Veronica Bane's Blog
September 13, 2015
Why I Write YA
On nearly every panel I’ve ever participated in, there’s a question that bubbles to the surface about why or how I write young adult. Some people assume that, as a teacher, it’s natural to write about YA because I’m plugged into the young adult world. It’s true that I do pull snippets of my teaching life, but it’s usually logistical stuff like scheduling or how a school day would run. Mostly, my experience from writing young adult is pulled from my own teenage experience and my own experience now as an adult human being. It comes from observation and eavesdropping and reading young adult stories and watching young adult films and a basic empathy and understanding for that horrifying time that we call adolescence. But above all, I believe that I write young adult literature because I have a deep and profound respect for young adults and their varied and incredible lives.
Many people want to write young adult because it seems easier than writing literary fiction or science fiction or some form of adult fiction. Young adults are easy to understand, right? They all have the same problems (relationships, school, relationships, school, school, school). They do the same things (study, party, ditch, party, make out, drugs). They want the same things (acceptance). They go through the same emotional wheelhouse (fear, sadness, anger). I mean, the books write themselves, right?
Wrong.
To read the rest of the post, click here to continue over at veronicabane.com
Many people want to write young adult because it seems easier than writing literary fiction or science fiction or some form of adult fiction. Young adults are easy to understand, right? They all have the same problems (relationships, school, relationships, school, school, school). They do the same things (study, party, ditch, party, make out, drugs). They want the same things (acceptance). They go through the same emotional wheelhouse (fear, sadness, anger). I mean, the books write themselves, right?
Wrong.
To read the rest of the post, click here to continue over at veronicabane.com
July 15, 2014
These myths about writer's block are holding you back.
People talk a lot about this mysterious affliction that many writers “suffer” from. I’m not kidding. This thing has been called a “condition” and it’s apparently quite contagious. If you look it up on Wikipedia (never to be trusted completely), you’ll find what appears to be a WebMD type posting about it.
Seriously, have a look at Wikipedia’s definition of writer’s block here: “Writer’s block is a condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work.” Doesn’t that sound positively scientific? And horrifying?
But I’m here to tell you that, whatever you have been told, writer’s block as we know it simply doesn’t exist.
Why? Because, as a professional writer, you cannot allow it to exist. You do not magically “lose the ability to produce new work” as a writer because you do not have the luxury of being blocked from writing. You must produce writing because that is your livelihood, and rarely do we apply the idea of this “block” to any other profession. I’m not talking about a sick day here. I’m talking about the days, weeks, and months that writers blame on “writer’s block.” That just would not fly in any other profession.
So what’s the problem? The problem is that writers have been told these myths about writer’s block, but they haven’t been told what’s actually going on.
To see the entire post, check it out at www.veronicabane.com.
Seriously, have a look at Wikipedia’s definition of writer’s block here: “Writer’s block is a condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work.” Doesn’t that sound positively scientific? And horrifying?
But I’m here to tell you that, whatever you have been told, writer’s block as we know it simply doesn’t exist.
Why? Because, as a professional writer, you cannot allow it to exist. You do not magically “lose the ability to produce new work” as a writer because you do not have the luxury of being blocked from writing. You must produce writing because that is your livelihood, and rarely do we apply the idea of this “block” to any other profession. I’m not talking about a sick day here. I’m talking about the days, weeks, and months that writers blame on “writer’s block.” That just would not fly in any other profession.
So what’s the problem? The problem is that writers have been told these myths about writer’s block, but they haven’t been told what’s actually going on.
To see the entire post, check it out at www.veronicabane.com.
June 2, 2014
The How and the Why: New podcast!
Check out the newest podcast! I talk characters making out, outlines, process, and more!
More about TH&TW: Black Hill Press presents The How & The Why: Documenting the Creative Process and the Creative Purpose hosted by Jon-Barrett Ingels. Interviews are structured as friendly conversations and conducted via telephone. Occasionally, episodes will be recorded live at special events and highlight multiple guest artists. Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Today we’re live at Book Soup with Veronica Bane, Kate St. Clair, Brett Arnold, William M. Brandon III, and special guest host Arianna Basco. This is Part II of the podcast.
More about TH&TW: Black Hill Press presents The How & The Why: Documenting the Creative Process and the Creative Purpose hosted by Jon-Barrett Ingels. Interviews are structured as friendly conversations and conducted via telephone. Occasionally, episodes will be recorded live at special events and highlight multiple guest artists. Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Today we’re live at Book Soup with Veronica Bane, Kate St. Clair, Brett Arnold, William M. Brandon III, and special guest host Arianna Basco. This is Part II of the podcast.
May 5, 2014
The Cost of Paper!
Hello everyone! Exiciting news!
Black Hill Press just released an anthology full of familiar faces, including Miles and Mara! That's right! If you're still wringing your hands after that ending in Miyuki and want to spend some extra time with Miles and Mara, you're going to want to get your hand on The Cost of Paper. This special anthology features work by some fabulous Black Hill Press authors and artists, and a short story of mine called "Recycled" is included. Grab your copy by heading on over here to purchase it on Amazon. You also can get a digital copy for FREE from Black Hill Press's website. So, what are you waiting for? Get reading!
Black Hill Press just released an anthology full of familiar faces, including Miles and Mara! That's right! If you're still wringing your hands after that ending in Miyuki and want to spend some extra time with Miles and Mara, you're going to want to get your hand on The Cost of Paper. This special anthology features work by some fabulous Black Hill Press authors and artists, and a short story of mine called "Recycled" is included. Grab your copy by heading on over here to purchase it on Amazon. You also can get a digital copy for FREE from Black Hill Press's website. So, what are you waiting for? Get reading!
March 30, 2014
Early buzz for MIYUKI!
It's almost time! Miyuki will soon be available for your reading pleasure. Some reviewers were given the chance to read advanced copies, and the votes are in! Read on to see what people are saying.
"With a great dose of suspense and action, an enjoyable writing style, and an eclectic mix of characters, this book is a great read for fans of young adult fantasy." --Majanka, I Heart Reading, ✶✶✶✶
"I ended up finishing the entire thing in about two hours, reading straight through to the end!" --Kayla, The Thousand Lives, ✶✶✶✶
"My favorite thing overall was the complicated nature of the relationships in this book, which are so much more dynamic than in the average YA story." --Anna, Giant Squid Books, ✶✶✶✶
"This was a great follow-up to the initial book, with lots more action and mystery for readers to chew over." --Bruce, The Bookshelf Gargoyle, ✶✶✶✶
"Once again I found myself hooked and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Miyuki." --Lou, Relaxed Reads, ✶✶✶✶
"Both of the books in this series offer an interesting setting and background story, and plenty of entertainment. All YA fantasy fans should definitely read these." --Mira, Forever Book Lover, ✶✶✶✶
Also, don't forget to check out character interviews with Miles and Miyuki. In addition, I had the privilege of doing interviews with The Single Librarian and Majanka Verstraete. Finally, don't miss my thoughts on outlines and writing with discipline.
Wow! What an amazing ride! Now, what are you waiting for? You still have time to enter the Goodreads giveaway for a copy of Miyuki. AND you can pre-order Miyuki from Black Hill Press right now!
Thanks everyone! I can't wait to read your thoughts.
Veronica
"With a great dose of suspense and action, an enjoyable writing style, and an eclectic mix of characters, this book is a great read for fans of young adult fantasy." --Majanka, I Heart Reading, ✶✶✶✶
"I ended up finishing the entire thing in about two hours, reading straight through to the end!" --Kayla, The Thousand Lives, ✶✶✶✶
"My favorite thing overall was the complicated nature of the relationships in this book, which are so much more dynamic than in the average YA story." --Anna, Giant Squid Books, ✶✶✶✶
"This was a great follow-up to the initial book, with lots more action and mystery for readers to chew over." --Bruce, The Bookshelf Gargoyle, ✶✶✶✶
"Once again I found myself hooked and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Miyuki." --Lou, Relaxed Reads, ✶✶✶✶
"Both of the books in this series offer an interesting setting and background story, and plenty of entertainment. All YA fantasy fans should definitely read these." --Mira, Forever Book Lover, ✶✶✶✶
Also, don't forget to check out character interviews with Miles and Miyuki. In addition, I had the privilege of doing interviews with The Single Librarian and Majanka Verstraete. Finally, don't miss my thoughts on outlines and writing with discipline.
Wow! What an amazing ride! Now, what are you waiting for? You still have time to enter the Goodreads giveaway for a copy of Miyuki. AND you can pre-order Miyuki from Black Hill Press right now!
Thanks everyone! I can't wait to read your thoughts.
Veronica
March 3, 2014
Blog tour and GIVEAWAYS!
Hello everyone!
We're so close to the release of Miyuki by Black Hill Press! To celebrate, the Miyuki blog tour is running throughout March. Check out the schedule here!
In addition, now is your chance to enter to win copies of both Mara and Miyuki on Goodreads. Enter now and don't forget to add both books to your shelves!
We're so close to the release of Miyuki by Black Hill Press! To celebrate, the Miyuki blog tour is running throughout March. Check out the schedule here!
In addition, now is your chance to enter to win copies of both Mara and Miyuki on Goodreads. Enter now and don't forget to add both books to your shelves!
January 23, 2014
Exciting news!
Hello everyone! I'm incredibly excited to announce that the sequel to Mara is coming soon! I spoke to Jon-Barrett Ingels for "The How & The Why" podcast about Mara, and I also talked a bit at the end about the next book. You'll want to listen to the podcast for details about the plot of the second book, my thoughts on friend-zoning, violence, comic books, and more!
Also, without further ado, I can happily announce that the title of the sequel is Miyuki! I can't wait for you all to read it. As I say in the podcast, expect more action, higher stakes, and romance.
Until next time!
Veronica
Also, without further ado, I can happily announce that the title of the sequel is Miyuki! I can't wait for you all to read it. As I say in the podcast, expect more action, higher stakes, and romance.
Until next time!
Veronica
December 1, 2013
How do you fit in writing during the holidays?
Happy December everyone! It's time to reflect for the last time in 2013, set some goals for the remainder of the year, and talk about writing. First up, in terms of last month's goals, I was mostly successful. My biggest priority was to finish up my most recent project, and I did! It's off to the editor now. I can't wait to tell you all more about it.
For me, December will be all about my next project. I've got a solid outline and need to just apply myself. Speaking of that, I want to talk a bit about writing during the holidays. It can be incredibly challenging, and I want to give some tips.
Guard your writing time. It can be infinitely more difficult to abandon your writing efforts when ice skating, hot chocolate, and old friends are calling your name. Obviously, it's important to enjoy the season and the people in it. But, as always, writing needs to be a priority. Pick a time to write and stick to it whenever possible. When I was writing Mara, I would trek to my favorite local coffeehouse and write for at least two hours. When I was there, I was focused on my writing. I wasn't on Facebook, my phone was turned off, and family and friends knew that I was busy. I was able to finish Mara by the end of that year, and that was largely due to the fact that I stuck to a routine.
Be realistic about when you will and will not be able to write. There are certain days for me during which writing will not happen. If there is a holiday party after work, I probably won't be able to push myself to write 2,000 words during the hour in-between. As a result, I need to set aside extra time for that writing before. It's a matter of knowing yourself.
If you miss your word count or don't like what you write, it's okay. Set goals. Set deadlines. However, if you look at a scene and think that it's horrible, don't beat yourself up about it. Put it aside and just keep writing. If you wanted to write 5,000 words and only wrote 3,000, it's okay. Do better tomorrow. Just keep writing.
Bring a notebook everywhere. Yes, I've said this before, but this is especially important during the holidays. If there's a long line when you're shopping or the friend from high school that you're meeting is late, write. Write what you see around you. Play with description. Journal. Experiment with a different perspective. There is a lot of unexpected downtime during the holidays, and taking advantage of it can help you feel better if your regular writing time didn't yield the best results.
Read, read, read. For me, I'm lucky enough to have a winter vacation from work. It's important that I fill those hours with writing, but it's also equally valuable to kick back with a book and drink some hot chocolate.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment or catch me on Twitter as @veronicabane! I'd love to hear from you.
V
For me, December will be all about my next project. I've got a solid outline and need to just apply myself. Speaking of that, I want to talk a bit about writing during the holidays. It can be incredibly challenging, and I want to give some tips.
Guard your writing time. It can be infinitely more difficult to abandon your writing efforts when ice skating, hot chocolate, and old friends are calling your name. Obviously, it's important to enjoy the season and the people in it. But, as always, writing needs to be a priority. Pick a time to write and stick to it whenever possible. When I was writing Mara, I would trek to my favorite local coffeehouse and write for at least two hours. When I was there, I was focused on my writing. I wasn't on Facebook, my phone was turned off, and family and friends knew that I was busy. I was able to finish Mara by the end of that year, and that was largely due to the fact that I stuck to a routine.
Be realistic about when you will and will not be able to write. There are certain days for me during which writing will not happen. If there is a holiday party after work, I probably won't be able to push myself to write 2,000 words during the hour in-between. As a result, I need to set aside extra time for that writing before. It's a matter of knowing yourself.
If you miss your word count or don't like what you write, it's okay. Set goals. Set deadlines. However, if you look at a scene and think that it's horrible, don't beat yourself up about it. Put it aside and just keep writing. If you wanted to write 5,000 words and only wrote 3,000, it's okay. Do better tomorrow. Just keep writing.
Bring a notebook everywhere. Yes, I've said this before, but this is especially important during the holidays. If there's a long line when you're shopping or the friend from high school that you're meeting is late, write. Write what you see around you. Play with description. Journal. Experiment with a different perspective. There is a lot of unexpected downtime during the holidays, and taking advantage of it can help you feel better if your regular writing time didn't yield the best results.
Read, read, read. For me, I'm lucky enough to have a winter vacation from work. It's important that I fill those hours with writing, but it's also equally valuable to kick back with a book and drink some hot chocolate.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment or catch me on Twitter as @veronicabane! I'd love to hear from you.
V
November 6, 2013
Giveaway time!
November 1, 2013
November goals and writing from life.
Hello all! I feel like it has been forever since I last checked in. October really was a blur. I'm excited for November to be a bit calmer so that I can generate more material, do more reading, and do more living.
November Goals
1. Finish current WIP by November 10.
2. Read (at least) five new novels.
3. Get started on holiday shopping early.
4. Finish knitting a scarf.
5. Start work on new piece and write at least 10,000 words by the end of November.
6. Enjoy the time I get to spend with my family and friends. I want to treasure the moments I'm given.
I want to talk a bit more about that last goal. As writers, we're often encouraged to lock ourselves away, to guard our work, and to shun companionship. Someone recently joked to me on Twitter because I call myself "the happy writer" in my bio. This person said, "A happy writer? You're not tortured? You sure you're doing it right?" I'm fully aware that it was light-hearted, but it got me thinking about why we have this view of writers as isolated and depressed.
In order to write, you need to live. You need to go walk through the city to see how the lights look when they're dying, you need to taste the different spices in a dish, you need to feel how the leaves this time of year crackle beneath your fingertips. How can you write about life if you don't go experience it? Characters need memories, and these memories should be vivid. You cannot know everything; science fiction writers have often written about planets they have never seen with great detail. But the details you can pull from this life can serve you well: pay attention the next time it rains and see how the water traverses your skin, and when you write about the rain on your made-up planet, use those details to guide you.
Of course, some experiences we go through are tragic and terrible. Some writers have been haunted by these, and their ability to so accurately recount these memories makes the moments visceral for their readers. Some have lived "tortured" lives. But there are many other writers who are so adept at capturing moments that they can take a small tragedy in their own life and use it to inform the greater tragedies that they write for their characters. I wrote my response on Twitter: "My characters are tortured, but I don't need to be."
No matter whether you're writing sad stories or happy stories or the stuff in-between, research can take you only so far. There must be life in you for there to be life in your writing. So, for this November, I will be writing down the sights, tastes, smells, and more that I notice during family dinners (awkward or otherwise), late night walks, and more. I'll bring some back to you all, and I hope you'll report back, too.
Until next time,
V
November Goals
1. Finish current WIP by November 10.
2. Read (at least) five new novels.
3. Get started on holiday shopping early.
4. Finish knitting a scarf.
5. Start work on new piece and write at least 10,000 words by the end of November.
6. Enjoy the time I get to spend with my family and friends. I want to treasure the moments I'm given.
I want to talk a bit more about that last goal. As writers, we're often encouraged to lock ourselves away, to guard our work, and to shun companionship. Someone recently joked to me on Twitter because I call myself "the happy writer" in my bio. This person said, "A happy writer? You're not tortured? You sure you're doing it right?" I'm fully aware that it was light-hearted, but it got me thinking about why we have this view of writers as isolated and depressed.
In order to write, you need to live. You need to go walk through the city to see how the lights look when they're dying, you need to taste the different spices in a dish, you need to feel how the leaves this time of year crackle beneath your fingertips. How can you write about life if you don't go experience it? Characters need memories, and these memories should be vivid. You cannot know everything; science fiction writers have often written about planets they have never seen with great detail. But the details you can pull from this life can serve you well: pay attention the next time it rains and see how the water traverses your skin, and when you write about the rain on your made-up planet, use those details to guide you.
Of course, some experiences we go through are tragic and terrible. Some writers have been haunted by these, and their ability to so accurately recount these memories makes the moments visceral for their readers. Some have lived "tortured" lives. But there are many other writers who are so adept at capturing moments that they can take a small tragedy in their own life and use it to inform the greater tragedies that they write for their characters. I wrote my response on Twitter: "My characters are tortured, but I don't need to be."
No matter whether you're writing sad stories or happy stories or the stuff in-between, research can take you only so far. There must be life in you for there to be life in your writing. So, for this November, I will be writing down the sights, tastes, smells, and more that I notice during family dinners (awkward or otherwise), late night walks, and more. I'll bring some back to you all, and I hope you'll report back, too.
Until next time,
V
