – Final Day!
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
You’re a peach, Jen. That is all. Oh, and xoxo.
My daughter and I both live this series and I would love a set to donate to her school. Would love to see these books made into a movie. (My daughter would love to play Gabi).
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Now to just find a producer with similar passion…
I love the River of Time books! I find a write best in the afternoon, too. =)
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Speaking of…it’s 2:20 and I’m still messing around on the web! Gotta go…
This is one of those rare series that once you start, you just can’t put it down! I’ve been a huge fan of these books since the the first one went on sale at amazon, and I stumble upon waterfall late one night. From there it has been lots of nail bitting to wait for each book to come out, I secretly hope the series never ends. For those of you who are just staring these books, you’re lucky that you don’t have to wait on each book, but it was worth it, trust me!
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Thanks for being an avid River fan, Harriet! Did you hear I committed to fans to write a 5th? Later in 2013. DELUGE. 🙂
I love that she writes after 12pm. I do as well.
OMG! I adore this series!
Pragya recently posted..Blogoversary Special: Guest Post & Giveaway (INT) by Tawdra Kandle
Great interview! I’ve heard so many great things about this series and I cannot wait to get started!!
Great interview! 🙂
I’d love to win! Lisa is such a talented author and I’ve read several of her books, enjoyed every one of them!
You are an amazing author, Lisa! Your Gifted Series and the River of Time are my favorites, though I love other books of yours I have read! Creative Writing has always been an amazing subject for me personally, and I enjoy writing in my free time. I am excited for the second book in the Grand Tour Series and for the Remnant Series too!
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Thanks, Terah! Those are my two favorite series too…Blessings on your own writing!
I have really enjoyed the River of Time series! Looking forward to more books:)
[…] Lisa T. Bergren: How I Write & Giveaway […]
Ever since I read Lisa’s Waterfall, I’ve been longing to read more. Her books are simply fascinating…and her answer to this interview as well.
Jemimah C. recently posted..thanksgiving (a list of things to be thankful for)
I just discovered Waterfall at the library yesterday. It looked good, so I started to read it…got completly hooked, took it home, read most of it in one sitting! Love it so much. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Cascade. Thank you Lisa for writing such an amazing series!
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Thanks for taking a chance on it, Nicole!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of one of River of Time series. I read nothing but great reviews about the book. I just won a giveaway yesterday for a $12 book to Book Depository and guess what, I chose WATERFALL! And now I can’t wait for my copy to arrive :))
All the best for you and your writing career, Lisa :))
Twitter: LisaTBergren
says:
Yay! Thanks for choosing WATERFALL to spend your gift $$ on! Maybe you’ll win CASCADE here!
I certainly hope so! 🙂
i really want to read lisa’s books…
thx for the chance 🙂
I love this series! I was so excited to hear that there’s going to be a fifth book. 😀