Ask the Author: Elizabeth S. Tyree
Answered Questions (10)
Elizabeth S. Tyree
The first book of the Saga is Dragon on My Neck.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
I have SO MANY books on my summer reading list! We're currently halfway through Middle Grade May Reads...where we read as many middle grade books as we can during the month of may...so I have about 25 books on my TBR for just May. Some of the ones I'm looking forward to the most this summer are Chris Grabenstein's "Welcome to Wonderland: Home Sweet Motel." He's one of my absolute favorite MG authors and this sounds like an AMAZING summer read (also check out his other books...they're absolutely fabulous!) and Wonder by RJ Palacio. I know I'm way behind the curve on this one, but I'm definitely excited to read it and see what all the fuss is about!
I'm also doing a buddy read of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon in June and am really looking forward to that.
I'm also doing a buddy read of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon in June and am really looking forward to that.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
That is a very difficult question! On the one hand, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett have been a favorite couple since my first reading of their story at age 9. They're sarcastic, smart, biting whit and lack of insta love thrills me every time.
Then again, on the other hand, I love couples with amazing backstories and crazed strength...like Joker and Harley Quinn. I love their passion and intense connection (even though their relationship is absolutely horrific!).
And on the other, other hand...as in the hand I'm asking you to hold up now since I have not more than the two typically allotted to a person, Corey and Topanga (and Sean) from Boy Meets World probably takes the cake. They love each other intensely, put up with each other constantly, and know each on so many levels that the beauty of their relationship is not lost even in the goofiest and most frightening of times. Cory and Topanga for the win.
Then again, on the other hand, I love couples with amazing backstories and crazed strength...like Joker and Harley Quinn. I love their passion and intense connection (even though their relationship is absolutely horrific!).
And on the other, other hand...as in the hand I'm asking you to hold up now since I have not more than the two typically allotted to a person, Corey and Topanga (and Sean) from Boy Meets World probably takes the cake. They love each other intensely, put up with each other constantly, and know each on so many levels that the beauty of their relationship is not lost even in the goofiest and most frightening of times. Cory and Topanga for the win.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
I would love to say that I have it all organized and scheduled out to the millisecond. But I don't want to lie to you! In all honesty, I tend to be a bit scattered. A 'typical' day for me goes a bit like this:
Get up, chase the toddler, haul the old cranky dog out from under the bed. Make everyone play. Breakfast...try to write, check social media and email, gather thoughts and decide what needs my attention today.
Don't get started on anything because the toddler finished breakfast and is yelling and chasing the dog. Sort them out. Play.
Carry notebooks to sandbox/playroom/couch and write while watching toddler make mess. Stop to play, then clean mess.
Lunch
Rest time
While she's sleeping hustle to work on today's longer than it should be to-do list.
Snuggle and read when she wakes up. (she likes mommy to read new work to her)
play, supper, play, clean, carry notebooks everywhere.
Bedtime fights.
after kid is asleep, I still work 2-4 hours to research, write, type up, etc. and typically go to bed after midnight.
So the short answer here is...poorly!
Get up, chase the toddler, haul the old cranky dog out from under the bed. Make everyone play. Breakfast...try to write, check social media and email, gather thoughts and decide what needs my attention today.
Don't get started on anything because the toddler finished breakfast and is yelling and chasing the dog. Sort them out. Play.
Carry notebooks to sandbox/playroom/couch and write while watching toddler make mess. Stop to play, then clean mess.
Lunch
Rest time
While she's sleeping hustle to work on today's longer than it should be to-do list.
Snuggle and read when she wakes up. (she likes mommy to read new work to her)
play, supper, play, clean, carry notebooks everywhere.
Bedtime fights.
after kid is asleep, I still work 2-4 hours to research, write, type up, etc. and typically go to bed after midnight.
So the short answer here is...poorly!
Elizabeth S. Tyree
My brain works in mysterious ways. I went to the doctor for some foot issues, he told me to stop wearing my flip flops and to stop going barefoot. About thirty minutes later, after having researched a little about the diagnosis and complaining to my mother that my toes can't breath in socks and shoes, I suddenly had a light bulb moment and began scribbling out a story board. I had the story board ready and was gathering information within an hour.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
There are so many ways to get inspired! I've been writing stories for literally my entire life (My mother likes to tell of the dragons I used to blame for my messes when I was a small toddler...apparently they're who I wrote the Stone Dragon Saga about 20+ years later) and the process rarely changes.
Here are my Top 5 ways to be inspired:
1) Go for a Walk or take the kid to the park. When I'm in an area with a lot of water, such as lakes or the ocean, I will usually gravitate in that direction. Nature provides inspiration, beauty, and distractions when needed.
2) Spend time with friends and loved ones. Go hang out, have lunch, sit on the porch or toss a ball...whatever it is that you do with your friends, go do it. Their love, support, and drama can not only keep you entertained, it can inspire stories! Sometimes the story will be based on them, sometimes it will be random, but without them there's not much to write.
3) While out doing 1 or 2 (or both) take the time to observe the area around you. See how that squirrel is lecturing the bird? That's her best friend who borrowed a dress without asking. See that elderly man with the cane and classic fedora? He's sitting on the bench feeding ducks and waiting to be called out of retirement. He used to drive the fastest get away car in the world. Carry a notebook and sketch or write out what you see, practice this and it will become as natural as breathing and provide all the inspiration you need.
4) Read READ READ READ READ READ READ...devour books like a toddler devours mac-n-cheese. Read everything in the genres and age groups you write for, and everything else. Don't limit yourself and don't write what the masses are writing. Reading is knowledge and will help your imagination grow.
5) If all else fails, clean. I often find myself up to my elbows in dirty dishes when a great idea hits. Bonus...I have to leave the dishes behind for a bit while I get my ideas written down!
Here are my Top 5 ways to be inspired:
1) Go for a Walk or take the kid to the park. When I'm in an area with a lot of water, such as lakes or the ocean, I will usually gravitate in that direction. Nature provides inspiration, beauty, and distractions when needed.
2) Spend time with friends and loved ones. Go hang out, have lunch, sit on the porch or toss a ball...whatever it is that you do with your friends, go do it. Their love, support, and drama can not only keep you entertained, it can inspire stories! Sometimes the story will be based on them, sometimes it will be random, but without them there's not much to write.
3) While out doing 1 or 2 (or both) take the time to observe the area around you. See how that squirrel is lecturing the bird? That's her best friend who borrowed a dress without asking. See that elderly man with the cane and classic fedora? He's sitting on the bench feeding ducks and waiting to be called out of retirement. He used to drive the fastest get away car in the world. Carry a notebook and sketch or write out what you see, practice this and it will become as natural as breathing and provide all the inspiration you need.
4) Read READ READ READ READ READ READ...devour books like a toddler devours mac-n-cheese. Read everything in the genres and age groups you write for, and everything else. Don't limit yourself and don't write what the masses are writing. Reading is knowledge and will help your imagination grow.
5) If all else fails, clean. I often find myself up to my elbows in dirty dishes when a great idea hits. Bonus...I have to leave the dishes behind for a bit while I get my ideas written down!
Elizabeth S. Tyree
As I mentioned in another question, I am currently working on several projects.
1) Dragons in the Deep: Part 2 - the fourth in my Stone Dragon Saga series, this book follows our beloved Fairy Dragon and his friends as they go to sea in search for an ancient pirate ship ensconced in magic. Along the way they enlist the help of an eclectic salvage team, and, of course, must fight Passiona and Franme, the insane fairy queen and her sorcerer minion. Along the way they discover things about themselves, their families, and their new friends...things that might have needed to remain hidden in the deepest parts of the Caribbean.
2) Paulonious Punk and the Great Adventure Search (working title) - An adventure story for elementary and middle grades. Pauly and his Best friend, John, go in search of an adventure. (More to come soon)
3) Leonard the Lemur - an 'educational' and fun picture book. Leonard the Lemur lives in a wildlife refuge and sometimes goes on adventures with his human mom, Ms. Patty. Hopefully the first in a series, this book will introduce reader to Leonard and his friends.
4) The Heartbreak of a Stone Bruise (The Day I Got Grounded From Bare Feet) - a picture book for adults, this is the story of feet, told through foot pictures. Don't let the description fool you...this story will be fun, funny, and even a little educational.
5) My blog! I try to post everyday, but it usually only happens a few times a week. I tend to work on writing when my daughter is resting, and that is happening for much short periods of time now that she's almost 3!
1) Dragons in the Deep: Part 2 - the fourth in my Stone Dragon Saga series, this book follows our beloved Fairy Dragon and his friends as they go to sea in search for an ancient pirate ship ensconced in magic. Along the way they enlist the help of an eclectic salvage team, and, of course, must fight Passiona and Franme, the insane fairy queen and her sorcerer minion. Along the way they discover things about themselves, their families, and their new friends...things that might have needed to remain hidden in the deepest parts of the Caribbean.
2) Paulonious Punk and the Great Adventure Search (working title) - An adventure story for elementary and middle grades. Pauly and his Best friend, John, go in search of an adventure. (More to come soon)
3) Leonard the Lemur - an 'educational' and fun picture book. Leonard the Lemur lives in a wildlife refuge and sometimes goes on adventures with his human mom, Ms. Patty. Hopefully the first in a series, this book will introduce reader to Leonard and his friends.
4) The Heartbreak of a Stone Bruise (The Day I Got Grounded From Bare Feet) - a picture book for adults, this is the story of feet, told through foot pictures. Don't let the description fool you...this story will be fun, funny, and even a little educational.
5) My blog! I try to post everyday, but it usually only happens a few times a week. I tend to work on writing when my daughter is resting, and that is happening for much short periods of time now that she's almost 3!
Elizabeth S. Tyree
There is no such thing as an aspiring writer. There are writers and their are talkers. Some talkers like to talk about how they aspire to be writers...those people will most likely never reach the goal that they're so busy talking about.
Writers write. That is it, that is all...if you aspire to be a write you must write. Write lists, write lectures, write rants and poems and stories...just write whatever is in your head. You become a WRITER by being a writer.
You should also buy pens and notebooks in bulk. Carry them everywhere, keep a stash in the car, in your bag, at your best friend's house, and write down any ideas immediately.
And Remember, Rough drafts are meant to be rough...you can edit after the story is all out together.
Writers write. That is it, that is all...if you aspire to be a write you must write. Write lists, write lectures, write rants and poems and stories...just write whatever is in your head. You become a WRITER by being a writer.
You should also buy pens and notebooks in bulk. Carry them everywhere, keep a stash in the car, in your bag, at your best friend's house, and write down any ideas immediately.
And Remember, Rough drafts are meant to be rough...you can edit after the story is all out together.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
The best thing about being a writer is getting to write! I love setting up the books, hearing from my readers, and watching the sales and author rankings fluctuate; but, my absolute favorite thing is still just getting to write out what's in my head.
I write in several genres and grade levels just so the stories in my head can be set down on paper. Those stories become voices, the voices tell me the words, the words run in circles, and I draw them out so they can live.
Even if no one ever read a word I wrote, I would still be a writer.
I write in several genres and grade levels just so the stories in my head can be set down on paper. Those stories become voices, the voices tell me the words, the words run in circles, and I draw them out so they can live.
Even if no one ever read a word I wrote, I would still be a writer.
Elizabeth S. Tyree
I get frustrated, I throw a tantrum, I run in circles crying....Oh wait, that's what happens when I sew! (I'm just learning though) In all seriousness, I have three methods that typically work in a pinch:
First, I try to power through it. Some days it just takes pushing through and writing more of the story, character descriptions, etc. Keep going no matter what and eventually you'll have your goal, and possibly get rid of the blockage.
If that doesn't work I try to move to a different project. Right now I am working on the second part to the 4th novel in my Stone Dragon Saga, 2 very different picture books, an early Middle Grades/Children's novel, and various blog posts. So I always have something else I can be focusing on. Usually writer's block only extends to one or two of those projects, so I can work on something I've been neglecting.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, I wash dishes, do laundry, go for a walk, sew, crochet, etc. Sometimes walking away and focusing on something entirely different will have your subconscious working out the issues and then BANG you know what to write. (I suggest carrying a notebook with you everywhere!)
First, I try to power through it. Some days it just takes pushing through and writing more of the story, character descriptions, etc. Keep going no matter what and eventually you'll have your goal, and possibly get rid of the blockage.
If that doesn't work I try to move to a different project. Right now I am working on the second part to the 4th novel in my Stone Dragon Saga, 2 very different picture books, an early Middle Grades/Children's novel, and various blog posts. So I always have something else I can be focusing on. Usually writer's block only extends to one or two of those projects, so I can work on something I've been neglecting.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, I wash dishes, do laundry, go for a walk, sew, crochet, etc. Sometimes walking away and focusing on something entirely different will have your subconscious working out the issues and then BANG you know what to write. (I suggest carrying a notebook with you everywhere!)
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Feb 10, 2018 01:41PM