Tess Quinn

I’ve been having some serious computer issues which is why I haven’t been able to post Writers on Writing lately…but the column is back! Michele was supposed to join us for the 17th, but due to blog complications, we were delayed…which is why she is here today to tell us about her writing life! Check out what she has to say about her brainstorming process, advice for writers, and what daily schedule entails. Thanks for joining us Michele! Let’s get started…



What is your brainstorming process for a new book?



Being a Sci-Fi Romance writer, I usually start off studying a technology, and I brainstorm about the people who develop it and work with it, and who can be hurt by it. A story will spin out of it.



Can you explain your typical work week day?



I awaken somewhere between 5:30am and 7am, and I’m in the seat before the keyboard right after brushing my teeth. I usually write for a few hours before and after lunchtime. I used to work late into the night, but this time, I’m sticking to a general quit time. I’m a puppy mommy now, and I owe my baby some time, so I’ve inflicted some boundaries upon myself.



Tell us about when you made the decision to write.



My husband passed me several of the pop-fantasy stuff he read, and I liked them, made it my goal to write a story he’d like. So I studied up on my stale English, and I gave it a shot and ended up with a trilogy on my first try, which is hilarious. I’d no concept of word control.



What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?



Unless you already have an English degree, polish up your English, and study story structure like a writer, not just a reader. Then study your market and write what’s being bought. That’s what professional writers do. Don’t just write what you want without regard to the market. Learn what the market wants, and then craft what you want to write into what they want to buy.



Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.



I’m writing a Sci-Fi Romance about mind-control technology. This upcoming February, my short story Zero-G will be released by All Romance e-Books in e-book and in the print anthology 28 Days of Heart, of which all proceeds go to the American Heart Association. Hope you like it!



I’m sure we will, Michele! Thanks again for joining me! For those of you who want to know more about Michele, you can check out her website here. Thanks again for reading and stay tuned for our next Writers on Writing!

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