Ask the Author: Jill K. Sayre
Answered Questions (6)
Jill K. Sayre
"The Fairies of Turtle Creek" was inspired by the walks I used to take with my kids down along Turtle Creek. They would look for fairies. Then I started to wonder what would convince a modern teen that fairies were real, especially in this world of science-driven technology. My research showed that the time in history when teens and adults really believed in fairies was during the 1920s, after the two girls in Cottingley, England took photos of supposed "real" fairies. That's when I decided to put the two times periods together, and my story came together.
Jill K. Sayre
Don't wait to be inspired to write. Write every day, even if it's drivel. Re-read it later and edit then. Sometimes there are gems buried in that there drivel!
Jill K. Sayre
I am working on a Young Adult novel that involves gargoyles, with a little romance. I am also working on the next book in the "Fairies" series, set in Maui with mermaids, sea sprites, and menehunes (Hawaiian gnomes)!
Jill K. Sayre
It is really important to get feedback on your work. To me, being able to write well without a critique group is nearly impossible. Other writers' impressions, comments, and related experiences will make your writing richer. And go to conferences. Not only will you meet like-minded people (writers are the kindest professional group you will ever meet), but go hone your craft. Be a lifelong learner. Really learn and understand the publishing world. You can find all of these things, and even a really awesome critique group, at a conference. Are you an aspiring children's writer? Join SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) immediately and find your local chapter. Their website also offers a ton of great information for all children's writers as well.
Jill K. Sayre
The best thing about being a writer is meeting people who have read my book and want to talk about it. I love that! I discover what my readers are thinking about certain passages and it makes me a better writer to know what they like. People are always kind and have wonderful experiences that they want to share, based on what happened in my story. And it's also really great that I do a lot of my work in my pajamas!
Jill K. Sayre
I do what I know a lot of writers do, which is take a walk. And usually the walk involves my dog, Bella, and my iPhone purely for the use of its camera. I take pictures of anything I find beautiful. It could be a shadow, a cluster of acorns, or even interesting bark on a tree.
My other tip for dealing with writer's block is to go on the internet and search images from the story I am working on. I print them and cut them out and glue them into my "Writer's Art Journal".
My other tip for dealing with writer's block is to go on the internet and search images from the story I am working on. I print them and cut them out and glue them into my "Writer's Art Journal".
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