Ask the Author: Kristen Martin
Answered Questions (14)
Kristen Martin
Thank you so much! I am so happy you're enjoying the videos. I do have a video called "Marketing Your Book 101" on my channel that you will probably find helpful :) I also answer the specific questions you asked above in my "Building Your Author Platform" video. I hope that helps!
Kristen Martin
I usually have somewhat of an idea as to what I want the covers to look like, but it really is a joint effort with my cover designer. We collaborate and work together to come up with something great! :)
Kristen Martin
Thanks for the question! I am definitely an underwriter. Even in school, when I would write essays, I'd get straight to the point. It was really hard for me to expand upon my thoughts, but it's something I've worked on over the years. I'd say with my dark fantasy series, I've actually overwritten a little (100K words!), which is the most I've written for a single book. Perhaps it depends on the project, but based on my past, I would characterize myself as an underwriter.
Kristen Martin
Thanks for the question! I've been writing stories in notebooks ever since I was 6 years old. I loved hearing stories, telling stories, and writing my own. That carried over into my adult life as well. I really got serious about my writing three years ago. I felt sort of "stuck" doing the day-to-day grind and working in the corporate world, so I used my writing as an escape. The more research I did, the more I realized that one day, it could be a viable career for me, one that could provide an income and one where I could be truly happy AND make a living. I really just woke up one morning and decided to go for it :) And I'm so happy I did!
Kristen Martin
Yes, I do a giveaway on Goodreads about once a month for signed copies of The Alpha Drive. Normally if the book is marked on your TBR list, you'll get an email from Goodreads when a giveaway starts. You can also check out my website at www.kristenmartinbooks.com under the "Goodreads" tab and enter them that way.
Kristen Martin
Thanks for the question! I actually went through quite a few names for the protagonist. For me, I have to use unique names, and I can't have met someone with that name in the past, otherwise it skews my perception of that name. I've also Googled unique baby-name lists for males and females. This can help if you're having a difficult time coming up with names for your characters.
Kristen Martin
Thank you for the question! The Alpha Drive actually started out as a contemporary, new adult novel that was loosely based on my life in college. I wrote half of it before giving up on it, then let it sit for about a year. One day, while I was doing my hair, the entire plot for The Alpha Drive suddenly hit me. I realized right then and there that I wanted to write YA sci-fi. I threw the straightener onto the bathroom counter and ran over to my desk, where I jotted all of my ideas down. These ideas were a breath of fresh air and brought excitement back to this story. Sometimes it's best to take some time away from your work and come back later with a fresh perspective!
Kristen Martin
Thank you for the question! My interesting writing quirk is that sometimes I'll talk aloud and have "conversations" with my characters. It might sound crazy, but it's actually really helpful when I get stuck on certain dialogue. I probably sound like a nut talking to myself, but hey, whatever works!
Kristen Martin
Some days, I wake up and just feel the creativity. Other days, not so much. On those days where I'm feeling it, I'll make myself a cup of black tea, put on a comfy sweatshirt and slippers, light my favorite Apple Peach candle from Bath & Body Works, lock myself in my office, and type the day away (literally, I can spend 3-4 hours in there just writing). On days where I'm not feeling it as much, I tend to go for a run or do yoga and then sit down and read. Usually once I've read a few chapters of a good book, I'll get inspired to write.
Kristen Martin
It actually started out as a novel about my experiences during my years as a college undergrad, but it slowly morphed into a completely different story. Some of the characters are based off of real people in my life, but the story itself is entirely fictional. I guess I started writing what I knew and then built off of that.
Kristen Martin
I'm currently working on revising the sequel to The Alpha Drive, as well as writing the third installment in the series. I've also started outlining a brand new series (shhhh)
Kristen Martin
Never stop writing and never stop dreaming. You can do it. Excuses are just that - excuses. If it's something you really love, you won't just "find" time to write . . . you'll "make" time.
Kristen Martin
Being creative and building a story from nothing! So many professions nowadays have zero creativity attached to them. I like maintaining that childlike sense of wonder where asking, "What if?" is encouraged.
Kristen Martin
I'll read a chapter from my favorite book, browse Pinterest for inspirational quotes, look at a favorite author's blog or watch their YouTube videos (if they have a channel). I've also found that taking a step away from my writing and doing something mundane can lead to incredibly brilliant ideas. It's okay if you're just "not feeling it" one day—just be sure not to make that a habit.
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