Blog Ring of Power Presents: Suzanne Lilly


Welcome to another Blog Ring of Power Friday, and a warm welcome to Suzanne Lilly.  Thanks for joining us in the Realm.  

For the rest of her interview, don't forget to check out my BRoP buddies
Part 1 with Terri
Part 2 with T.W.
Part 3 is right here with me
Part 4 with Sandra
Part 5 with Dean

Author Bio:
Suzanne Lilly writes lighthearted young adult stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print, and she has placed and received honorable mentions in writing contests. Her debut novel is Shades of the Future, (July 2012, Turquoise Morning Press) followed by Untellable, (February 2013.) She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.


Section #3: The Creative Process


BRoP:  Where do you get your story ideas?
SL:  My stories come from all around me. Whatever I see, experience, read, or hear about might spark a story seed. I always ask, “What if?” It leads me on a tangent that turns into a story.


BRoP:  How do you deal with writer’s block?
SL:  I play twenty questions that all begin with, “What if?” or “Why?”


BRoP:  How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
SL:  I’m very visual, so I create a picture board. For the novel I’m working on now, I have four picture boards of the setting, the characters, their philosophies, and their clothing. I have them hanging on the wall above my desk so every time I lean back in my chair to decide what happens next, I’m looking at the picture boards. I know many authors use Pinterest this way.


BRoP:  Are you a “plotter” or a “pantser” (do you plan/outline the story ahead of time or write “by the seat of your pants”)?
SL:  I’m an extreme plotter. I would drive a pantser nuts with all my notes, cards, colored pens, and story boards.


BRoP:  Do you use critique partners or beta readers? Why or why not?
Yes, I’m very lucky to have extremely talented critique partners and beta readers. Critique partners help me target writing craft errors, such as POV, or tension. Beta readers help me see where the story flows and where it doesn’t. Both are so important to me, and I value everyone who helps me in this way. Of course, I always return the favor.


What would you give to see the future? Would you make your dreams come true? Would you change the things you didn’t like?
Mariah Davis loves animals, running, and her hunk of a boyfriend, Kevin Creamer. Everything looks bright for her until the day she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future.
When she glimpses a disaster looming, she tries to avoid it but fails. She has a car accident that lands her in a wheelchair, smashing her hopes for a running scholarship to the veterinary program at Ohio State University. She pushes Kevin away, thinking he’ll want to end their relationship now that she can’t walk.
Will she ever learn to trust and love again? She could search for an answer in the sunglasses. But she’s afraid what they reveal might destroy her.


Please let us know where your readers can stalk you:
Website: http://www.suzannelilly.com
Blog: http://www.teacherwriter.net
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneLillyauthor
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258804.Suzanne_Lilly
Twitter: @suzannelilly http://twitter.com/suzannelilly
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Lilly/e/B006HY79IY
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115758832631616324955/posts

What format is your book(s) available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)
It’s available in print and digital formats.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Retreating from the Writer's Retreat

Image
As I have learned, When Words Count Writer's Retreat has a sweepstakes at the end of every year to generate free visits for writers from the beginning of January all the way to the end of May. I was one of those people who won. Coming to the retreat, I was blessed with stunning views of mountain ranges and winding back roads, a covered bridge and farms. All of this pleasant to look at. Arriving was just as beautiful. From the mountains in the distance to the little pond just beyond the house it gave a promise of peace and possible productivity in writing. My room is the top left corner. Hi room, I'm home for the next few days. I admit, when I had first won, I thought it was a scam, and in doing research I have not been the only one to think so. It's not a normal thing to hear about some random retreat in Vermont and also to win a 3 night stay at a country type house in the shadow of the Green Mountains in said retreat. It is real, however, I can attest to it....
Read more

Blog Ring of Power Presents: Sally Franklin Christie

Image
It's another Friday with a Blog Ring of Power Interview.  Today I have the privilege to welcome Sally Franklin Christie to the Realm. Hi Sally!  To see the rest of her 5 part interview, don't forget to check out the rest of the ring. Part 1 with Terri Bruce Part 2 with T.W. Fendley Part 3 is here with me... but you knew that. Part 4 with Sandra Ulbrich Almazan and to wrap things up Part 5 will be with D.C. Rich Sally Franklin Christie has spent her life achieving incredibly average goals.   Her challenges and choices have led to into the world of organizing for social change,civil rights and helping people navigate in a world filled with physical barriers and discrimination.    She photographs and paints landscapes,when she isn’t at the computer researching,networking and writing.   Special interests include Missing Children and Adults,Astronomy,Character Traits and Criminal Thinking.   Lets talk about Sally'...
Read more

Blog Ring of Power Presents: Jacqueline Seewald

Image
Multiple award-winning author Jacqueline Seewald has taught creative, expository and technical writing at the university level as well as high school English. She also worked as an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Eleven of her books of fiction have been published. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications. She enjoys spending time with family and friends when she isn’t writing. In addition, she is a playwright, a landscape artist and loves many types of music.   Wow, now that's a diverse way to get into creativity! Welcome to the Realm Jacqueline!  Lets talk about your writing life a bit. BRoP:  What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine? Do you use pen and paper or computer? Work at home or at the library/Starbucks, etc. JS: I have my own little office area set up at home. That’s what works best for me. I get up really early in the mor...
Read more