Today is Blog Hop Day. This blog hop is where writers and authors answer questions about their writing process. My friend and fellow author Ally Malinenko posted hers last week. You can check out her writing process here: Ally Malinenko
If you dare to enter the mind of Erin Albert (insert evil laughter), proceed with caution! ;)
What am I working on?
I am always working on multiple projects. Currently, I am awaiting publication of The Outlanders, the sequel to my young adult fantasy debut novel, The Prophecy. I also have a futuristic thriller called Number 25598 which I am revising, but there is something about it that’s missing. Until I figure that out, I’ll finish my revisions on final installment of The Fulfillment Series, aptly titled The Fulfillment. But the piece that keeps me up at night lately is my short story “Volatile.” I want to turn it into a full novel because I think it explores some serious issues that face teens and adults alike.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I try to take traditional young adult plot themes and turn them on their heads. In addition, I seek to inspire teens to think outside the box, to be different and unique.
Why do I write what I do?
I write young adult books because I LOVE young adult books. My friend and Dream Team member Danielle Craver (she created all the crest for The Prophecy) got me hooked on the YA genre, and I’ve read that almost exclusively ever since. Epic high fantasy appeals to me because I’ve always loved Arthurian legend. When George R.R. Martin combined that time period with fantastical elements, my mind sprung to life. Reading fantasy allows a person to fully immerse in a totally different world, escaping this one completely. Who doesn’t need a good escape every now and then?
How does your writing process work?
I am a total pantser, which means I do not plan a thing. I have a rough idea of how I want the story to start and how I want it to end, but I let the characters take over for the middle. Sometimes that gets me in some logic trouble, but I’m fortunate enough to have my Dream Team and critique partners to catch those little snafus.
The demands on my life and time afford me a very short window to get my writing done, usually between 3pm-5pm. I have ADD, so I always have to drink something caffeinated to help me focus. Also, a little container of chocolate is a creative must. I seek to write a chapter a day (my Dream Team member and timekeeper, Kim Sharp, requires a new chapter to read each night which keeps me on task).
The creative portion of my work takes me very little time. I wrote the entire Fulfillment Trilogy in 3 months. But I am also an anal grammar freak, so editing the work takes me MUCH longer. It’s a painstaking process.
So, to recap: Afternoon writing time with chocolate and caffeine, 1 chapter a day, and edit, edit, edit!
Thanks for stopping by and reading my post!!
If you dare to enter the mind of Erin Albert (insert evil laughter), proceed with caution! ;)
What am I working on?
I am always working on multiple projects. Currently, I am awaiting publication of The Outlanders, the sequel to my young adult fantasy debut novel, The Prophecy. I also have a futuristic thriller called Number 25598 which I am revising, but there is something about it that’s missing. Until I figure that out, I’ll finish my revisions on final installment of The Fulfillment Series, aptly titled The Fulfillment. But the piece that keeps me up at night lately is my short story “Volatile.” I want to turn it into a full novel because I think it explores some serious issues that face teens and adults alike.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I try to take traditional young adult plot themes and turn them on their heads. In addition, I seek to inspire teens to think outside the box, to be different and unique.
Why do I write what I do?
I write young adult books because I LOVE young adult books. My friend and Dream Team member Danielle Craver (she created all the crest for The Prophecy) got me hooked on the YA genre, and I’ve read that almost exclusively ever since. Epic high fantasy appeals to me because I’ve always loved Arthurian legend. When George R.R. Martin combined that time period with fantastical elements, my mind sprung to life. Reading fantasy allows a person to fully immerse in a totally different world, escaping this one completely. Who doesn’t need a good escape every now and then?
How does your writing process work?
I am a total pantser, which means I do not plan a thing. I have a rough idea of how I want the story to start and how I want it to end, but I let the characters take over for the middle. Sometimes that gets me in some logic trouble, but I’m fortunate enough to have my Dream Team and critique partners to catch those little snafus.
The demands on my life and time afford me a very short window to get my writing done, usually between 3pm-5pm. I have ADD, so I always have to drink something caffeinated to help me focus. Also, a little container of chocolate is a creative must. I seek to write a chapter a day (my Dream Team member and timekeeper, Kim Sharp, requires a new chapter to read each night which keeps me on task).
The creative portion of my work takes me very little time. I wrote the entire Fulfillment Trilogy in 3 months. But I am also an anal grammar freak, so editing the work takes me MUCH longer. It’s a painstaking process.
So, to recap: Afternoon writing time with chocolate and caffeine, 1 chapter a day, and edit, edit, edit!
Thanks for stopping by and reading my post!!
The Dream Team
Left to Right: Danielle Craver, Dawn Ward, Ginny Hunsberger, and Kim Sharp. I'm the one kneeling.
The Prophecy
My Writing "Assistant"
A Great Way to Brainstorm
Best way to brainstorm ideas-- a big bowl of popcorn, lots of caffeine, and a hawt, brilliant man to talk to!
Comments
08/24/2014 10:21pm
I loved 25598 and Volatile has ginormous potential. The Fulfillment series is brilliant storytelling through and through, where with each book the story gets progressively better. I am beyond honored to be part of the creative process with you, Erin. I love you and this journey, and can't wait to see what you want to do next!
Erin Albert
08/25/2014 9:00am
I love you!
08/25/2014 5:10am
Wow! I never thought I'd run across another writer who works similar to me, minus the chocolate. Sorry. But I usually have some type of snack on hand too. I really need to get me a team of partners like you have. Once I start teaching, it's difficult to get much writing in. Mostly Sat. mornings and other odd days. I jot out notes so I won't forget plot points, names, etc, but I'm less predictable when I don't outline. It's always exciting to see where the characters take me. One difference is that I almost always have to know my ending before I begin Then I know what roads to take to get there. Good luck on all you have in the hopper! Blessings to you and your writing career.
Don
Don
Erin Albert
08/25/2014 9:00am
Always fun to hear how others do their process! :) Thanks for sharing!
08/25/2014 6:46am
Have I read Volatile? If it's the one I am thinking of, YES, more please :) And definitely a panster here--only way I can write!
Erin Albert
08/25/2014 9:01am
Yes, you've read it. I'm sure I'll be asking you to read it again when it's in novel form! ;) #PantsersRule!
08/25/2014 11:42am
Love your writing process, a panster after my own heart. I'm also jealous. I wish I could snack and write. My thighs have zero tolerance when it comes to snacking of any kind unless it's carrots, and I'm even skeptical of those. Think of me when you're having popcorn. :(
