I had so much fun doing Huntober Highlights, that I decided to continue to interview authors. Today is National Young Reader’s Day and I’m celebrating with fellow YA author Liz Delton.
Liz is from New England and is the author of Meadowcity and The Fifth City.
Both books are part of her Arcera Trilogy. You can purchase Meadowcity now, and pre-order The Fifth City, which graces Amazon’s shelves on Deceber 3, 2015.
Do you have a favorite book/author?
My all-time favorite is the Harry Potter series. It’s just such a magical world, in so many different ways. I read it almost once a year, usually in the fall/winter. What gets me every time are the tiniest details Rowling buried in the early books, which come back in big ways in later books. That, and the rhythm that they have sucks me in every time.
Where do you do most of your writing?
I vary between my desk and the kitchen table, or occasionally the couch. I’m even known to lug my laptop to work and write while on my lunch hour.
When did you start writing?
I dabbled in college, but I became serious about it only a few years ago. And now that I’ve started, I don’t plan on stopping any time soon!
What’s your favorite type of writing to write? To read?
The answer to both is fantasy. My bookshelf is probably 95% fantasy books. The Arcera Trilogy that I’m writing is also fantasy–specifically in the adventure/dystopian area. Once I’m done with this series, I’ve got another fantasy book in mind, perhaps a series, and perhaps with a little magic.
Do you write to background noise?
I absolutely need music to write. My go-to is actually trance music, which might seem odd, but it really keeps me focused.
Do you scribble your ideas on paper? outline?
Sometimes I make notes of ideas, but I am lucky enough that once I write these things down, I almost never need to look at it again–I remember it by the act of writing it. As for plotting, with Meadowcity, I made a nice big outline in paper on the wall, with little cards taped to the chart for each scene. With The Fifth City, I got some new writing software that basically had a digital cork board with note cards on it; so I digitized my process. I even made a day-by-day spreadsheet for The Fifth City, to make sure the timeline worked.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I actually get a lot of ideas while I’m driving. Mostly, this is because I’m either stuck in traffic, or have a long drive, so I like to be productive while I’m just sitting there. So I let my mind wander, and once I park in my driveway, I write the ideas in a little notebook before I forget!
Who is your favorite character that you have created?
I’d have to say Lady Naomi Blackwater, the ruler of the fifth city. I distinctly remember the night I wrote the scene in which she first appears; I felt like my heart was racing, and I couldn’t wait to read more of her. Her character is so imposing, and just filled with possibilities. We learn A LOT more about her in The Fifth City, and I have to say, she is currently my favorite character to write.
Where can you get more about Liz and her Trilogy?
www.LizDelton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizdelton
Twitter: @LizDelton
Words from Emma Woods 