Loading ...Author Elizabeth J. Kolodziej Guest Blog and $25.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion for the Elizabeth J. Kolodziej event is now closed. The winners will be drawn at a later date and notified via email.
Working with Werewolves
It is now time for me to admit that when I wrote Vampyre Kisses Zou Tai, the werewolf prince, did not talk to me as much as I would have liked. He of course made comments here and there about his pack and the way they ruled, but it wasn’t until Werewolf Descent that he finally began really opening up.
Personally I think this happened because of the research I was doing on werewolves, which isn’t easy let me tell you. This bringing me to the idea that without research and reading up on the characters you have created one may never get that far with character development.
I would imagine this is more difficult for people that don’t write fictional characters like werewolves. At that point you have to rely on the character coming to you and really telling you deep down secrets about them self instead of being able to do some research and peak the characters interest into talking more. However, I’m not really positive on that, its just my own thoughts.
For Zou Tai, I began to look into werewolf lore, which was so difficult to find much of. (If you can recommend a book please do!) But as I began to not only look at the first story of werewolves, I read up on events in the Orient. Finding that Zou Tai gave me more and more ideas the more I looked into his birthplace and warriors from times long ago.
Now, I know what you must be thinking. You must think I am nuts, yet this is truly my process for creating characters and yes they do talk to me. This is something lots of writers will tell you. Then again, I may be crazy but this isn’t that bad type of crazy. Does that make sense?
Most writers I know will tell you that the worst thing in the world is when a character won’t talk to you. For me that is very true. Coming up with the story line for Witch Devotions (3rd book in the Last Witch Series coming out 2012) took what felt like forever! It wasn’t until I was day dreaming about something that it finally hit me and I came up with the greatest idea ever for my characters. It was after this that they wouldn’t stop talking! You see, normally I know the gist of what I am going to write and I go from there. However, this time is becoming so different. I pretty much know how each chapter will play out and what will end up happening.
Something else I find really important is to start writing as soon as your character starts talking. Sometimes they will talk but I’ll think that I can wait til later. This is never a good idea, because characters can get mad at you and hold grudges. Then you’re screwed and have to do something to make it up to them. I understand that life gets in the way sometimes and sometimes you don’t have that moment to really start writing but no worries, just scribble down a few notes so as not to offend them.
What I am getting at here is the importance of inspiring your characters as much as inspiring yourself, along with trying to convey my process to you. Which I think is always interesting to read about an author’s process for character and plot development. I really hope you found this guest post fun to read and feel free to ask me any questions you like about my writing process, what inspires me, and whatever else you would like to know. I love talking shop and I can do it for hours if you let me.
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CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 6/28/11. Open to readers worldwide.
Prize 1: A $25.00 electronic gift card to Amazon.com to one lucky commenter.
Prize 2: A choice of one PDF of any of my current releases Vampyre Kisses or Werewolf Descent to one lucky commenter.
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Firstly I don’t think you’re crazy. Because all of that completely makes sense. Although I suppose we could both be crazy. Well if that’s the case let’s hear it for the crazies!
Now I’m curious do you remember what you were daydreaming about for the inspiration for third book? (Or will that lead to spoilers)
What’s the weridest/most inconvenient times you’ve ever had one of your characters start talking to you?
Thanks!
Rae M., USA
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Hi Rae! Thanks for the comments and great questions! See, I actually didn’t want to admit what I was day dreaming about cause it sounds REALLY weird, but I’ll let you in on my craziness. I tend to make up stories in my head but I play the main character. Sometimes they turn into stories and thats when I can’t day dream about them anymore because I am no longer the main character. Yeah, even I think that sounds odd. lol. What exactly I was day dreaming about I can’t say cause it will be too big of a hint as to what happens in the third book and I want to keep that under wraps for a little longer.
Next, let’s see… most inconvenient was when I was doing a 6 hour drive to Ithaca New York. OMG let me tell you, I must have pulled over at least five times to write down the notes in my phone! lol. I can’t think of a weirdest time though… hmmm. If I do I’ll get back to you on that!
Hi,
What type of books do you like to read? Do you find that what you’re reading influences what you’re writting?
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Hi Sandy!!!
I love to read paranormal books. I write, read, live what I love. What can I say? But! I do also read mysteries, those fix-yourself type books (cause well we all have problems!), mythology books, travel books, romance (with regular people! lol), magic books (dj conway is my girl!), and lots of others. Yet, I’m not really that into SciFi. Go figure. That doesn’t mean I’ll never pick one up but I don’t find many that thrill me.
I really do think what I read influences the way I write to a point. When I was younger I loved Tamora Pierce (well, still do!) so I began a book that took place with knights and all that. Of course it was much different from her books but you see where I’m going. I can’t imagine that authors aren’t influenced by what they read to some extent. Two of my fav paranormal writers being Kim Harrison and Jeaniene Frost. <3 <3 <3
Crazy? Not in the least. My characters like to speak to me when I’m doing house chores (especially dishes), bathing, and bed. During bed I love enjoy working scenarios in my head like movie reel pictures.
1. Guilty pleasures? What are yours?
2. If you could live in any literary world and choose your role in that world (yes including yours) what would you choose?
3. Music? Does it play a role in your writing?
4. What is the most evilest thing you have done to a character? Has there been an evil thing you want to do to your character but kept back?
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US — 25+
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35
Hi Raonaid!
LoL. We totally do the same thing in our heads! Thats awesome. Ok so for my answers:
Guilty pleasures… hmmmmmmmm… After finishing certain scenes or an entire book I like to get a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the feeling. But I feel guilty about it cause I like to do it alone.
Next! OMG this is a hard question, what world would I live in. I really love Bones and wouldn’t mind being Cat for awhile. LOL. But then again I love Rachel Morgan and she gets to meet the most yummiest of men!
Music plays a HUGE role in my writing. With the above question that Rae asked, I was driving in my car and the mix CD I had made played a huge part in the scenes I started to build with my characters for Witch Devotions. That happens with the songs I play all the time. Music is also really important for me when I am doing battles. A great band you should check out is Kodo. They are a drum band from Japan. GREAT for fight scenes.
The most evilest thing for ANY character I have written? I’m gonna go with that …. hehe. So I did a short story for the book “I believe in werewolves” (coming out soon) and its a horror anthology book. You can just imagine what my werewolf did! He ripped apart this shaman and tore out his throat. I felt bad for the shaman but it had to be done.
Thank you for the awesome questions! They really made me think.
* Laughs * Hubby already complains that a good deal of the bands I do like listening to is from over seas. I’ll have to write that down.
I’ve had that happen… songs producing scenes in my head. Usually I have to repeat the song, thus driving the hubby nuts.
Omnia has a neat sound to their music. I like some of the ballads by L’ame immortelle, Within Temptation, Nightwish, Reflexion, For My Pain, HIM. Apocalyptica (which I got to see in concert. Ahh it was awesome!)
lol! I know what you mean by the replaying of songs! I don’t normally do it when people are in the car though. Mostly cause I have to be alone and able to “zone out”. Sometimes I wonder how I get home safe… jk! Oh and I have to be the one driving. Strange, I know.
Hello Elizabeth,
You’re not any crazier than I. lol I plan to be running from zombies in the Zombie Buffet 5 k in Nashville October 29th. Tag line for the event is “Use Your Legs or Lose Your Brains.
How do you silence the character that want there own book now?
What movie are you looking forward to?
Do you name your car and electrical devices?
Are you a zombie fan?
+4 #2
+4 #6
+1 #7
+25 RSVP
=
34
OMG Ruth! Where is this 5k taking place? I wanna be there! LOL Are there really going to be zombies running after you? That tag line is too awesome. Oh and what is the cause for? If I can’t be there maybe I can donate
Ok sooooo…. I never silence the characters that want their own books. I just can’t. I would lose doing something like that. Let me let you in on a secret… I have actually been playing with the idea of giving Zou Tai his own novella. As you know from my guest post Zou Tai is the Werewolf Prince and let me tell you, he has a huge past! But the last witch series centers on Faith mostly and with all the story line I have for Zou Tai it would take me writing him his own book.
As for movies, I REALLY want to see Dylan Dog! I didn’t get to in theaters and it looks so good. And of course the last Harry Potter. Yes, I am a potter fan! But movies not books, haven’t gotten around to those yet.
I actually know a lot of people who do name their electrical devices! I find it so cute. But personally besides naming my car Charlie (ford focus) I don’t really name my electrical devices. I don’t know why, but they do know I love them!
I am honestly not that big into the zombie scene. I have never had a zombie character talk to me or ever considered writing about them. I do love this one book, Zombie Apocalypse By DeAnna Knippling cause its a really fun choose your own adventure books and I LOVE shaun of the dead and zombie land. Reading about them is something I haven’t really done yet.
Maybe sometime in the future!
Thanks!
I loved being able to read your working process!
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7. Tally your own points total +1 point
TOTAL = 5 points
Robin D
USA
thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Elizabeth –
Nope not crazy. I think it’s very interesting how authors and the characters they create interact. +1
Do you have a special time of day when your creative juices flow the best and what time of year are you most productive? +1
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Viki S. USA
Total = 32
Thanks Viki!
I don’t think there is any special time of day my juices start flowing. I am one of those people that it just happens to and at that moment I must write! But I do have a schedule of writing for a few hours after work cause it’s my quiet time. :> I really never thought of the fact that there may be a certain time of year. lol. Maybe winter when I have more days off? lol.
Thanks for joining us today! I am a character-driven reader, and I always love it when authors talk about how their characters took form in their imaginations and on paper.
Since we’re talking characters, outside of your own, who are some of your favorite fictional characters and why?
When you’re revising, do you keep any scenes you delete for later use or are they gone like the wind?
**
Mare S, USA
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Total = 31
Hi Mare!
I think one of my all time favorite characters is Alanna. It was a series by Tamora Pierce and the reason I love that character is because of the fierceness she had as a woman in a man’s world (the story is placed is medieval times). She was just a very strong female and who doesn’t like a strong female? I only wished she could have used magic more.
So when I am revising I actually haven’t had to delete many big scenes. I have had to add chapters. But there was one big scene that I had to take out of Witch Devotions because it didn’t belong there and I did save it cause it belongs in another book in that series down the line.
Basically, I try to save what I think will be useful for future writings.
I don’t think you’re crazy at all! I think that’s what makes great writers great: how they relate to their characters. If they didn’t talk to you, how could your story be very interesting?
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Julie W, USA
lol Julie, that is very true! Some people just don’t get it though. I can’t blame them. Writing is a odd sorta thing in itself. <3
Michele L
USA
I will come back and do some extra stuff when I get home!!!
Arianne C., USA
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3 points total?
Lisa R smalltown USA
I love getting a peep inside the minds of “crazy” writers, helps us “crazy” readers rationalize all the time we spend with you.
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
If you were to make the newspaper front page, what would the headline read?
You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe, describe yourself.
If you had to describe your book on twitter (using only 140 characters) what would you say?
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+1 total= 69
Lisa, I think you get the award for most creative and making me have to think questions thus far! lol. Geeze, I’m like how the blank am I gonna answer some of these…. haha.
Let’s see…I do see myself in my characters. It would be a lie if I didn’t see a little of myself in them. Especially when it comes to Faith, but the more I write these characters the more they become nothing like me! It’s strange but they grow into their own person… fast.
Newspaper headline: Crazed Author Jumps off Roof to Understand Gravity …lol. I have no clue on this one.
Tennis shoe: Glittery on the outside and comfortable on the inside? hehehe jeeze where you high on chocolate while coming up with these?
If you had to describe your book on twitter (using only 140 characters) what would you say? .. Now this question I can do.
Vampyre Kisses: Last witch in the world falls for smexy Irish vampire while trying to save the werewolf and vampiric race.
Werewolf Descent: Last witch in the world wants to have a day at the spa but psychic vampire and alchemist won’t let this happen.
lol i loved these questions!
Thanks for the thought put into your answers.
Please check out Wiki for your questions on gravity, we do not want you laid up in the hospital with broken bones!
huh?
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/85829135225724928
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/85846795099443202
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total=73
Hi,
Jennifer M. USA
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Thanks, Jenn
MARY P
AUSTRALIA
If your characters did not talk to you I would be worried.
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lol mary thanks!
1. USA
I don’t think your crazy daydreaming. Thats what books are made up of dreams. What inspires you to write? Any suggestions for someone who wants to write a book? Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Hi Victoria!
There are many things that inspire me to write. Sometimes drama happening in my life inspires me to put it down on paper with a character. Then their are the people in my life, movies, music, really just everything. It is my biggest passion and love and therefore it isn’t hard to find inspiration all around me.
As for advice I could give someone who wants to write, even though you may have heard it before it is the best advice out there: write what you know (love) best. So many people think that writing what is the “in” thing is how they will get big, but it will show in your writing. I love the paranormal world and grew up on it. My love for it shows through in my writing. Yours will do the same. :> Good luck!
Hi there! The books sound good, I will def be checking them out. I loved reading about your process! I have all these ideas myself for a book, but haven’t gotten too far. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, and I keep putting off writing. (I do write down the thoughts that come to me, I just don’t work on the story.)
What are your thoughts on audiobooks? Do you want to see yours available? Thanks for being here and congrats!
Joani S from USA
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Hey Joani.
Before I answer the questions you have I wanted to comment on something you said. You said, “Sometimes it seems overwhelming, and I keep putting off writing”. You know one of my biggest hang ups is that I have this urge to write and I have the story in my head there is no reason why I shouldn’t being writing. However, I’ll think about writing and I’ll get anxiety about it and end up not writing. This as been really difficult for me to over come, but what I end up having to do is, fear or not, sit down and write. That is your homework for today! haha.
Moving on! I listened to a lot of audio books when I was in college cause I was always driving back home on weekends. So my thoughts are I love them. However, they are so very very expensive to make if you have to hire someone else to do them. I would love to see my books as audio though. Someday maybe.
Thanks for joining us today!
What do you get most out of writing? Is it something that was always a passion?
Do any of your characters have a speacial place in your heart? If yes who and why?
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=83 =D
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for the questions!
For any person out there that as found what they are most passionate about in life they will understand that what I get out of writing is a sort of peace, relaxation, fulfillment, accomplishment, all in one little neat package. Writing lets me express myself and on occassions I have inspired others, and let me tell you…that is the biggest reason I write. I want to inspire other to be great the way authors like Tamora Pierce inspired me. It isn’t a feeling you can totally explain until you feel it but its great I can tell you that.
Writing was something that was always a passion but I didn’t realize it was a passion. I have always been a writer but it wasn’t until I finished Vampyre Kisses that I realized it was the one constant in my life and the one thing I could start and actually finish. I’m glad I finally realized that.
All of my characters have a special place in my heart! Every one of them is so unique, but some talk to me more than others. Faith is one of my chicas that I love talking to cause when she starts she doesn’t stop and she is the one I can most easily access with little difficulty. A new character (for a short I have written) as become so much fun to talk to. Her name is Kasidy and she is a half demon and oh so funny, stubborn and won’t take sh** from anybody. lol.
werewolf descent sounds amazing, looking forward to reading it!
What are you currently working on, any projects?
What was the last book that you read?
How long does it take you to write a book, do you do a lot of planning?
Do you know how your books end or do you write and see where it takes you?
Van P. (US)
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Good morning Van!
Let’s see… Currently I just finished up the first draft for an erotica novella for a contest I am entering. It is with my beta reader now. I am also starting Witch Devotions that is the third book in the last witch series. And it’s gonna be killer omg, your jaws will be agape through out the whole story lol. I’m also going to start the novella for Zou Tai later this year.
The last book I read was Pale Demon by Kim Harrison. Loved it! And I am currently trying to finish Tempting Evil by Keri Arthur. It takes me a little while to get into her books but I’ll most likely give it 3 stars or more when I’m done.
What else, ummm for me I have my 9-5 job that keeps me from being an author full time and unfortunately I haven’t won the lottery. lol. So I juggle my 9-5 along with my independent contractor job for a publishing house and the author duties, along with all the other normalities of life (friends, family, kids and that means my dog Sherlock and cat Ahmemotep) SO! I take a little longer than most to finish a book.
I would say about 4-6 months to finish the first draft then there is the beta reading and then the editing. So it can end up normally taking around 8-10 months. I am going to be trying to do more writing each night but a person can only do so much until sleep depravation kicks in. hehehe.
Also, the planning I do is making a bubble map and then chapter outlines that consist of a few sentences. I’m the type that instead of planning in detail I just write and then spend forever in editing. ugh.
I normally know the beginning and the end. It’s the middle that is elusive. BUT! That doesn’t mean that something might happen and change everything. It hasn’t really thus far though. I knew what was going to happen at the end of Werewolf Descent and I knew people were going to be a little pissy with what I did, however everything happens for a reason!
Thanks Van!
Ann G
United States
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27 total pts.
Hi Elizabeth
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* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Your books sounds like a great read! So how does where you grew up inter in to your writing?
What is your special muse when writing?
Are you ever going to write your stories in another country?
Do you have any animals that help you in your writing?
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Lisa D. USA
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Lisa D . USA
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Hi Lisa,
So I grew up in Cali (LA) but moved to the east coast when I was in my teens. I think living and visiting different places around the world really helps to influence my writing and take it to new places. It’s hard to write about a place if you’ve never been there so I try not to do that. I have the last witch series take place in New York because I go there all the time and I love the city.
What or who? lol. I have a person (look at my acknowledgments in VK) that I consider my “muse”.
What happens with stories in other countries is you have to have a publishing company in, say Japan, buy the foreign rights to them. Currently, I do have countries like Germany and China (and a few others I believe) looking at my book but no takers yet.
For animals, I have my dog sherlock and cat ahmemotep (memo for short). Yes, in their own ways they do help me. Sometimes Sherlock will remind me that its break time and other times they just sit next to me and comfort me. There my kids.
Thanks!
Hi,
Do you think of a title before you start writing a new book?
What is your favorite childhood book?
If you could have one magic object, what would you want and why?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
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+1 tallying
Total: 31
Hi Dovile! Nice to meet you.
I do both actually. Sometimes I think of the name before hand like with Vampyre Kisses, other times the name is elusive and it isn’t until it’s finished and edited that I come up with it (cough Werewolf Descent) and BTW I HATE that. Witch Devotions was the name I have planned on for the third book for the past 3 + years. It’s a play on words and I LOVE it. So either or but I prefer the either.
My favorite childhood book is the Bunnicula seires by James Howe. You have to check it out!
I’m not sure I am understanding you’re last question. Could you explain in more detail?
Hi Elizabeth!!! You’re not crazy. I believe that all the creativity comes from the ‘crazy’ parts of us. I find normal people pretty bland & boring.
What made you first want to become a writer? Did you write as a child or teen?
Hey Heatwave!
I have to admit that the only thing that makes me want to be a writer is the passion for it. It is the one constant I have had in my whole life and it is what currently makes me happiest. I have been writing fictional stories since I was very little. I always say people should do what they love otherwise what are you doing with ur life?
I completely agree. Do what you love!!!
Contest stuff:
+25 – rsvp
+2 – Q&A
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+1 – attend Merrie’s event
+1 – tally
total = 31
Hi,
I RSVP’d Jennifer M. USA
I teach beginning college comp classes and getting them to write a creative title just does not sink into them. I read up above that sometimes you already know and sometimes you have to work at it. Any tips for my students?
Jenn
Hi Jennifer.
College kids are hard when its something they are forced to take and not something they actually want to do. But! If they do want advice I would tell them to play around with words a lot. I know for Werewolf Descent I had to really look at the story and think about what was the main thing happening. That was the difficult part, so many things were happening. But, I finally figured out that the book has a lot to do with Zou Tai’s past and him being a descendant of a particular wolf. So then I used a thesaurus to play around with words. And looked at their meanings. It helps get my mind flowing.
Also, something only one of my college professors ever did was put us into critique groups. Like groups of 3-5. Instead of having these groups just critique the writing maybe they could critique the name and give suggestions on what they think it should be called. Hearing other’s talk about my work and seeing their perspective lets me see things i didn’t before.
I hope this helps! And if any of your students want more advice from me, I am more than happy to work with you. I love teaching but never wanted to be one lol.
Hi,
I always wanted to teach and I have been teaching for about eight years now. Literature is my passion, and when I get that class the students are interested. However, Comp. I and II are required classes and they just want to pass. I want them to read, the most common answer from new students to “what was the last book you read?” is “the last one required in high school.” So sad!
Jenn
Oh trust me, i know! When I was in those classes I felt like they were the hardest because there are so many students that just want to pass! It was frustrating because they would do minimal work and get great grades and I put so much effort towards it and didn’t get great grades. Very frustrating! But when I meant kids weren’t interested in the classes I did mean it was because they are required courses so people not interested in writing take them.
I would really say try the critique groups. Maybe for just one paper to see how it goes. Afterwards they get another chance to re-write the papers and you can see if they took the suggestions from you and their classmates or not. They may get more into it when they know fellow classmates will be reading their work.
Your suggestion is right on point. I do a blind trade of papers for peer reviews. I do not let them know who, that way they will not be biased. I also do a rough draft review with comments from me. With the final paper I look to see if they used any of the suggestions from the other student or me.
I enjoy the Lit. classes so much more because they are there because they chose the class. The required ones, I try to get the basics into their heads. So many do not know that even other departments require papers. If you go far enough you will have to write that Dissertation.
Jenn
Hi Elizabeth,
When you’re writing, do you ever have a set idea that is supposed to happen in a book and you force it? You mentioned that some of your characters just speak to you when the right idea is going, how long does it typically take for you to get things written in one of these waves? Do you ever write to get the story moving and then cleanup/wipe out during the editing process?
Lastly, (and I hope not offensively), how do you pronounce your last name? I’ve come up with about three different ways to say it and I think I’m butchering it
Thanks for dropping by!
Biki P, USA
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Hi Biki!
Ok. So. Characters sometimes don’t talk to you. You don’t feel creative. Kind of like writers block. Well the way to get rid of this is to write. So yes, I have had ideas that i thought would work perfect and needed to be there, but when you read it and really think about it deep down inside you know you’re forcing it and it doesn’t belong in this story or maybe at this point of the book.
For your next question, I have to say there is really no answer. When I start writing and my characters are talking everything is flowing, I won’t stop until that scene ends. That can take a a thousand words or it may be a scene with 10 thousand words. So sometimes minutes sometimes hours. It varies.
For your next question… yes! lol! Sometimes you get that writers block but you have to write through it. As an author you know you can go back and delete it or make it better. The goal is to just keep typing!
Lastly, I am not offended in the least!! lol. Actually my bio on the back of Werewolf Descent has a phonetic pronunciation of the name cause I get asked so much! It’s: KO-LA-G Hope that helps!
Thanks for the great questions!
Hi Elizabeth
Hihi had to ask
It would be so fascinating reading up on the lore, I do love research.
My question would be:
How about writing about Finnish werewolves or something? Then again I do not think we have any lore about them.
Blodeuedd A
Finland
Hi blodeuedd!
I would have to do some research to see if there is lore for finnish werewolves. But that would be interesting. The world I have made for The Last Witch Series centers more around werewolves being from Japan. I love the suggestions!
Liz ^_^