Ask the Author: Christa Banister
Answered Questions (9)
Christa Banister
While stirring a homemade Bolognese sauce with a complete stranger at an Italian cooking class in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Christa Banister
So many things inspire my writing—new places I've visited on vacation, a movie I got lost in, a phenomenal restaurant meal, a new recipe I whipped up in my home kitchen, a conversation I overheard at a coffee shop, the witty dialogue of my favorite TV show.
As many writers will tell you—and I'm no exception—sometimes the last thing you want to do is actually WRITE. Even though it's the thing you love to do. Sometimes you just have to plop your rear in the chair (paraphrasing Anne Lamott here) and write something. It may be a couple of sentences, a paragraph, maybe even a lousy chapter or two. The important thing is that you write. Regularly. And after doing this for a while, you'll have a first draft.
As many writers will tell you—and I'm no exception—sometimes the last thing you want to do is actually WRITE. Even though it's the thing you love to do. Sometimes you just have to plop your rear in the chair (paraphrasing Anne Lamott here) and write something. It may be a couple of sentences, a paragraph, maybe even a lousy chapter or two. The important thing is that you write. Regularly. And after doing this for a while, you'll have a first draft.
Christa Banister
I don't know if there's a such thing as an "aspiring" writer. Maybe it's "aspiring" to be a published writer, which is a whole other thing. But if you're already writing—a short story, a blog post, a grocery list, a text to your best friend—you're a writer. Nothing "aspiring" about that.
If you're wanting to write, say, a novel for publication, I'd suggest getting some words down on paper (screen?) on a regular basis. Don't worry if the words, story, characters, are just right yet. Make it a practice to write regularly. It's very easy to talk about writing or the idea you have, but sometimes the sitting down and typing part is difficult. Maybe even try signing up for something like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to kickstart your first draft.
While you're at it, make sure you're reading a lot, too. We can learn so much from how other writers tell (and finish) stories. This also provides valuable market research about what's selling and can help you identify possible comp titles for your own work.
Lastly, I'd say find a writing community or a critique partner(s) you can share your work with. There's some built-in accountability, not to mention valuable feedback that'll help you get even better at telling a great story.
If you're wanting to write, say, a novel for publication, I'd suggest getting some words down on paper (screen?) on a regular basis. Don't worry if the words, story, characters, are just right yet. Make it a practice to write regularly. It's very easy to talk about writing or the idea you have, but sometimes the sitting down and typing part is difficult. Maybe even try signing up for something like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to kickstart your first draft.
While you're at it, make sure you're reading a lot, too. We can learn so much from how other writers tell (and finish) stories. This also provides valuable market research about what's selling and can help you identify possible comp titles for your own work.
Lastly, I'd say find a writing community or a critique partner(s) you can share your work with. There's some built-in accountability, not to mention valuable feedback that'll help you get even better at telling a great story.
Christa Banister
Getting to make up stories and mess with other people's lives.
Doing the very thing I'd always dreamed of doing when I was a kid.
Being creative with no limitations.
Traveling and reading "for research."
Doing the very thing I'd always dreamed of doing when I was a kid.
Being creative with no limitations.
Traveling and reading "for research."
Christa Banister
If the ideas just aren't flowing, I will step away and go for a walk. Maybe I'll bake something. Pick up the book I'm reading. Watch an episode of something comforting like Gilmore Girls, Chopped, The Great British Baking Show. A distraction is usually just the thing to help me get back on track.
Christa Banister
Indeed! :) I'm writing my follow-up to The Honorary Italians as we speak. Well I mean not this second, but you get the idea. :)
Christa Banister
I'm an overachiever, so let's go with one, shall we?
Starbucks has run out of cold brew.
Starbucks has run out of cold brew.
Christa Banister
I'd like to hang out with Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters in the English countryside. Maybe sneak in and listen to one of Mr. Collins' droning sermons and try not to crack up.
Christa Banister
The mystery of where all my ponytail holders disappear to.
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