Ask the Author: Lucia DiStefano
Answered Questions (7)
Lucia DiStefano
My WIP is a contemporary re-imagining of an 18th century work (more deets when I get closer to finishing), a work I've long admired and felt fascinated by. And I'm sure it's no coincidence that I studied that work with my most beloved, respected college professor. I have the best memories of being challenged more than I ever had before in her class (and yes, feeling frustrated when I thought the challenge was beyond me), and feeling exhilarated when I stretched myself to meet that challenge. I grew a great deal as a writer and a reader in that class. Great teachers shape our lives in profound ways.
Lucia DiStefano
I read. And when I read something I love so much, something I know there's no way I could have written, I feel even more compelled to get to my desk.
(It doesn't mean I always sit there for long long periods, because, let's face it, writing's hard and sometimes cleaning out the fridge feels preferable. But hey, the inspiration I get from other writers steers me to the desk/kitchen table.)
(It doesn't mean I always sit there for long long periods, because, let's face it, writing's hard and sometimes cleaning out the fridge feels preferable. But hey, the inspiration I get from other writers steers me to the desk/kitchen table.)
Lucia DiStefano
I love re-imaginings/re-tellings. I'm working on a YA re-imagining of a classic work from the 18th century. I'm liking it so far. But I've written many novel manuscripts (most did not find a publisher, but I learned so much from them), and I know at some point it feels like the m/s starts hating me (I'm not there yet with this one). I don't take it personally anymore, but just keep working (see previous answer about what I do if I experience writer's block).
Lucia DiStefano
Oh, this will not be anything aspiring writers haven't heard. I wish I could offer some shiny new piece of advice. But really, it's READ READ READ. (And then read some more.) Never stop reading.
I've heard once that you should read 200 books in your genre before you try to write one. I don't know about THAT, but I do think reading carefully, thoughtfully, and voraciously is key.
I've heard once that you should read 200 books in your genre before you try to write one. I don't know about THAT, but I do think reading carefully, thoughtfully, and voraciously is key.
Lucia DiStefano
No dress code. Reading is part of the job. Time in my head is necessary and not just a luxury.
I guess that's three things. (Sorry.)
I guess that's three things. (Sorry.)
Lucia DiStefano
I pet my dog/cats, go for a walk or bike ride (weather permitting), read a poem, and/or play the piano. After that, if I still don't feel like I can make headway into my work-in-progress, I'll grab a notebook (the paper kind) and a fun-colored pen and get out of the house. I'll go to the library or a coffee shop and write anything by hand, doesn't have to relate to my WIP at all (often it's better if it doesn't if I'm really blocked). And then I do something that I dislike (like grocery shopping), telling myself I can't get back to the WIP that day, even if I want to. Usually by the next day, I'll find an inroad back to the WIP.
Lucia DiStefano
Thank you so much for this question, Katya! I've always been fascinated by the phenomenon of cellular memory, especially in the cases of heart transplant patients (when the transplant patient is inexplicably affected by things from the donor's life--like preferences, allergies, tendencies). Science doesn't understand it, and the evidence so far is mostly anecdotal, but I had that "what if?" question nibbling at the edges of my mind for a long time before I started exploring it in the novel. Thanks again for asking :)
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