Holly is a long-time acquaintance from SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). I frequently saw her at our local chapter meetings “way back when,” learning the craft of writing, immersing herself in language and story. It’s a joy and a privilege to see her perseverance come to fruition. Congratulations, and thanks for joining us, Holly! 

How did you get started in writing? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

First of all, thank you, Michele, for inviting me to visit your blog!

I think my first documented instance of fiction (the first my mom saved, anyways), was from circa first grade—a donut goes on a voyage, strolling down Candy Street, Pizza Street…you see what captured my attention back then. The stories continued, culminating in two teen romance novels in eighth grade. This was before I actually experienced teen romance. Afterward, I wrote some achingly forlorn poetry and short stories.

In college, I thought I wanted to write for adults so I studied literature. When I was just about to go on for my PhD and a teaching job, I realized I had abandoned my love of writing—and specifically, writing for a younger audience. So I joined SCBWI, took some classes and formed a critique group, and spent some years learning the craft.

What was your inspiration for TELL ME A SECRET?

I thought I wanted to write and illustrate picture books—I had this (I kid you not) 1,600 word epic rhyming picture book about the sun, moon, and stars. I still can’t believe they didn’t kick me out of SCBWI for that. But even though I wasn’t getting to the heart of anything meaningful, I value those years for teaching me how to write.

The story had to come from something much harder—first, the loss of a dear friend’s older sister, followed by the loss of our first child at birth. I almost gave up right there, but some very encouraging friends wouldn’t let me. TELL ME A SECRET fell out of the sky as a fully formed idea. I knew it was the book I was supposed to write, I just had to find the courage.

Miranda’s story isn’t mine, but much of her emotional journey came from the path I walked. I originally meant for the story to end differently, but it didn’t turn out that way—both stories finished with far more hope. (Our second little one just turned five!)

TELL ME A SECRET is your first novel for young adults. Describe the moment you first learned that the book had sold.

I was just about to catch a flight to the SCBWI conference in L.A., 2008! My agent sold it to the editor of my dreams, one I didn’t even dare hope would love my novel, in a two-book pre-empt. So I’m pretty sure I didn’t get on a plane. I flew myself, on a cloud of bliss.

Who inspires you?

My friends, my family, my memories, the world. I’m no longer afraid to write the things that are meaningful to me, which has freed me on so many levels. The next book is about a suburban girl who runs away to the streets of Seattle, leaving secrets in her wake. It’s gritty and romantic, and it’s about what it means to love. Slated for Fall 2011!

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Classes and books and friends can teach you how to write—living can teach you the story. It’s a slow process, like a bud opening. Be patient and gentle with your writing self—and wrestle her to the ground when necessary.

Thank you again, Michele!

(Join Holly online at www.hollycupala.com and www.TellMeASecretNovel.com. On June 22, she’s having a virtual party on her blog with giveaways, quizzes, food, and “all kinds of craziness.” Sounds fun, Holly!)

Author Susan Marlow

I first met Susan Marlow at a writers’ critique group, where we took turns critiquing one another’s book excerpt or short story. I immediately   “took a shine” to Susan. She was down-to-earth, insightful, and funny, her writing strong and resonant. Although at the time she’d not been published in the book publishing world, I felt confident that it was only a matter of time. Finally, after years of meeting together, there came a day when Susan excitedly shared the news: the editors at Kregel Publishers loved her book! Not only that, but they wanted more. More, more more! (Every author’s dream.) Now Susan is the successful author of the popular six-book Circle C Adventure Series for middle graders, starring spunky Andrea Carter, who can’t quite seem to stay out of trouble. Not only that, but a prequel series is currently in the works. It features a younger Andrea Carter and will be geared toward early elementary age children. Susan also teaches some pretty awesome writing classes and has produced a workbook for aspiring writers. (More information about Susan and her books can be found on her website: www.susankmarlow.com.)

Needless to say, I feel like a proud sister-mama when it comes to Susan Marlow. I recently had an opportunity to interview Susan regarding her work, her creative process, and her advice for writers:

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BOOKS?

A lot of times I play the “What if?” game. For example, for Book 4, San Francisco Smugglers, I asked, “What if I sent Andi to San Francisco?” After all, there was a reason I set the series in California. That particular state has “more scope for the imagination” (to quote Anne of Green Gables)-both the country setting and opportunities to explore city life in 1880, as well. Once I asked myself the “What if?” question, I went looking for different opportunities for adventure (aka “trouble”) Andi could get herself into in San Francisco. I then used the internet and old biographies and writings from early San Franciscans to build the story. For Book 3, Family Secret, I asked, “What if Andi found out she had an older sister she never knew about?” and went from there.

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE?

I’m a “by the seat of my pants” writer, or one who sees a scene playing out like a video in my head. Then I write it down. Later, I put all the scenes together with thought-out transitions. It’s a crazy way to write, but it’s worked for years.

DO YOU CREATE AN OUTLINE BEFORE YOU START WRITING?

I attempted to once. My mentor helped me create it. Rather than making things easier for me, I felt trapped. So I never looked at it once things started moving for me. I think outlining is a good idea, and I wish I could do it, but instead I struggle, waiting for my “muse” to kick in and do some creating.

IS THERE A PART OF ANDI THAT REMINDS YOU OF YOURSELF WHEN YOU WERE HER AGE?

Definitely. She’s who I would want to be if I could do it all over again. I was the oldest of four girls, and all my growing up years I wanted brothers-preferably older brothers. Andi’s got it made: older brothers, horses, freedom (most of the time), and interesting adventures. The life I’ve created for her is probably not reality, but it’s sure fun to dream!

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

It’s not like I “wanted” to be a writer. I always was a writer. It’s what I did on rainy days when I was a kid, or when I had a free evening as a home-school mom, or while traveling long distances in the truck. Now, if you ask if I always wanted to be a published author, well, that’s a different question. No, I never really wanted to be a published author. I never thought about it until people started prodding me to look into it. I just liked to write. It didn’t matter to me if anyone read my stories or not. In fact, I preferred that they didn’t read them.

WHAT WRITERS OR BOOKS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST?

As a teen, Robert Heinlein’s books influenced a lot of my writing at the time. He created outer space stories with real-life characters that came alive. I wanted to write like he did.

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY WRITING SCHEDULE LIKE?

Right now? Non-existent. I have no schedule. I’m up to my eyebrows with writing-related activities like marketing and editing (for money). And promoting. And more marketing. I just signed contracts for Books 5 and 6 in my Circle C Adventures series, and I’m very thankful they’re already finished and turned in to the publisher, because I have no time to write them!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A WRITER?

Thinking up new and creative ideas for more stories. Sound strange? Don’t all writers have dozens of story ideas buzzing around in their heads? Perhaps. But not this writer. I think it’s because my head is packed full of everything else that writing involves.

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WRITER’S LIFE DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

The opportunities that have come my way because I am a published author. I really enjoy editing, and I make a lot of money doing it-way more than the money from being an author (sad but true). I love meeting the kids and getting e-mails from them about how much they love my books. I like networking with other authors and writers. The hardest part for me is when I’m having so much fun with the writing-related aspects that the actual writing gets left behind.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES YOU SEE WITH BEGINNING WRITERS?

Since I have a lot of experience editing for a publisher, I see manuscripts in all forms. The manuscripts that bog me down the most are the ones where the (beginning) author has made the same kinds of mistakes over and over again: overuse of pet words like “just” and “that.” Overuse of “ly” adverbs instead of strong verbs. Overuse of “ing” verbs, especially being used as dialogue “tags.” Run-on sentences and wordiness, which usually involves a lot of telling instead of showing. OK. I’d better stop because I could go on and on about this. After 50,000 words of this stuff, I want to pull my hair out!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?

Learn how to self-edit your own work. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs, pursue excellence in your manuscripts. Go to writing conferences and gobble up knowledge like candy. Find an honest critique partner and learn from him or her. Never be in a hurry to finish a manuscript. And if you’re seeking publication: never give up!