Ask the Author: Cristy Watson
Answered Questions (9)
Cristy Watson
I have answered a question similar to this one before and I don't recall if it was on Goodreads or another site, but my great-great-great uncle died under strange circumstances in England. My great-grandfather kept a journal/scrap book that holds several newspaper clippings from the past. One such article, shared that my great-great-great uncle was an avid sailor and loved the sea. He went out one day and never returned. Searchers found his boat and though there had a been a high wind, his spectacles were neatly folded on the seat. Did he choose to jump overboard, or was there foul play? I plan to research more and write this story!
Cristy Watson
I would love to go to Hogwarts and teach - of course, I wouldn't have any skills to pass on at this point, but I am willing to learn!
Cristy Watson
I will be judging the YA category in the Rone Awards, so I will be enjoying four novels there, plus: Kate DiCamillo's 'Edward Tulane', Bill Bisset's 'Hungree Throat' and Lisa Genova's 'Still Alice'. Of course I will be busy writing, as well!
Cristy Watson
Writer's block is a quirky thing. Sometimes, I find the best way through a block is to be in a place where I have no access to pen/paper/computer. The words always flow best when I can't capture them! I also find immersing myself in the setting I have created, be it a park or a coffee shop, or a school, can also help. I may overhear a conversation that inspires me or I may chat with people and they say something that helps me figure out what my character needs. Being away from the words works wonders for me!
Cristy Watson
I think the same thing that one would say is the best thing about being a reader: getting lost in the story! Now that I am published, I would say the next best thing is having a reader tell me my book is the first novel they ever finished (my books are geared towards reluctant readers). There is nothing so powerful as having a young person find their way into the joy of reading by completing a book you have written.
Cristy Watson
Take classes; meet other writers; enter contests; share your words at Open Mic sessions. Do anything that connects you with the writing world. The people you meet can often add insight to your writing, they can share great resources and often can become a source of ideas and support. I found my confidence increased as I joined a poetry class and wrote alongside other poets for 8 weeks. Then I felt confident enough to join a local writer's group. They helped to critique 'Benched' and now it is published!
Cristy Watson
At this very moment, I am in the midst of outlining a new novel. I have the first chapter nearly complete and have a pretty good picture in my mind of how the story will play out. Even as I create the outline, the story is evolving. That is the best part of writing - when you don't know until your fingers finish typing, where your character may go next!
Cristy Watson
As the note above mentions, real-life incidents often spark my imagination. Sometimes, I need a little extra prodding, like a contest. I love to enter contests, especially for poetry. They often give a theme which helps my creative juices flow! Failing those two, I find setting goals, like a New Year's Resolution, can help me stick to a routine and get words down on paper.
Cristy Watson
The idea for 'Living Rough' came to me as I drove past a small patch of forest everyday on my way to work. One day in the winter, because the tree cover was sparse, I noticed a tent. I was surprised anyone would be living there. I often spotted a boy walking up the hill on his way to school and for a moment, thought he could be homeless and living in a tent on city land. Turns out the boy had a home, but the idea for the story was born!
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