Ask the Author: Jessica Haight
Answered Questions (8)
Jessica Haight
Inspiration for writing comes to me in many ways. Just like in the Begonia House, everything has a story to tell. Something will catch my eye, and I'll think about it from another perspective. One tool I use to practice the craft of writing is to create a riddle for Fairday's Blog on Mondays. It's written in rhyme and the answer is themed around the book review posted on Fridays. I'll connect words to the subject, and then string them together. I consider cadence and word meanings to connect the right answer in the reader's mind's eye. It's a fun practice to keep writing skills sharp!
Jessica Haight
I love to draw, and occasionally mysteries pop into the picture. One of my inspirations is writer and illustrator, Edward Gorey. He has all sorts of mysteries hidden in his illustrations, and I love looking for them. So, when I find something I didn't expect in one of my own drawings, I like to see where it leads and let the story unfold in my mind.
Jessica Haight
Tristan and Yvaine from STARDUST: Being a Romance Within the Realms of Faerie by Neil Gaiman. Wonderful story! :)
Jessica Haight
If I sit down to write and pick away for a bit, but nothing happens, I don't worry, I do something else. At times when I'm inspired, I feel it in my bones and the writing flows easy. I like the process of crafting the story and watching it unravel, and I know it can't be rushed.
Jessica Haight
The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow began with a story my grandfather told me when I was a kid. In the house we lived in Ridgefield, CT (the town Ashpot is based on), you could hear someone clomping around upstairs, when everyone in the family was downstairs. Pop would tell me it was Ruby Begonia in her high-heeled sneakers, and I spent much of my childhood trying to catch a glimpse of her and thinking about her story. I wrote a children's rhyming poem, but wasn't able to publish it. So, I asked my best- friend and book buddy, Stephanie Robinson, to co-author a middle grade book with me based around Ruby's mystery. It's been a real adventure unlocking the secrets of the Begonia House!
Jessica Haight
My co-author, Stephanie Robinson, and I are writing book 2 in the Fairday Morrow series. The DMS is on the next case and the mystery is unfolding. We've been fitting the pieces of the puzzle into place, and the suspense is really heating up! The Begonia House has many more secrets to reveal.
P.S. I love to write, so it's more play than work. :)
P.S. I love to write, so it's more play than work. :)
Jessica Haight
Take your work seriously. Write what you want to read. Enjoy your creations. The end waits on the horizon, but the process is the key to a good beginning.
Jessica Haight
For me, the best part about writing is letting your imagination run wild. You get the chance to see something that's never been known before, because you're the creator! I love stringing words together to set the scene, then watching as the plot thickens, characters grow, and the story takes shape. It's extremely satisfying and fun!
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