Ask the Author: Rebecca Behrens
Answered Questions (7)
Rebecca Behrens
Thank you so much! I'm grateful for Jennifer Sun Bell, the narrator, who did such a fabulous job bringing my story to life. There isn't an audiobook for Alone in the Woods in the works yet, but I will pass along your message to my publisher. Fingers crossed!
Rebecca Behrens
Thank you so much--that is really wonderful to hear! I'm working on something new, and I hope to have more information to share soon! In the meantime, if you liked The Disaster Days, you might try the friendship survival story Alone in the Woods--The Last Grand Adventure, which has a cross-country adventure along with a history mystery. Thanks again and happy reading!
Rebecca Behrens
Thanks so much--I'm glad you enjoyed Alone in the Woods and The Disaster Days! I am working hard on a new book, and while I can't share any details about it right now, I hope I will soon. In the meantime, before my two survival stories, I wrote three books that blend realistic with historical fiction--and a little adventure or mystery, too. They are: When Audrey Met Alice, Summer of Lost and Found, and The Last Grand Adventure. Happy reading!
Rebecca Behrens
Thank you so much for reading The Disaster Days, and I'm thrilled that it's inspiring you to write your own books!
My best advice is to read widely--books in the genres that you love, and also books you wouldn't normally pick up. Even though I don't write mysteries, I've learned a lot about plotting and tension from reading them. From reading fantasy, I've been inspired by the worldbuilding.
Dedication, and patience, are big factors in writing and publishing. Starting a new story is fun and exciting--continuing the middle can be really hard. Even when you feel a little stuck, it's important to keep going till you reach the end. That's also why I don't do much editing till I've finished a (very!) rough draft. There will be plenty of time to revise, but the first step is getting the whole story on the page.
And my last piece of advice is to embrace feedback--from your teachers, friends, fellow writers. Writing classes and contests are also a great way to get feedback, gain confidence, and hone your craft.
Best of luck with your writing!
My best advice is to read widely--books in the genres that you love, and also books you wouldn't normally pick up. Even though I don't write mysteries, I've learned a lot about plotting and tension from reading them. From reading fantasy, I've been inspired by the worldbuilding.
Dedication, and patience, are big factors in writing and publishing. Starting a new story is fun and exciting--continuing the middle can be really hard. Even when you feel a little stuck, it's important to keep going till you reach the end. That's also why I don't do much editing till I've finished a (very!) rough draft. There will be plenty of time to revise, but the first step is getting the whole story on the page.
And my last piece of advice is to embrace feedback--from your teachers, friends, fellow writers. Writing classes and contests are also a great way to get feedback, gain confidence, and hone your craft.
Best of luck with your writing!
Rebecca Behrens
This is such a great question! As a kid, I was much more of an Eleanor--a little reserved and serious. But now I identify more with Alice. I admire her boldness, strong sense of self, and of course her wit. Now if I'm feeling tentative about something, I do kind of ask myself "What would Alice do?" And she usually leads me in the right direction. :)
Rebecca Behrens
Read! Read widely both within the categories and genres you write and outside them. Being exposed to different styles, voices, and genres can be really inspiring and can help you refine your style.
Rebecca Behrens
As a writer, you’re constantly learning new things. Sometimes it’s an interesting fact you pick up while doing research. Other times, it’s when your characters teach you things you didn’t know, such as by showing you the perspective of someone very different than you. I feel grateful that I get to spend time exploring the world through storytelling.
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