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[Closed] Author Q&A: Deb Caletti
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Where do you see yourself in five years' time? Did you always want to be a writer?
Who inspires you most?
Do you have any tips for those who wish to be writers?
What is your writing process?
Did you always want to be a writer?
How do you motivate yourself to sit down and write?
What challenges if any have you had to over come to get where you are today?
Did you always want to be a writer?
How do you motivate yourself to sit down and write?
What challenges if any have you had to over come to get where you are today?
Here are the answers:Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Well, weirdly, I can tell you a bit about where I WILL be, since I'm under contract for three more books right now. 2015 will bring the release of my next adult novel, Secrets of Wedding Ring River (named for the river in Reno where women used to throw their rings after being granted divorces in the 1930's-1950's). 2016 will bring my twelfth YA; 2017, my third adult novel; 2018, my thirteenth YA... And I'm guessing 2019 will bring my fourth adult novel. So... Five years? More and better writing, I hope. And I hope more time squeezed in for my husband, kids and family. I'd love to do a little less book promotion and a little more travel for fun.
Did you always want to be a writer?
I was one of those book loving kids - a writer from a very young age. Aside from that brief period where I wanted to be Nancy Drew (another literary-related longing), or an FBI agent (never could have passed the physical training part since I can barely do a chin-up), I've always wanted to be a writer. It did, however, take me a few years to get the courage to pursue it. I studied journalism in college. I've only taken one creative writing class in my life. I finally got serious about writing after I made a vow to myself at age 32 to pursue the dream, whatever it took.
Who inspires you most?
Nature inspires me. Great books, insightful writing does. My family. The deep desire to understand life and my place in it.
Do you have any tips for those who wish to be writers?
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Most any writer will tell you the same. Also? Persist. It's not an easy dream to fulfill, so it's important to want it BADLY.
What is your writing process?
Since I'm a working writer who releases a book every year, I am always doing three jobs: writing one book, getting one ready to be published, and promoting the most recent release. My morning are saved for writing and writing alone. Five days a week, I sit down and work. The afternoons are kept for the rest of the business - checking over proofs, covers, various communications with my various publishers; interviews, social media, etc. I usually turn in a book right as one releases, meaning there's a month or so of travel and heavy PR as I wait for my editor to check over the new book. I usually write a book straight through (no outlines, etc.), and then I spend a good several months doing my own edits before I turn it in.
How do you motivate yourself to sit down and write?
Since I'm a working writer, it's my job, and like any other job, you have to show up even when you don't feel like it. It doesn't sound very romantic, but my mortgage and bills are quite motivating. I'm not always in the mood to sit down and write, but that can't matter with a yearly deadline. Reading great writing helps motivate me to do better and better work. Sometimes, I'm not above bribing myself. :)
What challenges if any have you had to over come to get where you are today?
Many people think that getting published is the biggest challenge a writer faces. While that is indeed a huge and difficult obstacle (I wrote five books before my first was sold), STAYING published is a much greater challenge. A professional writer must keep putting out quality work that sells, and that's a hugely difficult task. You've got to BRING IT each and every time, because the business doesn't allow for anything else. Continuing to push myself, and continuing to exert the energy and drive each book requires is something that's a constant process. In that way, it's not exactly a challenge I've "had to overcome," but one that I am - and will always - "have to overcome."
Here is the synopsis:
Sometimes choices—like change—can’t be avoided. A bittersweet story of love and family from National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti.
Cricket has a very long week ahead of her. Her entire family has come together for her mom’s wedding, and it’s supposed to be a time for celebration. But for Cricket, the timing couldn’t be worse.
For years Cricket’s been half of the perfect couple, destined to be together forever. Now, because of what she’s done—something she would give anything to take back—Janssen has walked away. Maybe for good.
Cricket has always panicked in the face of change. Now she is forced to face her fears and decide once and for all what she wants, and how she’s going to get it. For over the course of the week, secrets will be revealed, bonds will be tested, and Cricket’s confusion—and her desires—may very well send her spiraling down a path she never thought she’d take...with no idea where it will lead her.
Please post questions by October 5.