How I Write: Liza Wiemer, author of HELLO?

Please welcome Liza Wiemer, she’s here today for a How I Write feature as part of her blog tour for Hello?. Check out my Q & A with Liza below, and be sure to enter the giveaway!

About Liza Wiemer

Website | Twitter | Blog

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

I don’t outline, but I will write a rough draft of the novel in a notebook before I start typing the novel. It allows me to get the story down without the constant need to edit. Once I finish that step, I begin typing the first draft.

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

Mostly, I’m focused. But the writing process is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. If I’m agitated, I know there’s something I need to figure out, resolve. It’s not a comfortable feeling to have, but I’ll fight my way through it because I’m determined to do pretty much anything to find a solution. Asking questions of the character usually solves the problem. But it’s a process. One of my BFFs is also a writer. When we’re struggling, we’ll either call or text each other something like this: “I need some wine and to whine right now.”

I absolutely love those moments when the perfect word or a sentence makes the story for me. Occasionally, that will warrant a text or phone call to my BFF. I’ve also been known to lift my arms in triumph and shout, “YES!” Or to stand up and give a little happy dance! J I need that. Because writing is freaking HARD WORK!

Do you have any writing quirks?

When I get into the writing zone, I stay there. I’ve been known to write until I fall asleep at my computer. There have been times that I’ll put in 110 hours in one week, and then I’ll crawl into bed and spend nearly an entire day sleeping.

How do you stay motivated?

I’m deeply fortunate to be married to a guy who is incredibly supportive. His faith in me is not something I take for granted. When I told him I wanted to quit teaching in a classroom to write full-time, that it was what I needed to do, he didn’t hesitate for a second. He said, “Do it.” My response was, “Really?” And he said, “Yes.” Being able to devote the majority of my day to writing is a tremendous gift. I owe it to both us to give it everything I have, even when I’m feeling panicky, even when I’m struggling. I push through. Life is too short. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so I make the most of NOW. For me, that’s motivating. My husband’s faith in me is motivating.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Whenever I get stuck, I start asking my characters’ questions. It’s usually because I have an idea in my head that’s contrary to what fits. This happened with the ending of HELLO?. I thought I knew how it was going to end. I tried writing it many different ways, but it wasn’t working. Finally, I stopped and asked Emerson to tell me how HE thought it should end. I got into his “head” so-to-speak and that’s when it clicked! I knew it was exactly how it should be.

What resources do you recommend for new writers?

The last writing course I took was in high school. In 2010, someone recommended Margie Lawson’s lecture packets to me. I purchased two that I felt would help me develop my writing skills. They’re an excellent source. http://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-courses

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

NYTBS author Gayle Forman (If I Stay and Where She Went) told me to “dig deep, then deeper.” I used to repeat that a lot.

Laura Harrington, MIT professor and award-winning playwright and author of Alice Bliss, told me to interview my characters. To listen to their voices and ask and ask and ask questions until I knew everything I possibly could about them. This transformed my writing.

What do you use as inspiration while writing? (Music, pictures, etc.)

I’ll listen to music during a first draft, usually putting on one song on replay and it’ll become background noise. When I need a breath of fresh air, a moment to get focused, I’ll take a walk on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Thank you for visiting, Liz! Readers, follow the tour for more chances to win, and be sure to enter the giveaway! You can find more How I Write features by clicking the image at the bottom of this post.

Tour Schedule

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More “How I Write” Q&As!