Joy Crain asked Lauren K. Denton:

My name is Joy and I am 19. Ever since last year I have been working on my own debut novel. My question is what steps you take during your writing process and the process it takes to get published?

Lauren K. Denton Hi Joy, as far as my writing process, I don't outline as most people think of an outline, but I do write out several pages of thoughts about who the characters are, where the story goes, and what happens in the end. Once I have a feel for what's going on and what problems the characters are going to have to deal with, I start writing. I have to force myself to block off time every day (or as close to every day as I can) to sit and write. I find that if I have to take time off while I'm drafting a story, it's hard for me to get back into the story and the characters' heads.

As far as the publishing processes, the best thing I can say about that is don't rush your story out the door! When you finish writing it, let it sit a bit (a few weeks if possible) then come back to it and try to read it as a casual reader might read it. Edit and revise as necessary, then ask a few reading/writing friends (or teachers) to read it and give feedback. Once you're sure your story as is polished as you can make it, the agent search comes next. Writer's Digest is a great website that gives a lot of good info about every part of the writing/publishing process. (http://www.writersdigest.com/online-e...). Writing a good query letter is important, as is seeking out agents who represent your particular genre.

Best of luck to you Joy!

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