Writing in New Zealand is a tough business. I’ve recently started reading a lot more New Zealand fiction and as a country, we are producing some great work. I’ve discovered some talented authors in the Twitter writing community. These hard-working creatives should get more exposure. The idea for this segment grew from a desire to support New Zealand writers. It goes live on the 7th of each month.
This month, I have a prolific writer of children’s stories on the blog, who is also one of the judges of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. NZ Writer Maureen Crisp has written for School Journals and helps organize writing competitions and retreats. Last year, she won the Betty Gilderdale Award for Outstanding Services to Children’s Literature. I love reading her round-up of writing and publishing news each week on her website.
The Interview
1. What is an early book / author that inspired you to write? What are you reading now?
I loved stories from an early age. I didn’t think about being a writer because I didn’t know any so didn’t know how to go about it. When I was 12 I read a book published by scholastic written by a 12 year old. It was really good. From then on I thought if Gordon Korman could do it so could I and started scribbling down ideas and spending a lot of time in my head. I didn’t get published until much later. Gordon is still writing fantastic stories.
What am I reading now… space opera. I like writing science fiction and have a keen interest in futurism. So I like to read what other writers are doing.
KJ: What is your daily writing schedule like?
My daily schedule is mixed. On Mondays and Tuesdays I leave home an go to a friends house where I write without internet. All creative stuff. Wednesdays I’m at home editing or researching. Thursday is blog day where I research my weekly blog. Friday is marketing day where I learn new skills and put things into practice.
KJ: I love the idea of writing with others and without the internet! What is your favourite remedy for ‘the dreaded block’?
The dreaded block. I write longhand with a pen… just scenes. Generally that gets me unstuck. I read a writing craft book – I have heaps. Sometimes I try a writing exercise. Going for a walk jogs the brain. I tell myself I’m not thinking about the story (reverse psychology). It works.
KJ: What do you hope people get out of your books?
I read books to be entertained. I would hope that I can deliver an entertaining book… With maybe a new idea sneaking in disguised as a cool bit of information. I like my stories grounded in science. My circus books have been vetted by circus experts and so I know those stunts are possible.
KJ: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of sending out stories. I held onto mine for far too long revising and tweaking and putting them away for a few years. I managed to come unstuck when I read a fantastic piece of advice from a famous Western writer Louis L’Amour who said, “Get a notebook and record everything you sent out and to whom… when you get 100 rejections in a row you can stop trying to be a writer.” (There’s a little twist in that… 100 rejections in a row… means you will never stop but you will get better.) I got published on my 43rd submission. From then on I knew I could do it but I wished I hadn’t waited 20 years to find that out.
I have award winning published friends who set a rejection goal like this every year. If you aren’t submitting you aren’t in the game. Flipping your mindset to focus on getting rejections is also great – reverse psychology.
KJ: Thankyou so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Maureen. Heaps of useful advice in there.
The Paybill: Circus Quest Series
That’s a great idea to highlight NZ writers. Interesting interview with some good tips.
Thanks – I thought the advice was pretty useful for any writer. ☺
I agree with Eilene, what a lovely idea to focus NZ writers! In Belgium they often have a seperate section for Belgian writers in bookstores or a sticker that says something like ‘pure Belgian’…
When I travel I always try to read a book written by someone of my destination country or that takes place in my destination. Get’s me in the travel mind set and ‘forces’ me to read something I might not normally pick up and supports local writers 😀
Ooh I love that idea about reading a book or author from your destination. It would give great insight. Thanks fir stopping by