Colleen Young's Blog, page 8

Fighting Prose Interview with Alice Liddell!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Alice Liddell

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since as long as I can remember. I spent the majority of my time growing up writing in my notebooks and typing away on my computer. I started writing on a professional level in my early twenties. I had a few short stories published in some small literary magazines. From there, I created the art fashion magazine Cloud Orchid Magazine with my best friend and business partner, Bryan Thompson. Together, we were invited to many local fashion shows and events. We also created many beautiful photo editorials together. I wrote about 90% of the interview editorials on photographers, models, designers, etc for the magazine. Since then, it has evolved into Cloud Orchid Publishing. We hung up doing fashion work, and started focusing more on our artistic works. We now publish art books, which combine Bryan's photography, and my short stories, poetry, and artwork. We have also published 5 of my poetry collections and 4 of my novels thus far. At the same time, I have also done some freelance ghost writing work here and there, writing articles, short stories, and even novels for various clients. Unfortunately, I can't really share these, as I signed NDAs for the projects. My first novel was actually published by Ink Smith Publishing. I also plan on shopping more of my novels to other publishers, while still earmarking some of my works for Cloud Orchid Publishing.

If you’ve written several books, which is your favorite?

I would have to say my favourite book I have written is Geisha Hands. This project was a true labour of love. Geisha Hands is a fully illustrated historical fiction novel that I published through Cloud Orchid Publishing. Set during the Meiji Period in Japan, this book focuses on the history and culture of maiko and geisha. The story is about a maiko named Yukie, who is on the cusp of her erikae (turning of the collar ceremony to become a full geisha). She is still struggling with where she fits into the hanamachi, and feels she is being pigeon-holed into the role of being a jikata (musician). There is also a bit of romance as she meets an important client who will help her make the successful transition into full geisha. This book took 5 years to complete from conception to publication release. The writing and research took 3 years, and the illustrations took 2 years. I illustrated all the images myself. The layout for this book took Bryan and I 3 solid months to work out - fitting in the different types of illustrations, the footnotes, and how to best present the 40 page glossary. I have never been more proud of a project I have completed.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

My two favourite genres to read are fantasy and historical fiction. Both are a lot about escapism for me, whether it's escaping to another world or another time. I love immersing myself into a totally different setting and reading about characters that are experiencing life in ways so different than my own. I'm also big on description, both reading and writing it. I love that fantasy and historical fiction MUST include a lot of description in order for the reader to truly understand the world they are reading.

How do you get in the mood to write?

Typically, I'll read a few pages of what I already wrote for a story to get me back into the flow. Then I just let the story take off. I typically jump around a lot with the plot, I don't usually write chronologically. And then the story just kind of comes together as I envision the different scenes. Poetry is much different for me though. I have to be in a very specific mindset. I can force myself to get into that mindset, but it's best when it's organic.

How do your characters come together?

My characters kind of tell me who they are and who they need to be. I tend to come up with the world and the story first, and then the characters kind of pop up and introduce themselves to me. Their names are especially important. My character names are hugely influenced by the world and the time period they are in. I often use historical/cultural names in my stories. Though, if a character name is completely made up, I try to make sure it has roots that evoke a certain feel for their origins.

How do you get your ideas?

Ideas just happen for me. They're like weeds. They pop up unexpectedly. I have a folder on my computer that is little collections of ideas. Some are only a few sentences long, and some are several pages. Whenever I need a new project to work on, I just go hunting in my ideas folder.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

I'm not sure about "admire" in the writing world. I'm not the type to get super hyped about big name authors. I would say what I "love" most about the writing world is the freedom to be exactly myself. I love that I'm finally being rewarded for the work that I love doing. I love that it has value and that I can also celebrate the value in the work of others. The writing community is very important to me. I do all I can to nourish it and support it, while still forging ahead with my own work.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I also work as an artist, a drag performer, a model, and a social media manager. It's A LOT to handle. A typical day is broken up into sections of work for me - morning is social media work (doing marketing on behalf of private clients), then afternoon is admin work for my writing and my artwork (website and social media stuff, tracking ad campaigns, signing up for conventions, etc) then the evening is creative time. The evenings are typically either I sit and work on my writing all night, I work on my artwork all night, or I perform at one of my shows. My "event" days are typically dominated by all day performance festivals, all day photoshoots, and all day events or conventions. My schedule is typically pretty chaotic with 1-5 event days per week, and I work 7 days per week. It's very rare that I let myself have a day off to do "non-productive" things.

Have you always been creative?

Always. I have been writing and drawing and playing pretend ever since I was a small child. My parents have a big storage container of all my old writing and artwork. I also have scores of full sketchbooks and journals squirreled away in my apartment. Doing creative work is like breathing for me. I can't NOT do it. I'll die.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I really don't suffer from writer's block. Sometimes I'll get stuck on a particular scene, or get bored with a particular project. This is why I typically work on about 3-5 projects at the same time. This allows me to switch between projects so I can change my focus and refresh my brain. By the time I come back to where I was stuck, I have an idea for how I want to move forward. I've never in my entire life ever had a time where I was unable to write, or unable to draw.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

It's "easy" for me. It's easy in that sitting down to write "something" is enjoyable and the flow is always on. What is "hard" is maintaining my focus. Some days I get hyper focused and I can get a lot of work done on one of my projects. Other days, it's like pulling teeth to get me to focus on the project I'm "supposed" to be working on, and I'll spend hours "playing" with other projects instead. I try not to beat myself up too much when I do this since I'm technically getting work done either way, it just might not be work I need to get done "now".

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice is first and foremost, write for yourself. If you don't like your story, why should anyone else? Yes, being aware of your audience and knowing who your book is geared toward is very important. But that's more once you're in the final editing and marketing stages of your book. When actually sitting down to create a story, write a story that YOU want to read. That's the most effective way to set yourself up for success.

What is your dream writing location?

This is too funny, I was actually talking about this with my partner the other day (he's also an author). And we were joking about how for some reason, Hollywood always depicts authors as living alone in a big lake house in a secluded area. I honestly have never had any aspirations to live in some remote or scenic place in order to work as a writer. I'm quite happy now living in my apartment in Boystown in Chicago. My biggest dream is to be able to make a living doing ONLY my writing, and not having to do outside gigs that distract me from my writing.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

The most frequently asked question I field is "Did you really write all these books?" It's an intimidating spread when I show up at conventions with all my novels, art books, and poetry books. Most people can't wrap their minds around that I've really written and published so much. The second question I get the most would be what inspires me to write all the things I do. I think I kind of answered that in the "How do you get your ideas?" question above. But to build on that, I'm hugely inspired by the works of other writers, both independent and well-known. I'm also hugely inspired by mythology and certain historical/cultural events. I often like to mash them together to create my own new worlds and timelines.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

I'm not sure I would want that. I suppose it would be neat to bring one of my mythological creatures to life. I've never really thought of what would happen if one of my stories would become "real".

What do you think makes a good story?

Plot arc and character development. I know it sounds boring, but you can have the most fantastical fantasy story, or the most relatable young adult story, but it's unreadable if the plot doesn't make sense and the characters are cardboard cutouts that never learn or grow. Taking the time to ensure that your plot moves forward in a way that's easy for your readers to follow, has a logical progression (this, then that), and doesn't leave your readers with gaping plot holes is what makes a story "good". Creating characters that are relatable, that have flaws, that have hopes and dreams, that suffer conflict and become more than what they originally were in the end - that's what makes a story great.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be an author. I've always wanted to be an author. I enjoyed a few years working as a professional model, and touring nationally. And I love working as a performer here in the city. But my main passion is my writing, with my artwork as a supporting secondary. I have always had so many beautiful ideas and stories I wanted to share with the world.

Links to AliceTwitter I Instagram























































Love of the Sea

By Masterson, Lauren

“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Alice! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

ARC Sign-UP OPEN

Hey everyone, I'm ready to give away Advanced Readers Copies (ARC's). That's my newest book for

Taking Flight Trilogy NEW Covers!

It’s been hard work getting the trilogy recovered. Check them out!

Taking Flight: Book One of the Taking Flight Trilogy

By Young, Colleen































































Remove Before Flight: Book Two of the Taking Flight Trilogy

By Young, Colleen































































The Event: Book Three of Taking Flight Trilogy

By Young, Colleen

Fighting Prose Interview with Dana L. Brown

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Dana L. Brown

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

About most of my life but I started writing seriously in 2016.

If you’ve written several books, which is your favorite?

I have to go with the first, Lottie Loser. It was the beginning of my dream come true, plus I like to say that Charlotte is me with upgrades.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

When it comes to reading my tastes change from time to time, but I love a series, whether it’s romance, mystery, or suspense.

As for writing, romance, romcom and Women’s Fiction are what I love.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I don’t have an impressive answer for that! Sometimes I have ideas in my head and can’t wait to get them down, and sometimes I have to open my laptop and make myself write. Ultimately though, if I’m truly not feeling it, I do something else and wait until the time feels right.

How do your characters come together?

For two years before I writing Lottie Loser I formed the story line in my head. I knew Charlotte and Nick as well as my own kids, but the more I wrote, the more they spoke to me. For instance, I didn’t intent to write a series, but the characters kept telling me they had more to say.

How do you get your ideas?

From the books that I’ve read over the years. Reading is my favorite thing in the world to do.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

That’s really hard. I guess Nora Roberts because she’s been so prolific, and continues to craft wonderful stories.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Reading of course, spending time with family and friends, holding speaking engagements and book events. My life is pretty simple, and I’m thankful for that.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve been writing some since junior high, but I also love to cook, and especially to bake. I’ve incorporated some of my favorite foods to make into The AMI Series.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

There was a period after I wrote The Greysons that I had no interest in writing. I had no inspiration, and didn’t open my computer for months. But one day I looked at the beginning of a book I had started the year before, and decided to work on it. I’ve never published that book, but someday I will. It gave me back the love of putting my imagination into words.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

It depends on the day. Some days I have to force myself to write a chapter, and then as the day goes on I think of ways to make it better. Some days I wake up with ideas and can’t wait to get started.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Never, ever give up! Don’t think you’re too old or too young, because none of that matters. Write for yourself, and don’t plan on becoming rich and famous. If that happens, kudos to you, but know in your heart why you’re writing.

What is your dream writing location?

Somewhere on a beach, but definitely on the water! Even though I live in the north my heart is where there’s sun and sand.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Have I ever had a Nick Greyson in my life, or is my husband Nick? The answer to both is no.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Nick. Who wouldn’t want a 6’5” gorgeous FBI agent, who’s also a really good man, in their life?!

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters that are real and relatable, with strong relationships. A story line that makes it hard to put the book down, and enough conflict to make you have to know the resolution.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a wife and mother, and I’m blessed to have achieved both.

Links to DanaInstagram I Website
















Anna Maria Island Series Box Set: The Greysons (AMI Series Book 4)

By Brown, Dana L.

“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Dana! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

Keep Your Friends Close

"Be thoughtful about who makes you feel lit up and supported and put work into those relationships."
This episode, we're talking about friendships: some ways to invest in them, what makes ours work, how to stay in touch long-distance—and even sharing some juicy gossip about the couple of fights we've been in....

Click here for the Episode!

Fighting Prose Interview with Caryn Emme!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Caryn Emme

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

Feels like my entire life :) However, I didn't start seriously writing until about 5 years ago.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I love to read Historical Romance and Spirituality and I love to write Historical Romance. I might try a Young Adult novel...have a few ideas floating around...

How do you get in the mood to write?

I write when I have time. For me, it's not about my mood. I am a working mom of two - time is precious. If I wait for my mood, the time never comes! I have realized that writing takes discipline. So, I any window of time I can get, which means I write every day. Some days I write more, some less, but writing happens every day.

How do your characters come together?

I find my heroines reveal themselves first. I get a flash of their main character traits and names almost instantly. Slowly, their back stories are revealed. I try to ground their main inner conflict with some kind of tie to their past - like real people. It ends up being really fun how the character just takes off and reveals herself as you write. The male characters take me longer to figure out...I do try to keep true to male characteristics of keeping things inside, of trying to fix and protect, of needing to be told what we want explicitly (lol)...I've learned a lot about masculinity (not just my idea of it) as I've written the heroes of my stories.

How do you get your ideas?

They come to me. I think I was influenced at a young age by the Spanish Telenovelas we always watched - so fun and dramatic! And, very romantic too. I also get my ideas from the trials of relationships in modern living and then I adapt them to the historical settings of the regency time period.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

Kate Chopin and Jane Austen. Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Yoga practice! I love yoga and it has taken me into deep spiritual practice too. It has also awakened my creativity in ways I would have never imagined! I'm busy with my two kiddos and husband too, family is deeply important to me.

Have you always been creative?

I suppressed my creativity for while in the desperate need to be organized and ordered. But, I realize that is not my best, nor my true self. I am a creative soul who needs to apply that to everything. While it's fun to experiment with painting and cooking, my main creative outlet is through writing.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes. I let the story/novel just sit for a while and work on something else.I go to yoga and practice for an hour. Usually by the time I get back to it, I'm open and ready and the story flows.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

Honestly? It's easy...I normally plot every single chapter (using the good, old fashioned plot graph we all learned and I taught in English class!) - so, I know where I'm going. That doesn't mean I don't deviate as new things come up, but I have a guide. On days when it's hard, when new ideas don't mesh with what I've plotted...I just keep going. I love writing and I know the story will reveal itself and unfold if I don't give up. It always does.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Write everyday. Don't give up. And, don't compare where you are on your journey to where others are.

What is your dream writing location?

Airy apartment in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Or, anywhere by the ocean.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

What inspired me to write them?

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

All of the female protagonists of The Chronicles of the Heart Series. They would fit right in with my circle of friends.

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters with a strong sense of who they are and with an internal conflict which needs resolution.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Become a journalist

Links to CarynInstagram I Website










Capturing a Countess' Heart (Chronicles of the Heart)

By Emme, Caryn

“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Caryn! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

Fighting Prose Interview with Wendy Kok!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Wendy Kok

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

All my life

Of your books, which is your favorite?

My first book, ‘A Grey Resort’ came out last summer. It is set in a small northern town in WI, and a girl goes fishing one evening, and gets the shock of her life.

I grew up on a lake resort, and lots of eerie things were happening in the surrounding woods and town. I incorporated that into my story. I have several 5-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s part of a planned series. I have many readers asking when my 2nd book is coming out. It is quite the labor of love, and I’m pretty proud of it.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I like all genres, fiction, non-fiction, biographies...

How do you get in the mood to write?

If I have something in mind that I can’t stop thinking about, I write it down. Sometimes I have music in the background, and lots of coffee ☕️

How do your characters come together?

I am very much an out of the box kind of thinker when it comes to character development. I don’t play by a lot of the rules. As I write, my characters personality and actions just come to me. I don’t usually like to work with outlines, for me, it takes away from the creative process. However, I know it works for some.

How do you get your ideas?

I like to write about things that people usually don’t like to talk or elaborate about. I’ve always got several different ideas and things swirling around in my head..

Who do you admire in the writing world?

I really like Stephen King, read many of his books growing up. I like his take and advice in writing. And his creative worlds are always fun to explore.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I’m also a vlogger, my friend and I have a lifestyle channel on YouTube called-theshortandtallofit check it out! I love video editing as well as picture editing. I also like to run and do yoga for fitness.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve always enjoyed the writing process. I wrote lots of poetry growing up. I love to create worlds in my head, and write about them.

If I’m in the right mood, I do make a pretty good batch of chicken enchiladas.

How to pay it forward: Part 2

ARCs and social media and mentors, oh my—today we're concluding our two-part series by offering up 4 more ways to be a good literary citizen and show up in the writing community. We also talk about how to support creative projects (psst: if you want to buy us a coffee, click here and thank you!) and as always, discuss the content we're loving lately. 

Click here for the Episode!

Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford

Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Dogs Don't Wear Socks! - Natalie Ferrington

The Posse Foundation

Permission to Write 

Nikki's Will & Way newsletter

The Ann Friedman Weekly

Opportunities of the Week - Sonia Weiser

The Sunday Soother - Catherine Andrews

Brass Ring Daily - Kara Cutruzzula 

Colleen's Fighting Prose series

Kandi Steiner's social media workshop @ Writer's Atelier

Veronica - Mary Gaitskill

Westworld - HBO

Broad City - Hulu, Comedy Central

This American Life - Fiasco!

Sugar Calling - Everything is Always Changing

Artemis - Andy Weir 

Locke & Key - Netflix

Next Year in Havana - Chanel Cleeton

Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/nikitanola)

Fighting Prose Interview with C. J. Whitcomb

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

C.J. Whitcomb

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

Started when I was 14 but it wasn't until February 2019 that I decided to try writing books

Of your books, which is your favorite?

Where is Jaime? A short mystery novella

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

Mystery or horror

How do you get in the mood to write?

I listen to music. Any genre of music

How do your characters come together?

All of my main characters are based on a piece of me or someone I know

How do you get your ideas?

Sometimes the ideas just come up when I listen to music and a scene pops into my head

Who do you admire in the writing world?

Alyanna Poe. She's the author of Eaten and incredibly talented

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Working at my dishwashing job

Have you always been creative?

Yes, always been creative and yes, its always been writing but I started with songs but none of them were good and I can't sing

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I usually just sit in a quiet room and start typing. Most the time it works to break up the writers block

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

It's very hard sometimes but I have some amazing friends in the writing community who are always there to offer words of encouragement

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Write every single day no matter what you write even if you think it sucks. Just keep writing and you will never stop learning and never stop improving your skill

What is your dream writing location?

I hadn't thought about it much but maybe on a boat on the calm ocean with no one around

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

I would say Abigail, she's the strongest of my characters and isn't afraid to speak her mind

What do you think makes a good story?

Character depth

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to write

Links to C.J.Instagram










Where is Jaime?

By Whitcomb, C.J.

“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything C.J.! ”

— Colleen

If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Colleen

36 things in 36 years

Things I love:

Travel: a new place, new food, anticipation of discovery

Campfire: the smell of wood smoke in my hair, sticky marshmallows, warm clothing, late nights, friends and smiles

Sun: the smell of suntan lotion, warm sun, tanned skin, lake water, loud music

Paper: a fresh planner, a fresh notebook

Clean teeth: the feel and taste of fresh breath

Exercise: my body thrives off of it

Tribe: my chosen tribe who supports me, loves me, & cares for me because they choose to, not because they have to

Spa’s: music, smells, relaxation, water with cucumbers in it

Spooning: my husband is the best big spoon

Bedtime: kisses from my kids & the sound of stories being told

Laughing

Things I don’t:

Worry: I’ve spent too much of my life worrying about too many useless things

Washing my face: at night, it drives me crazy

Politics: Everyone is lying

Liars: being lied to

War: it’s usually about greed

Complaining & Excuses: I have a three-time limit

Gossip: turns my stomach

“Normal & Happy”: standards that make everyone feel worse

Things I’ve learned:

Time moves fast.

I learn best from failure.

Looks fade, your intentions and heart are what matter.

People are good by nature, but some of them turn into assholes.

Wisdom is teaching me to see people more for their actions and less for the words.

My parents were once my age and just figuring things out too.

Food should be about flavor and not abundance.

I have a deep well for forgiveness when amends are made.

I have sad days. I do my best to work through them and identify the root cause.

I am a good Mom.

The relationships I treasure are based on honesty.

All of life is a lesson, I pay better attention now.

My kids are a gift.

My face is loud.

I am low maintenance and overwhelmed by fashion.

You can love someone but not like them very much.

I am a writer.