Ask the Author: C.M. Newell
Answered Questions (16)
C.M. Newell
When I do too many things at once, I've worked hard this year to keep all tasks simplistic for myself. This way, I'm focused and not being pulling in various directions. It's kryptonite if I get too many tasks on my 'to do' list because I tend to put off the more challenging things, and I get behind.
C.M. Newell
I'm working on a short story and book 3, Sacred, both for The Unwanted Series.
Magick is the first book published in this series. Reign, book 2, is set to be published in late October this year. I've been living in this world for all of 2020. I'm a little sad knowing book 3 will complete this series; it's taught me so much.
Magick is the first book published in this series. Reign, book 2, is set to be published in late October this year. I've been living in this world for all of 2020. I'm a little sad knowing book 3 will complete this series; it's taught me so much.
C.M. Newell
I'm more of a plotter when I've settled on the shape of an idea. Typically I pants when I'm brainstorming or writing flash fiction and brief short stories. But, if it's a fully developed story in a novel format, I'm outlining and plotting. Time is precious, and I want to make sure I'm putting my efforts in the right place to be as efficient as I can be.
C.M. Newell
Grammatical errors and areas that were not as clear as I wanted them to be. This 2nd edition does not change the story. The word count did increase as a result of the review/edit process. I'm very happy with the end result of this version.
C.M. Newell
That's a tricky question. I don't know that I would ever attempt to change another's story ending; it's the author's baby their tale to tell. Have I been breathless, tear-filled, or just plain shocked? Yes, of course. But isn't that the best feeling? A story that rings an emotion from you, wildly unexpected? Oh, be still my heart.
I remember thinking on several books—they better not kill this character—especially in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. However, usually, when I have a bit of distance, the writer in me gets it. So, no, I would never attempt to change another author's ending; quite simply, it's not mine to change.
I remember thinking on several books—they better not kill this character—especially in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. However, usually, when I have a bit of distance, the writer in me gets it. So, no, I would never attempt to change another author's ending; quite simply, it's not mine to change.
C.M. Newell
There are so many that inspire me. Sherrilyn McQueen (formally Kenyon) inspired me at the beginning when I started diving into my writing education.
More recently, I'm awed and inspired by Jennifer L Armentrout, Rick Riordan, Victoria Schwab, Brendan Sanderson, Holly Black, and Amanda Lovelace. They each have different aspects to their writing I love from dialogue, character development, precise prose, beautiful descriptions, and forward-moving plots.
My writing tribe and fellow authors that I know personally are also inspiring every day. I love that as fellow authors, we are not competitors but teammates. It's a vast world--stories/books, there is room for all of us.
More recently, I'm awed and inspired by Jennifer L Armentrout, Rick Riordan, Victoria Schwab, Brendan Sanderson, Holly Black, and Amanda Lovelace. They each have different aspects to their writing I love from dialogue, character development, precise prose, beautiful descriptions, and forward-moving plots.
My writing tribe and fellow authors that I know personally are also inspiring every day. I love that as fellow authors, we are not competitors but teammates. It's a vast world--stories/books, there is room for all of us.
C.M. Newell
I'm guessing many would answer the same to say Hogwarts, I'd be no different - Universal is great for that section of the park but to be there oh yes!
There are a few other places I would add to my bucket list (including that time travel is included in this fictional question). As a young girl, my quick responses would be Oz and Wonderland. Where I am today those young girl responses are still relevant but I'd also want to see the BDB mansion near Caldwell, NY. I'd also want to go to the Sanctuary in New Orleans, LA - only on a quiet non-eventful evening of course!
There are a few other places I would add to my bucket list (including that time travel is included in this fictional question). As a young girl, my quick responses would be Oz and Wonderland. Where I am today those young girl responses are still relevant but I'd also want to see the BDB mansion near Caldwell, NY. I'd also want to go to the Sanctuary in New Orleans, LA - only on a quiet non-eventful evening of course!
C.M. Newell
My time lately has been engrossed with writing but hopefully, by end of June, I can get back into my TBR list. I have a number of books that I want to read soon for the summer and these are at the top of my list:
And I Darken, by Kiersten White
The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefrater
The Diabolic, by S.J. Kincaid
and Lost Property Office, by James R Hannibal
And I Darken, by Kiersten White
The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefrater
The Diabolic, by S.J. Kincaid
and Lost Property Office, by James R Hannibal
C.M. Newell
In college, I lived in a sorority house in which bedrooms were being picked for the year. No-one wanted the back bedroom, which was huge and could hold 2-4 people, due to a mysterious ghost story. Girls seem weirded out by this story and me - well, I was intrigued. Come on, me versus ghost for a room to spread out in, forgetaboutit!
The story came down to a boy and each full moon he would come into the room looking for his girl and kiss her goodnight. If the girl wasn't there, the room would get messy, and items knocked over. I mean, hey it wasn't a like a murder or something! So me and my bestie, Cindy said: "we will take it!"
The story was taking on momentum in the house as the full moon approached. This room had been vacant for several years and used as storage. Me and Cindy moved into the room and painted it in bright colors. This room was becoming home. We had a trundle bed, and my mattress was on the floor under the main bed like and 'L' to maximize space for our desks etc... Time was rolling along with classes; it was business as usual. The first full moon was approaching, and I was all about meeting this kissing bandit, as he'd been labeled, Cindy wasn't so eager. We occupied our time with studying and listening to music, as we were told midnight was the magical time of the kissing bandit to show. Midnight came and went, nothing happened except the light from the moon shone through our window quite bright.
At almost two in the morning, we called it bogus and turned out the lights and went to sleep, although a bit uneasy. We thought that was the end of it, but it wasn't. I woke up suddenly something cold touched me in the face about an hour later. I felt my lips they were chilled. Cindy woke up because I jerked up and startled her. We both saw this flutter of the moonlight from the drapes. It was wild! Had I been kissed by a ghost? This continued the next month! I wasn't overly freaked out, I mean it was a kiss. However, the following month neither of us was in the room and some of my desk items were on the floor the next day. WTF? Seriously!
What happened to this boy that he came into this room on a full moon? Who was this girl? So many questions and conjecture.
I was having lunch in the house and sitting with our house parents, this older couple who managed the house. Later Cindy and I learned from them about ductwork in our room from the ceiling along with other home fixtures over the years. Needless to say, my lips always got cold about 3 am on full moons, and I was okay with giving the kissing bandit something that made him happy versus picking up my desk papers etc...
The story came down to a boy and each full moon he would come into the room looking for his girl and kiss her goodnight. If the girl wasn't there, the room would get messy, and items knocked over. I mean, hey it wasn't a like a murder or something! So me and my bestie, Cindy said: "we will take it!"
The story was taking on momentum in the house as the full moon approached. This room had been vacant for several years and used as storage. Me and Cindy moved into the room and painted it in bright colors. This room was becoming home. We had a trundle bed, and my mattress was on the floor under the main bed like and 'L' to maximize space for our desks etc... Time was rolling along with classes; it was business as usual. The first full moon was approaching, and I was all about meeting this kissing bandit, as he'd been labeled, Cindy wasn't so eager. We occupied our time with studying and listening to music, as we were told midnight was the magical time of the kissing bandit to show. Midnight came and went, nothing happened except the light from the moon shone through our window quite bright.
At almost two in the morning, we called it bogus and turned out the lights and went to sleep, although a bit uneasy. We thought that was the end of it, but it wasn't. I woke up suddenly something cold touched me in the face about an hour later. I felt my lips they were chilled. Cindy woke up because I jerked up and startled her. We both saw this flutter of the moonlight from the drapes. It was wild! Had I been kissed by a ghost? This continued the next month! I wasn't overly freaked out, I mean it was a kiss. However, the following month neither of us was in the room and some of my desk items were on the floor the next day. WTF? Seriously!
What happened to this boy that he came into this room on a full moon? Who was this girl? So many questions and conjecture.
I was having lunch in the house and sitting with our house parents, this older couple who managed the house. Later Cindy and I learned from them about ductwork in our room from the ceiling along with other home fixtures over the years. Needless to say, my lips always got cold about 3 am on full moons, and I was okay with giving the kissing bandit something that made him happy versus picking up my desk papers etc...
C.M. Newell
This is tough, so many that I just adore. However, hands down Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I think because I can read it (multiple times) or see a new movie and find something in it that I didn't see before. We all can be prideful to protect our hearts and when you let it go, there is something beautiful in that moment. That trust when you give your full heart, it's scary.
Other couples that really hit the high mark for me is recently I just finished The Black Mage series by Rachel E Carter, and how can anyone deny Ryiah and Darren. It's got all the heat and intrigue you could want. OMG! What a satisfying ending, I'm still thinking about this after finishing The Last Stand several weeks ago. I also have to add The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole, because I'm waiting for the next installment! I may be in a minority for my favoritism but I love Evie and Aric (i.e., Empress & Death) together and I'm rooting for them (sorry Jack).
Other couples that really hit the high mark for me is recently I just finished The Black Mage series by Rachel E Carter, and how can anyone deny Ryiah and Darren. It's got all the heat and intrigue you could want. OMG! What a satisfying ending, I'm still thinking about this after finishing The Last Stand several weeks ago. I also have to add The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole, because I'm waiting for the next installment! I may be in a minority for my favoritism but I love Evie and Aric (i.e., Empress & Death) together and I'm rooting for them (sorry Jack).
C.M. Newell
Different ways to be honest. Sometimes it's a character story I just need to tell from something I've seen or experienced. Other times it's an inspiration of plot and situation by other stories via book, film, tv, and art that just hits me usually in an off-beat way. I typically tuck these away and sometimes allow myself to write a short story about the idea especially if I'm working on something else. I'm not able to be a full-time author yet, so I have to manage my time well.
C.M. Newell
Reign - Book 2 for the Unwanted Series. I really enjoy writing about Willow and seeing her grow and change. Although this other story is haunting me in the background and I can't seem to stop thinking about it - already outlined it and have it ready to go. Priorities tho - it's important.
C.M. Newell
Read in the genre you want to write in. Don't go in blind, know the stories and the readers - be one. I'm amazed at authors/writers who are not active readers.
C.M. Newell
Ugh... writers block for me is the escapism of time. I don't have the ability to be a full-time author (yet!), so I have to plan, plot, and progress. There are some evenings that not much is produced, just a brainstorm. I accept what I can and push to plan as much as I can; this keeps writers block at bay and if I'm stuck I talk it out. Love dictation software, I look goofy doing it, but it's great and if I listen back - something might pop out. I also bombard my peeps, in talking it out too.
C.M. Newell
I don't really remember the moment of the plot lightbulb - but I did come up with my main character Willow based off of discussions with my daughters and movies we were watching at the time. I could picture her so easily and liked the idea of a strong female who wouldn't bow down to a victim role of circumstance - reminds me a lot of my teenager at home, and I love that about her!
C.M. Newell
Creating is the best part and the most frustrating. I love creating worlds and characters, writing is the artist paint brush, the crafter's tools if you will. The follow-up is when someone reads or enjoys your story as much or more than you do - that is the cherry on top!
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