Ask the Author: Jodi Orgill Brown
Answered Questions (5)
Jodi Orgill Brown
I don't sit down to write until I've stayed up at night thinking about a topic. When I can't turn off my brain because the topic is taking over my thoughts, that is when I know it is time to start plunking away on the keys.
I also make notes as ideas come to me, so I don't lose a though (which sadly happens too frequently if I don't write them down). When I am ready to write, I pull out my notes, and start the fun.
I also make notes as ideas come to me, so I don't lose a though (which sadly happens too frequently if I don't write them down). When I am ready to write, I pull out my notes, and start the fun.
Jodi Orgill Brown
My current project is a departure from my nonfiction roots. I working on a middle grade fiction book that is 80% finished. It is a story about a young boy who is bullied at school and how he deals with the situation. The story is based on some real experiences that my son had, and I wrote the first draft nearly a dozen years ago. As my younger kids grew, I revisited the story, updated it, and rewrote much of the book.
Early in 2017, I visited my son's fourth grade class each week and read a chapter out loud to the students. Their feedback helped me focus in on the flaws and strengths of the characters, scenes, and plot. I am excited for this project because the kids in the class helped me name and create the minor characters, so they all have a vested interest in the book.
Once that project is finished, I am likely going to write the sequel to my memoir, The Sun Still Shines.
Early in 2017, I visited my son's fourth grade class each week and read a chapter out loud to the students. Their feedback helped me focus in on the flaws and strengths of the characters, scenes, and plot. I am excited for this project because the kids in the class helped me name and create the minor characters, so they all have a vested interest in the book.
Once that project is finished, I am likely going to write the sequel to my memoir, The Sun Still Shines.
Jodi Orgill Brown
Keep writing. Attend writers conferences. Practice. Join a critique group.
Writing is a skill. Much like playing an instrument or a sport, the talent is developed through time and practice.
Take classes at a local college or find conferences to attend so you can learn from others in the industry. Writers love to share their stories and their strategies, so find an event near you and let the learning ensue!
Writing is a skill. Much like playing an instrument or a sport, the talent is developed through time and practice.
Take classes at a local college or find conferences to attend so you can learn from others in the industry. Writers love to share their stories and their strategies, so find an event near you and let the learning ensue!
Jodi Orgill Brown
I love being able to share insights that would otherwise stay in my head or be shared just with close friends. When I record these moments or epiphanies, they become treasures that can help and inspire others.
The other thing I love is connecting with readers and hearing stories of how something I wrote touched their lives. To think that my thoughts can inspire someone keeps me logging on, researching, and writing. It is a wonderful way to feel like I can have a tiny impact in this incredible world. Thank you!
The other thing I love is connecting with readers and hearing stories of how something I wrote touched their lives. To think that my thoughts can inspire someone keeps me logging on, researching, and writing. It is a wonderful way to feel like I can have a tiny impact in this incredible world. Thank you!
Jodi Orgill Brown
Some people insist on pushing through writer's block, but when I am stuck, I take a break. Sometimes I stop writing for days, others times I stop for weeks. When I am excited about a topic, (even if it is not the same project), I jump back in and find it is easier to get writing again when I am enthusiastic.
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