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Ask the Author: Annie Hansen

“I'll be answering questions about my new book "Take the Donut-A Kelly Clark Mystery-Book Three" this week. My book will be out November 4, 2016.” Annie Hansen

Answered Questions (6)

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Today I received the copy of Give Me Chocolate that I won through Goodreads - very fast shipment, thanks so much! I had to laugh at your comment about vacuuming which is what I do to perk myself up frequently! Do you write your thoughts for new books down on paper as they come to you, or, do you always use a computer?
Annie Hansen Hi Connie! Thank you for your interest. I have a notepad I have with me all the time in my purse. I write down ideas, it's really just chicken scratch. Then when I commit to writing, I choose what I want from the chicken scratch and pull the plot together. I only use the computer when I'm ready to really write. Right now, I'm in my hibernation stage. I plan to read, read, read in January and February to give my mind a break. I'm in the middle of Agatha Christie's The Case of the Distressed Lady. In the spring, I'll start "location scouting." I visit the places that I consider interesting for a new book and wait for a WHAM moment where ideas flow in. Then I whip out my notebook and start writing ideas. This will go on for a few months until I'm ready to start the process of pulling together a first draft.

I'm taking referrals for locations if you're in the western suburbs of Chicago!
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Annie Hansen I travel. I spend time with friends. And I vacuum. Ha! For me, cleaning the house cleans the mind.
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Annie Hansen Do a little at a time. Set time that you get your work done each day and stay focused. I'm someone that needs a schedule, goals, etc. My writing time has to be very organized and meticulous so that my mind can GO. Creating a mystery requires your mind to be focused and free at the same time. If I'm worrying too much about the end goal, it's too stressful. I need to focus on the daily goal. For example, when I'm creating a new manuscript, I write two pages a day. In 6 months, I'm done.
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What are you currently working on?
Annie Hansen For the last few months, I've been heavily involved with editing Take the Donut, the third book in my Kelly Clark Mystery Series. Right now I'm planning the launch party and getting excited to release my "baby" out into the world.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Annie Hansen I read! I love reading other mysteries, cozy mysteries, etc. to get the juices flowing.
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Annie Hansen I have a scene in this book that involves a fire. I knew I wanted a big fire scene but didn't know how to include it and how the plot would lead up to the fire. I spent an entire day with the Wheaton Fire Department to soak in what their day is like and get some ideas on who starts a fire and what kind of person would do it. My plot came together after this experience.

Thank you, Wheaton Fire Deparment!
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Annie Hansen
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