Monday, January 25, 2010

FAQ

I love when writers post their FAQ. So I'll give you all a little important information. Here are the things I get asked most frequently:

Q: Do I have any clean pants, Mom?
A: Did you put them in a hamper? Because if you did, I washed them. If they were carefully wadded up under your bed, they're still there.

Q: What's for dinner?
A: Check the calendar. I wrote it down.

Q: What do you think I should do?
A: (tearing my hair)

-- Oh - were you expecting writing questions? Those come, too. --

Q: What do you do with all your extra money?
A: (Laughing maniacally) Is there such a thing as extra?

Q: But don't writers make lots of money?
A: Writers who write lots of popular* books make lots of money.

Q: Here's a great idea for a book. Want to write it?
A: Probably not. I've got ideas - that's the easy part. The actual writing is where it gets a little tricky.

Q: What's the best part of being a writer?
A: Daily naps. Second best? Writer friends.

Q: How do you find the time to write?
A: Every day comes filled with twenty-four hours. I choose what I put in those hours (and how long each thing will take) - at least to some extent. I prioritize. I wake up early. I never clean my house if I can help it.** I have 4 kids in school. I minimize other commitments. I don't answer the phone. I do much less PTA than my guilt tells me I should. I hit my daily writing goal and then I move on to something else (like a whole lot of picking up and dropping off of adorable kids).

Q:Your characters sound like you.
A: That is not a question.

Q: Okay, I'll try again. Do you write yourself into your books?
A: There has to be something autobiographical in every writing - even if it's to say: This is what I don't really believe. It's natural to put yourself into your writing, because you come with a certain viewpoint, a set of lenses through which you see the world. It's good to change lenses when you write, but recognize that the lenses are there. Also, um, yeah. I do write myself.

Q: Do you write fiction because you're scared of the Truth?
A: I write fiction because it's my favorite vehicle for Truth. The True parts are what remain after the story is over.

Q: When is your next book coming out?
A: Technically March 4th (I think). Really? Any time. (You can already pre-order on some sites!)

Q: What are you working on now?
A: Something that's starting to take shape after 15,000 useless words. Sometimes I have to write for the sake of writing - flex a muscle every day. That leads to a whole lot of useless c-r-a-p. But maybe eventually the character will emerge and demand her story to be told. That's the magic part.

And there you have it - some of the things people ask me regularly. Want to know anything else? Your socks are under the couch. You're welcome.

*I almost said "good" books, but that isn't necessarily the same thing.
**I'd love for you to think that's a joke.

9 comments:

  1. This was a great post, Becca - I loved your first few questions:)
    I agree with the 24 hours in a day idea - and not cleaning my house if I can help it works really great for me too:)

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  2. I love to hear when other writers don't clean their house. It makes me feel like a million bucks. Thanks for the fun post, Becca!

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  3. Hee hee. I've been looking for those socks. j/k

    Love your answers.=)

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  4. I love this, Becca. It totally made me laugh. I'll be quoting you in my blog tomorrow. Be sure to stop by and take a look.

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  5. "I write fiction because it's my favorite vehicle for Truth."
    Dang, girl! You're SPOT ON! Plus, it's a mystery how my socks got under the couch, seeing as how it's legless. But I thank you for finding them!

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  6. Spooky... how did you know about my socks?

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  7. There are some seriously poignant nuggets of wisdom in some of your answers. The rest? Delightful, as are you.

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  8. Um, the pants thing totally resonates with me. "Pants on the ground" is not a novelty song at my house; it's the first thing I say to my son every morning and have since he started dressing himself.

    And I also love what you said about truth and fiction.

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  9. How is that I'm just now finding your wonderful blog, friend?? So fun. You make me giggle. And love what you say about truth and fiction...and "popular" books (so true!). Hope Hawaii was a great fun relaxing trip. And hope you guys are doing really well. We love your family!
    Meredith (Smith, as in Derek's wife in TX)
    www.countyourblessings.typepad.com
    (come see how big my kids are!)

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If you want to say it, I want to hear it. Bring it on.