Q&A with Cinda Williams Chima discussion

Post here if you have questions about writing and/or publishing.

Mrs. Cinda, I'm currently writing a novel of my own and I've gotten 250 pages into it, and yet, suddenly, I find myself overtaken by writers-block, and unable to write, or like anything I write. Do you have anything you do when you have writers-block? I'd really love the help.
Thank you.

Cinda,
Is it harder to get a book published when you are younger?

What is your writing schedule like?

Hannah, there are several reasons for writer's block, and I think some of it is individual to the writer. I often get blocked when the editor in my head starts criticizing everything I write. You can't get any momentum in story if you're second-guessing everything. You have to give yourself permission to write badly. You can always make it better in revision, but if you stop, you'll not have anything to revise. There are some posts on my blogs that might be helpful to you (I often post on craft.) Here's one on writer's block http://cindachima.livejournal.com/tag... and here's the first of two on what to do when you run out of story. http://cindachima.livejournal.com/261...

Athena, all things being equal, it's not harder to get published when you are younger--in fact it might be a cool "hook" for your book, a la Christopher Paolini. On the other hand, it's more difficult to be a skilled writer when you are younger because most people require a lot of practice and experience in order to hone those skills and gain the life experience to write well.
If you go to my website under Resources/Tips for Writers you'll find links to my blogs and some information about getting started in writing.

Jed, re my writing schedule, now that I've left my day job, I usually write in the mornings because that's the best time for me. I write up until 1 or 2 p.m., have lunch, and then answer emails, post on Goodreads, lol, do other business. Then sometimes I come back to it in the evening. When i'm writing a first draft I set daily wordcount writing goals for a month or so to get me flying and to turn off the editor in my head.

How thorough are you in outlining your books?

Athena: re outlining, ha! Not at all thorough. I don't outline ahead, although I know the ending and some signpost scenes along the way. But writing for me is a process of discovery. Most writers I ask don't outline, either--those that write fiction, anyway. And for those that do outline, often it's a flexible document, ready to accommodate changes along the way.

XD i like that answer.

What do you suppose the easiest part of the writing process is? (sorry for the many questions, i'm just very curious)

How long does it take to write a manuscript and then how long does it take to EDIT that manuscript? (a rough estimate will do!)
Thanks!

Well, my books are fairly long. And it also depends on what else is going on in life. That said, I've been publishing a book a year since 2006. It usually takes me about 7 months to write and do preliminary edits on a first draft; then the other 5 months for revision and edits with my editor. It helps that I left my day job two years ago.

Oh wow! But, amazing! Thank you :)

Athena wrote: "XD i like that answer.

What do you suppose the easiest part of the writing process is? (sorry for the many questions, i'm just very curious)"
Athena, for me, the best part is revision. I feel like I can relax once I have the bones of the story down. Then I get to shape and polish it until it shines! (I hope.)

Hi! Do you have any advice for a young author who aspires to get a book published? What are some things that I can do to gain publicity but don't cost a bajillion dollars? ;)

What are your thoughts on co-writing a book with someone?

Nicole, the best advice I can give a young author is to focus on craft first. The mistake too many people make (myself included) is to shift attention to finding a publisher before the work is really ready. You'll find lots of helpful information on my blogs and on my website under Resources/Tips for Writers.

Athena, I've never co-written a book with anyone, so it's hard for me to give advice. I just read an article about it in The Writer Magazine (which I recommend.) The author suggested that it's best to write with someone you actually like, and that the plan should be very clear up front, with a straightforward division of labor.
I think you need to think hard about the advantages and disadvantages.
I've written non-fiction articles in collaboration, but never fiction. At least so far.

Hi Cinda, I love all your books !!
Anyway...I have a question about publishing:
Say I finished writing my first novel and have edited it to a state where nothing more can be done, then what do I do? Do I approach an agent? Or should I keep it to myself for a few more years and maybe more "ideas" will come to me before I send it out?
Thanks

Hi, Kay. You'll find lots of information to help you at my blog here. http://cindachima.blogspot.com/2010/1.... This post includes lots of links about critique groups, etc. Questions to consider: have you studied craft to the point where you can produce publishing-quality books? Have you gotten feedback about your book from trusted, honest readers?
I certainly wouldn't sit on it for several years, hoping for more inspiration, but the biggest mistake I see writers make (myself included, at first) is sending out your work too soon. Make sure it is as good as it can be.

Cinda first I might not be able to say it all in this tiny box but the seven realm novels is one of the best series I have ever read! After i finished reading the Demon King it was so addicting so I made my mom drive me just to buy the 2nd book I just finished reading the Exiled Queen and it got me on the edge of my seat how it was so exciting. This Asian young boy Loves your kind of books (feel like a girl haha) its pack full of romantic plots scheme and excitement. It was sad when I read the part where Raisa got taken back and Han still doesn't know her real identity. I was so sad that the third book didn't come out yet but i have good hopes it'll be pack full of everything I love. Hope Book Three The Gray Wolf Throne or The Sword Of Hanalea will be one of your best success.

Hi, Tri, thank you for your thoughtful note!! I am so pleased you're enjoying the Seven Realms series--my goal with this series was to write stories with a balance of action, character, and relationships (romance!) that would appeal to readers of both genders, adults as well as teens. I am REALLY excited about GWT (lots happens!) and hope you will be pleased, also. CWC

no problem, also Cinda can you give me some spoilers about whats gonna happen? I can't finish the series so i wanna at least know a little about it. oh and the part with Han and Raisa on the roof watching fireworks i think was really romantic, I'm hoping to see more action like that or more!!!

Where do you get the ideas from when you start a new book? I just can't come up with a subject. How does an author do that?

Hi, Martjin. I think you'll find helpful information on my blog under Young Writer Q & A
http://cindachima.livejournal.com/tag...

My post on plot addresses this! For me, there's no shortage of ideas, it's the execution that's challenging.

I've been writing for many years, and I someday would like to get a book published. Where should I start? I go through and edit like crazy, but for a young author, what would the best way for my books to possibly get published?
~Thanks!

Hi,Sami. You'll find answers to your questions on my blog, specifically here
http://cindachima.blogspot.com/2010/1...

There are many other posts on craft there as well. Search on craft-related search terms.

Good luck!

!!!!!
Hi! Thanks! I love your books!

Me too!

I have a poll check it out !

Hi, Ben. It's only natural to mimic the writers we most enjoy. All writers stand on the shoulders of other writers.
That said, I have two suggestions. Some writers don't read in their genre while they are writing a first draft. Another approach is to read as widely as possible, since part of developing your own voice is adopting bits and pieces from many other writers, as well as your own upbringing, education, etc.

You can make your own habit.

Hi! I am an aspiring author, and have just finished my first novel in a planned out trilogy. I got very positive feedback on my first draft from an indie author in the same genre, and the only criticism I was given was that it need to be cleaned up a bit with some editing. Which I already knew. Problem is, I am scared trusting other people with my work. I worked so hard with it, and have heard horror stories of over editing, or an editor who over looked too many aspects. I am wondering how I can tell a good editor from a bad one. Or is it all just a game of chance? I don't want to have to pay money for a ruined project.

WELL I'm no professional author but I would say find someone with experience, and ask around to others and see how good they are.

Mrs. Chima, just what kind of books do you like reading? What authors?

Maniac, see my shelves on Goodreads!!

Racheal, if you're considering signing on with an editor, ask for a resume and references. Depending on where you are in the process you might benefit from a critique group before you go to an editor.
also, have a prospective editor edit some sample pages for you.

Hi Cinda, I love all your books so much! How do you keep your story lines new? Whenever I try and write a book, I realize that it is the exact same story of the book I just read!

Ms. Chima, do you know any other authors?

Delphy, read as many books as possible; that way you take from the many rather than the few! I think you'll find that effect diminishing as you get more practice as a writer.

Maniac, yes, I do know other authors. I love to hang out with people who love books.

Hi Cinda!

I know this group channel is older, so I don’t know if this is the best place for questions.
But I wanted to ask you- now that deathcaster is written and released, will you be/are you dreaming up new book/story ideas or will you take a break from writing?
I hope you are still inspired and energized to write! However I also understand you wanting a break after wrapping up another series.

All the best,
Natalie