Ask the Author: Lisa Messier
Answered Questions (5)
Lisa Messier
Turn up the music, grab a blank piece of paper, stare at the wall for a while, and maybe try to describe something mundane without using any "standard" words for it...kind of like the game Taboo.
For example, if I were to describe a coffee cup, I would need to avoid the use of the words "hot, coffee, cup, mug, caffeine" etc. It would come up something like "A cylindrical beverage container, open on one end with a handle on the outside. Often decorated, mine is white with a geometric pattern on the outside. Often used to contain liquids just shy of the boiling point, this object is useful for transporting a typical morning stimulant from it's brewing station to my mouth."
For example, if I were to describe a coffee cup, I would need to avoid the use of the words "hot, coffee, cup, mug, caffeine" etc. It would come up something like "A cylindrical beverage container, open on one end with a handle on the outside. Often decorated, mine is white with a geometric pattern on the outside. Often used to contain liquids just shy of the boiling point, this object is useful for transporting a typical morning stimulant from it's brewing station to my mouth."
Lisa Messier
That moment when a reader connects with a story, when somehow you've managed to inspire them with what you've written, that is the best thing about being a writer. I never dreamed I would actually be able to touch someone's heart, but I love being able to have an impact. It's unbelievable.
Lisa Messier
Just write. Don't edit until your first draft is complete. Editing will slow you down, and make it harder to push through.
Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle (or end). Meaning don't compare your first draft with someone else's published work. Even if you are a stronger writer, your first draft won't be as polished. A published novel (or poem, short story, ect) goes through multiple drafts, at least one editor, probably a beta reader or two.
And lastly, first drafts are supposed to suck. Seriously, they all do. First drafts aren't about being pretty. They are about being written, because you cannot edit a blank page.
Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle (or end). Meaning don't compare your first draft with someone else's published work. Even if you are a stronger writer, your first draft won't be as polished. A published novel (or poem, short story, ect) goes through multiple drafts, at least one editor, probably a beta reader or two.
And lastly, first drafts are supposed to suck. Seriously, they all do. First drafts aren't about being pretty. They are about being written, because you cannot edit a blank page.
Lisa Messier
Currently? I'm working on book three of the Future Of Flames series. It's entitled Wildfire. I also have the concept and a few characters from a new series in my head; that series will be called Forgotten. Also have a short story awaiting editing; it's been titled Imaginary.
Lisa Messier
Ideas are always around me. Some flit through my head and vanish, some stay to play a while, and some shriek loud enough I have no choice but to write them down. I turn on music, grab my notebook and pen, and start scribbling. Yes, I write all my first drafts by hand. My creative muse is terrified of technology. She claims the glare of the screen and the clatter of a keyboard give her a migraine...I'm not entirely sure I believe her.
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