1. When did you start writing?
Since I was in middle school I've kept an ideas journal. Twelve-year-old me had some strange book ideas! But I've been into writing and storytelling since before I can remember. Telling made up stories before bed was basically a childhood tradition of mine.
2. What made you want to write?
Writing for me is very therapeutic. That's why I do it, and that's why I love it. It's a stress reliever.
3. When did you decide you wanted to write to be published? (As opposed to writing just to write) When I'd written enough for a full-length book! My first manuscript was crazy long (and very wordy). But it taught me a lot about my writing style. After the first, the others came easy and I found I just couldn't stop.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
At the moment I write young adult fiction.
5. Why that(those) genre(s)?
I enjoy writing 'firsts' - first crush, first kiss, first betrayal, first loss of a loved one.
6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)
Nothing specific but I like to write chapters from start to finish. I don't like stopping in the middle and picking up where I left off later. I usually bribe myself with little things like a tv show, a nap, or even a cupcake.
7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?
I usually have the main plot points written down and an idea of how to get there. Other than that, I leave my characters a lot of room to do what they want.
8. Is there something you MUST have when you're writing? (Aside from the typical writer tools-computer, pen, paper, etc)
I need noise! Whether it's music or the tv, I need background noise to focus. I was the same way with homework in college.
9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?
I go straight to the computer but I also have a book journal that I doodle in to keep my thoughts in order. And yes, I still keep an ideas journal by my bed. It's full of book ideas! Some are better than others.
10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)
Four books & one short story
11. Is there, or has there been, anyone in your life (real or online) who thought you being a writer is/was just another hobby? Or that you are/were wasting your time as a writer?
Well that person would have to be ME! I'd always thought of writing as just a hobby until a couple years ago.
12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?
Yes! I have a blog www.jacquelinegardner.com & I tweet @Writer_Jacque.
13. Any advice for writers that makes you cringe every time you hear it? (I know there is some cringe-worthy advice still worth following, so only advice you don't follow.)
No. Though I've come across advice that wasn't particularly helpful for me. I guess it depends on the writer.
14. Why do you like to write about mind readers?
THOUGHTLESS is about a teenage mind reader who sees her ability as a curse. I've never personally read a book or series about mind readers (though they do exist). It was a story idea that I would've liked to read myself, so I wrote it for fun.
15. If you could have ONE magical power, what would it be?
I don't think I'd want to be a mind reader. Some things are better left private! But maybe time travel? Sometimes I just don't have the patience to wait for things!
16. Why that particular power?
So I wouldn't need to work on being patient. Though I'm sure that power would backfire someday.
17. Why do you love cupcakes so much?
An old roommate of mine was a culinary art student. I helped her finish decorating a wedding cake one weekend, and I immediately became obsessed with the world of cake! I like to create them more than I like to eat them. I actually have a hard time watching when someone eats a design I spent all day making perfect. Right now cake decorating is a hobby, but one day that could change too.
18. What is the best cupcake you've ever had? What's the worst?
Well the best is actually one my husband invented. It's a made-from-scratch chocolate cake with a Brazilian candy poured over the top. So good! And the worst . . . probably all the cupcakes I made in cake class. I took a cake decorating class once & we used Crisco based buttercream to practice. Its basically 90% Crisco and 10% powdered sugar. In other words, flavorless sugar and lard. Yeah, I didn't eat any of those.
19. What do you do when you aren't writing?
I'm involved with a production company called Labragirl Pictures. We make historical documentaries paired with classroom curriculum.
20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know? Yes! Have your work critiqued by other writers, rather than family & friends. You get better advice that way. And be willing to accept criticism. If someone makes a negative comment about your manuscript, choose not to be offended.
20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know? Yes! Have your work critiqued by other writers, rather than family & friends. You get better advice that way. And be willing to accept criticism. If someone makes a negative comment about your manuscript, choose not to be offended.
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