Ask the Author: Beth Rodgers
Answered Questions (7)
Beth Rodgers
There are certainly others I could name, but the one that popped into my head first is Ron and Hermione in the Harry Potter series. I loved reading about their relationship and how it developed with subtle words and gestures. The way it was explored in the movie versions of the books was well done, in my opinion, and showed even more depth to their relationship.
Beth Rodgers
Some of the novel is semi-autobiographical. I'd say, though, that after the first few chapters, the conflicts and other issues that Margot, the main character, deals with, are unlike those I dealt with in high school. To be honest, even though I really liked high school (and that is what I think is at least part of what made me want to write young adult novels), I wish, even in a little bit, that some of what happens to Margot, would happen to me. It seemed like boys didn't like me in high school (or so I thought), so having one after me is something I had to kind of make up, as I did with Margot. Writing from experience is easier, of course, but knowing your setting, even at least a little bit, is better than not knowing it at all, and it helps make writing about it, even if you don't totally understand it, infinitely easier.
Beth Rodgers
I watch TV and movies. I know it sounds kind of backwards, watching something rather than reading. The fact of the matter is that reading helps inspire me as well. There are tons of authors out there, especially Sonya Sones, J.K. Rowling, Jill Gregory, and several others, who make writing seem effortless and entirely fun. That is what I aim for when I write. However, in TV and movies, the writers are not thought of quite as much as the actors. That is what I believe makes the writing so incredibly fantastic. When the actors are making the words they are saying seem so real and believable, the writing is popping. That is what inspires me - the knowledge that writers can make their words pop (and snap and crackle too!), because writing should be exciting and encouraging so we'll keep writing.
Beth Rodgers
I'm working on my next novel, another young adult tale that will tell the story of a high school girl entering her senior year and trying to figure out why life just isn't always fair. I know it sounds cryptic, but it's in the beginning stages, and I'm still feeling it out. I'm excited to share more information about it as I make more and more progress!
Beth Rodgers
Don't give up. It sounds cliche, but it's the truth, plain and simple. I worked on my first novel for nine years, on and off, all the while thinking that it would just never get finished. I encourage any aspiring writer out there to maintain a level of optimism that you can and will do it. Once I found my own optimism, wrapping up loose ends, writing a conclusion, and figuring out how to publish it came more easily. So, don't give up. Press on, and I guarantee that you'll be happy you did.
Beth Rodgers
The exhilaration I feel when I have written something that I find humorous, dramatic, or otherwise captivating, in terms of how my readers will view it, and in terms of how I see it as a potential reader of that genre is one of the best things about being a writer. There is nothing more wonderful than the feeling associated with writing. It's a high being creative, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Beth Rodgers
I try a lot of different techniques to get past writer's block. These include making character maps, meaning that I make associations between and among characters to be sure that it is clear and understandable how they know each other and why they do or do not get along. Sometimes I like to just write anything and everything that pops into my head to see where it takes me. This is often helpful, as free association can be quite invigorating in thinking of new ideas. There are a slew of other ideas I tend to try, but even though writer's block is one of the most annoying issues writers deal with, sometimes writing about why I'm blocked can be one of the most useful ways to break through it. Beginning to understand what is blocking me sometimes makes for a great writing topic in and of itself.
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