Before, during and after a work-in-progress, a published/debut author has likely read more than a few books on the art and craft of writing. Whether it’s for motivation or inspiration, favorites must exist to be read and reread — including fiction and poetry — whenever the need arises. With this thought in mind, The Divining Wand asked its authors: What books do you keep nearby or go back to as you’re working? And this week the following authors replied: ~Stacey…
No matter the age or stage in life, a best friend forever could be made at any time and the same appears to hold true for bonding with fictional characters. Whether it’s in a children’s book or a chapter in a YA or adult novel, there are those characters who — if only real — would be chosen as our BFF. With this in mind The Divining Wand wondered who the authors felt close to, and asked: What fictional character…
Yes or no? For every writer there are intangible elements — personal habits — that allow the mind to roam and find its comfort zone when the words aren’t flowing. To take a look at what some of these practices include, The Divining Wand asked its authors: Do you have any unusual writing rituals, secrets or superstitions that always work when all else fails? This week provides the final responses, including one from new TDW author Catherine McKenzie: ~Stacey Ballis…
[During this Season of giving and sharing, The Divining Wand’s readers would like to thank their authors/friends for this past year and wish them Holiday Greetings. The next few weeks will feature universal as well as personal nods to writers who share with us throughout the year. Happy Holidays!] AN ODE OF TO OUR COOKING AUTHORS AND A RECIPE FOR CHOCOLATE BOURBAN PECAN PIE By Suzanne Anderson My love of cooking and books about cooking probably stems from my earliest…
In continuing to discover what inspires or motivates our favorite authors/friends to perfect their natural skills, The Divining Wand offers more responses to the question: What have been some of the best writing exercises you’ve used in your writing process? Please also take note that this post welcomes and introduces two new authors, James King and Kristina McMorris! Stacey Ballis (Good Enough to Eat, The Spinster Sisters, Room for Improvement, the rest in Bibliography): “The two that seem to work…
Whatever storyline Stacey Ballis (The Spinster Sisters, Room for Improvement, the rest in Bibliography) writes it’s always about the character and, in her most recent novel — Good Enough to Eat –, she proves this once again. Following her own guidelines described in the guest post, What a Character!, the author introduces Melanie Hoffman’s voice, flaws, and emotional baggage within the book’s first pages. For this is a multi-layered, fascinating woman whose story was inspired by a few of Stacey’s…
[Stacey Ballis (Good Enough to Eat, The Spinster Sisters, Room for Improvement, the rest in Bibliography) is known for her strong, believable characters — including a character strong and realistic enough to change a reader’s life (see Fan Mail: An Author’s Most Memorable Reward, II). In today’s guest post, the author details the questions she asks when creating those true-to-life characters.] What a Character! As an author, I never get tired of hearing from my readers…those little e-mails or tweets…
Last month’s post on how much fan mail meant to authors surprised some visitors, while inspiring others to finally write their own personal messages. The written word is powerful in expressing heartfelt gratitude and here are more author responses to memorably touching fan mail: ~Tanya Egan Gibson (How to Buy a Love of Reading): “A man wrote to say that my depiction of alcohol and drug addiction (in a teenage character, Hunter Cay) felt very real. He’d finished my novel…
Stacey Ballis (The Spinster Sisters, Room for Improvement, the rest in Bibliography), described as “wickedly funny and brutally honest,” celebrated the release of her most recent novel, Good Enough to Eat, a few weeks ago. Another book for the “foodie” in you, this story offers a terrific twist along with 40 healthy recipes. From the book’s front cover comes this two sentence descriptive tease: She learned how to eat right. Living right is the hard part. And this praise: “Like…
Although The Divining Wand authors have been busy writing, publishing, and keeping TBR books piled high, it’s only natural to wonder what’s next for our favorite writers. And what follows is a tasty sampling to whet your reading appetite. * * * * * As of today, Thursday, September 16, 2010, Eileen Cook (Unpredictable, What Would Emma Do? YA, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood YA, releasing in paperback September 21, 2010, The Education of Hailey Kendrick YA coming January 4,…