How I Write: Michelle Gagnon

Today, Michelle Gagnon is stopping by for a Q&A for my “How I Write” feature! Many thanks to Michelle for answering my questions.

 

Are you a planner (outline, etc.) or do you “pants” it?

I’m a complete “pantser,” in that I usually start a book only knowing the first chapter (or sometimes, only the opening line!) As I go along, I develop a sense of what the next scene or two might be, but other than that, I basically wing it. For me, that keeps the story fresh; I want to find out what happens as badly as the reader!

Do you write daily or sporadically when you’re inspired?

I try to write every day, but as a single mom who needs to drive carpool, buy groceries, and run the dozens of other errands that job entails, I frequently can’t manage it. My goal in general is to write 10,000 words/week (ideally, about 10 pages/day). Some days I find the time to write 20 pages, and others I don’t write at all. But I’ve learned not to put too much pressure on myself; somehow, I’ve managed to complete twelve books in nine years, so in the end, the work gets done!

What time of day do you find you write best? Or you enjoy more?

I usually write in the early afternoons, after lunch; mornings I save for exercising, school activities, and dealing with life stuff (see above: buying groceries 😉 )

What kind of mood are you typically in when you write (happy, sad, etc.)?

It really depends on how the manuscript is coming along. Some days I’m downright cheerful, others I’m constantly groaning. The latest book I’ve been working on has been a lot of fun to write, so by and large I’ve been in a good mood.

Do you have any writing quirks?

Not really; I prefer to work in silence, but recently it seems like every house in hearing range is undergoing a renovation. I have a hard time writing in café’s, though, although I’ve become surprisingly good at working on airplanes. The white noise seems to help me focus.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I have a lovely window seat in my bedroom, with a view of the orange tree in my backyard. I know it’s not very ergonomic, but I usually work there.

What tool(s) do you use to write?

Microsoft Word, Pages, Scrivener, typewriter, pen and paper, and/or napkins/toilet paper? Scrivener!!! I started using it four books ago, and it’s completely transformed the way I write. I can’t recommend it highly enough, it’s hands down the most important tool for any writer to possess.

What resources do you recommend for new writers?

I was part of a phenomenal blog for a while called “The Kill Zone.” Don’t be scared off by the title, it’s not just for thriller writers. The advice on that site ranges from craft to practical tips on getting an agent. Plus, they periodically offer free first page critiques. Killzoneauthors.blogspot.com

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received for writing?

This goes back to one of the earlier questions, about whether or not I write every day. During a keynote address at a writing conference, the speaker said, “Even if you only write a page a day, by the end of a year you’ll have a book.” I absolutely love that, and I’d carry it a step further: if you write five pages one day, then nothing for the next four, repeating that cycle every week: same result. So write when you can, for as long as you can. Ideally, we all end up in the same place.

What are you thoughts on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?

I’ve only been traditionally published, but when I started out that was the only option available. Honestly, I don’t really care which route people take. I do wish there wasn’t so much arrow slinging, though. I wrote a blog post on this once, here’s the link: http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/2012/10/enough-already.html

Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Or, what types of writing events have you participated in? What was your favorite?

You know, I never have, but I love the concept of it. Anything that gets people writing is a good thing, IMHO.

YA Books by Michelle Gagnon

The Persefone Series

  

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