Ask the Author: Zara Steen
Answered Questions (6)
Zara Steen
Keep writing. No matter what anyone ever says, there are millions of people out there waiting to read your book. The more you write, the better skills you acquire, so keep at it, and BE CONSISTENT. Write your plans out and know what you want to accomplish before you start writing. I don't start writing a book and know all of the ins and outs, but I do know that I will finish it and I think that's powerful in itself.
Forgive yourself too, you're going to make mistakes and someone will notice. Put your best efforts forward, and another person will think it's great. ; ) Writing involves a lot of evolution.
Forgive yourself too, you're going to make mistakes and someone will notice. Put your best efforts forward, and another person will think it's great. ; ) Writing involves a lot of evolution.
Zara Steen
I'm working on Blue Moon Rising, the sequel to Heart of Shell, so part of the book details I already knew before I started writing. However, the inspiration for the continuation of this series has been inspired by multiple things. I often find walks near water help me get into the mind of the characters.
Visualization is a key part of my process too. I run through multiple scenarios as if I was each of the characters and I ask myself a lot of questions to uncover the personal stories of Merrick and Anya. By creating their actions and events, I'm able to clearly see what fits into the plot. The more I ask, the better I have an idea of what feels right to them and to me as the author.
Visualization is a key part of my process too. I run through multiple scenarios as if I was each of the characters and I ask myself a lot of questions to uncover the personal stories of Merrick and Anya. By creating their actions and events, I'm able to clearly see what fits into the plot. The more I ask, the better I have an idea of what feels right to them and to me as the author.
Zara Steen
I do listen to a lot of different musical styles so it would be hard for me to pick a favourite. My tastes generally match my mood, especially when I'm writing. Sometimes I choose instrumental or classical just because the words don't muddle the ones I'm writing. For that I'm particularly fond of Vanessa Mae, Tchaikovsky, and Ludovico Einaudi.
I like to explore 8tracks for some really great playlists. Music muses would be Kina Grannis, Norah Jones, Lykke Li, Bitter:Sweet, Florence and the Machine, Anjulie (her oldest stuff), Lana Del Ray etc...
I listen to the Gabriel and Dresden Remix of Motorcycle's As the Rush Comes on repeat. It's my favourite song right now.
I like to explore 8tracks for some really great playlists. Music muses would be Kina Grannis, Norah Jones, Lykke Li, Bitter:Sweet, Florence and the Machine, Anjulie (her oldest stuff), Lana Del Ray etc...
I listen to the Gabriel and Dresden Remix of Motorcycle's As the Rush Comes on repeat. It's my favourite song right now.
Zara Steen
Not very well... haha. Actually it can be very challenging sometimes, but something that I find helpful is meditation. When I take a moment to clear my mind and focus on what I want... in this case for my muse to come tap me on the shoulder and say "Write Zara!" it helps me relax to the point where I can focus. I also recently learned the place mat exercise and that has been incredible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QlHF...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QlHF...
Zara Steen
There are a lot of things that I find inspirational. Walks in nature can be especially helpful to create a sense of calmness and serenity that helps me with finding the right tone and voice. Generally with my ideas though they are eureka moments. An idea kind of pops into my mind and takes over. Suddenly I'm swept up into a scenario outside of myself and my curious nature wants to know more. So I ask myself questions and delve further into the tale. Characters will introduce themselves to me too, which sounds funny but is the easiest way to explain how it happens. I'll be daydreaming and they just pop into my head and say “Hello” because they have a story they want to be told.
Zara Steen
Right now I am preparing to launch my first Young Adult Novel called Heart of Shell which will be released on May 28, 2015. It's in the editing stages so there's not really a lot of writing going on, but my next writing project and a big priority would be to finish King of Shadows, the second book in The Arzulian Kingdoms. It's going to continue with Samira and Arkson's story, but in it readers will have the chance to learn more about Salha and what her life will be like in Arzule. I also have a shorter novella in the works called Marked by Magic, but that will be something I look at finishing later in the year. I definitely will be keeping busy. ;)
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