Ask the Author: Brooke Nelson
Answered Questions (11)
Brooke Nelson
I like to (very, very) loosely outline a story when I get an idea, before I even start writing. Where do I want it to start? Where is the climactic action within the story? Where does my story end? Then, I pepper in bullet points of what will happen between the Big Three story points (start, climax, end), and once I'm satisfied with that, I start writing!
Sometimes I like to write a random standout scene in the middle of the story before tackling the beginning. It helps me to understand where I'm headed before writing out the exposition.
(Also, I like to keep reading stories of the same genre I'm writing that inspire me, while I write. It holds my tone steady and keeps me inspired!)
Sometimes I like to write a random standout scene in the middle of the story before tackling the beginning. It helps me to understand where I'm headed before writing out the exposition.
(Also, I like to keep reading stories of the same genre I'm writing that inspire me, while I write. It holds my tone steady and keeps me inspired!)
Brooke Nelson
Personally, the hardest part of writing a book really varies depending on which story I'm working on. For my latest, Fairest of Wolves, the hardest part was crafting a heroine who is also a villain, and bringing together the contrasting parts of her to build a character that the reader can root for while also recognizing her faults.
Brooke Nelson
Hi Viv! ‘Fairest of Wolves’ is appropriate for most everyone age 15 and up!
Brooke Nelson
Hi, Chlo! My universal, forever book recs is The Knife of Never Letting Go (by Ness), Joan (by Chen), and Clytemnestra (by Casati). TKONLG is YA fantasy/sci-fi, and made me cry endlessly. Actually, they all did. Joan and Clytemnestra are empowering female stories that are so close to my heart, though very different in tone from one another. If you're looking for an altruistic woman, go with Joan. For a tale of (rightful) feminine rage: Clytemnestra.
Brooke Nelson
My very best advice is to write anything. Literally anything. Even if you think it sounds like crap, write for 15 minutes everyday. Inspiration will strike at some point. I can attest to this, as it's what I do every time I'm having trouble with my writing. In essence, you're ignoring the block and making your brain think about something besides "help, I can't write anything good!!!! this sucks!!!!".
A great story will come out of it eventually. I promise.
A great story will come out of it eventually. I promise.
Brooke Nelson
I love this question! I haven't given it much thought in the past actually, since all of my characters possess little bits of my own traits and the traits of those I know. But upon further thought, I think I'm a bit of a mix of each, perhaps with an emphasis on Maeve. My cat obsession is definitely more Elle-like. I will be the first to leave a person to fend for himself to save a cat (and I'm not sorry about it)! I think my personality and fashion sense are more Maeve-esque.
Brooke Nelson
Hi there, Alex! I was twenty-one when I published my first book. Looking back on 'The Half Theft,' I feel I have grown much in my writing, stylistically, but I am still so proud of what I accomplished at that age and in that stage of my life. My #1 bit of advice for young readers and authors is to just go for it! Everyone has a story worth telling. Whether that is a personal story, an epic fantasy, or something else entirely, each of us has a book inside of us. And that story, I promise you, is well worth telling.
Brooke Nelson
Hi, Dave! I think one of the great things about writing a story that may not be "relatable" is just that... it's not relatable! It's a new experience to read about, which is what many readers are looking for--a way to understand and see new things from a new perspective. Personally, I think that sounds like a wonderful story to write!
Brooke Nelson
Hi there! I'm so happy you enjoyed the Collinswood gang as much as I did. They're my babies! You might want to keep an eye out for my new release a little later this year... ;)
Brooke Nelson
Thanks for the question! I think the hardest aspect of writing, for me, is having confidence in my own work. It's been a struggle for me since I penned my first draft of The Half Theft. I have so much love for other authors' work that I often compare myself and I feel that I come up short. But I've come to learn that we all create different stories and my own will not match the next great story I read, and that doesn't mean one of them isn't worthy. Great books come in all shapes and styles.
Brooke Nelson
Hi, Lily. Thanks for reaching out! My inspiration for writing The Half Theft came, oddly enough, from watching too much tv. I am an avid fan of the show Gotham, and The Half Theft ended up essentially being my love letter to the series: combining the dark themes with a touch of humor, mystery, betrayal, and unlikely alliances :)
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