Ask the Author: Sandi Ward
Answered Questions (6)
Sandi Ward
Thanks! That's a good question. I think there's two parts to it. First, I get motivated to write a story because I feel very compelled—I have an idea that I feel passionate about, and have to get it out on paper (or, in my case, on my laptop). Often I get ideas for scenes when I'm doing something mindless where I don't have to think too much, like walking my dog, and then I type it up later. So I guess I don't have to force myself to sit and write because I do it for fun! I find it entertaining (and probably therapeutic).
The second part, though, is that once I start a story, I have to figure out where it's going to go. That's harder. Sometimes I have an idea, get the characters in place—but then I'm not completely sure where to take it. I don't outline or plan my books ahead of time, so I have to figure everything out mid-story.
I assume that if a story line isn't compelling to me, it won't be compelling to readers either. So if I'm running out of steam, I change it up. I'll throw in a few twists or unexpected turns in the middle. I try to think: what would be surprising here? And then I can go back and edit what I wrote before to fit. I'll try to give readers a few moments of "I didn't see that coming—but of course, that makes sense!"
I think a lot of writers find the middle hard to get through, even when they have an ending in mind. I usually have a few secondary characters to play with who can step up and insert themselves into the plot, sending things in a new direction. And I sometimes throw in exterior obstacles, whether it's a broken leg or a snowstorm.
Writing realistic fiction for me means thinking about dramatic things that happen in our everyday lives, and then amplifying them. What if everything my character hoped wouldn't happen actually came to pass? So I try to make things increasingly more complicated, and incorporate scenes that are fun (or interesting, or heartbreaking, or inspiring) for me to write.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your writing!
The second part, though, is that once I start a story, I have to figure out where it's going to go. That's harder. Sometimes I have an idea, get the characters in place—but then I'm not completely sure where to take it. I don't outline or plan my books ahead of time, so I have to figure everything out mid-story.
I assume that if a story line isn't compelling to me, it won't be compelling to readers either. So if I'm running out of steam, I change it up. I'll throw in a few twists or unexpected turns in the middle. I try to think: what would be surprising here? And then I can go back and edit what I wrote before to fit. I'll try to give readers a few moments of "I didn't see that coming—but of course, that makes sense!"
I think a lot of writers find the middle hard to get through, even when they have an ending in mind. I usually have a few secondary characters to play with who can step up and insert themselves into the plot, sending things in a new direction. And I sometimes throw in exterior obstacles, whether it's a broken leg or a snowstorm.
Writing realistic fiction for me means thinking about dramatic things that happen in our everyday lives, and then amplifying them. What if everything my character hoped wouldn't happen actually came to pass? So I try to make things increasingly more complicated, and incorporate scenes that are fun (or interesting, or heartbreaking, or inspiring) for me to write.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your writing!
Sandi Ward
Hi, and thanks for reading! I'm glad you love the concept. Right now I only have two books written from a cat's point of view, but you never know! Maybe there will be more in the future.
Writing from a cat's POV has been a great way to show scenes going on between different family members. No one keeps secrets from their pets. Pets see everything, witnessing all of the behind-the-scenes drama we sometimes hide from the outside world. But of course our pets love us no matter what, which makes them perfect companions.
Writing from a cat's POV has been a great way to show scenes going on between different family members. No one keeps secrets from their pets. Pets see everything, witnessing all of the behind-the-scenes drama we sometimes hide from the outside world. But of course our pets love us no matter what, which makes them perfect companions.
Sandi Ward
I enjoy writing and usually have ideas brewing, but when I actually sit down to write, it helps if I'm comfortable. I like to work somewhere with good light, and usually have a cup of coffee at hand. I feel like I do my best writing first thing in the morning, and when I'm a little bit hungry. I'm inspired by people I know in my own life, and personal stories I hear or read about. Anything that makes me laugh or cry has the potential to turn into a story!
Sandi Ward
I feel lucky in that I rarely suffer from writer’s block. It’s usually the opposite—I don’t have enough time in my busy life to write everything down! I often get ideas when I’m doing something somewhat mindless, like taking a shower or driving the car, but these are also times when I can’t start typing on my laptop. So I have to hope my ideas stay with me until I can get to my computer.
Sandi Ward
I've got a nice stack of books that I'm planning to read! For Mother's Day, I received Elizabeth Strout's new novel, "Anything is Possible". I'm looking forward to reading "Always and Forever, Lara Jean", the 3rd book in a series from Jenny Han. And I've got some great 2017 debut novels in my to-read pile, including "The Atlas of Forgotten Places" by Jenny Williams. I always need books for the beach!
Sandi Ward
I am working on my second book for Kensington. It will also be told from the point of view of a cat! But it is a different cat, named Lily, and tells the story of a different family.
Just as Mother was Boo’s favorite person in the world, Lily has a best friend: a sensitive, 14-year-old boy named Charlie. Lily sees that Charlie has bruises he hides from his family, and she assumes that he is being bullied in school. She makes it her mission to find out who is hurting Charlie and help him put a stop to it. But along the way, Lily discovers that her family has even more pressing issues to deal with.
Like The Astonishing Thing, it’s a story about a family that falls apart, and must figure out how to put itself back together. There will be drama, romance, and I hope a few surprises along the way.
Just as Mother was Boo’s favorite person in the world, Lily has a best friend: a sensitive, 14-year-old boy named Charlie. Lily sees that Charlie has bruises he hides from his family, and she assumes that he is being bullied in school. She makes it her mission to find out who is hurting Charlie and help him put a stop to it. But along the way, Lily discovers that her family has even more pressing issues to deal with.
Like The Astonishing Thing, it’s a story about a family that falls apart, and must figure out how to put itself back together. There will be drama, romance, and I hope a few surprises along the way.
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