Monday, February 19, 2007

Writing Through the Big Chill

So, here we are in the heart of winter and boy, let me tell you, it's coooooooooooooooold here in Boston. I understand why people move to Arizona and Florida when they get older because this is truly bone-chilling weather. Here's why the view from my condo is supposed to look like:



Here's what it looks like today:



Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....makes you want to dive under the covers looking at that, right?

The best thing about this weather is how much reading and writing you can get done. I'm terribly prolific with my writing when I'm under the blanket or have the warm laptop buzzing on me...well, lap. I don't know whether it's because I'm so cold and moving my fingers along the keyboard helps the blood circulate or what. Maybe it's the fact that my Sorority Sisters Series is set in Florida and I'm thinking about the warm weather and their surroundings as I'm writing.

I've had people ask me my "routine" when I'm writing. I never really thought of it as having a routine, more like a habit that I've gotten into that makes things work. Writing's all about doing it and doing it consistently. It's all about practicing your craft and honing it and making it your own.

So, to answer the question, I must first say that I work full-time, so I write around the day job. At lunchtime, I go into the work cafeteria (or go out to Au Bon Pain or Souper Salad), put my headphones on blasting Dance or House music (yes, don't laugh!) and I get out my trusty Alphasmart Neo and just...write.



It's great, because it's a word processor and you just let the words flow. No editing, no nitpicking...just letting the characters speak and the action happen. Also, it's light-weight and easy to carry around. (This moment sponsored by Alphasmart Neo...LOL!)

I was in New York Thursday through Saturday (went to my friends Michelle Yu and Blossom Kan's book launch) and pulled the Neo out on the Peter Pan bus on the way home. I was able to write about 3,000 words on the trip home. Really...you just find the time and you do it.

As for the questions about my books and where they're "at," well, I'm waiting for line edits from my fabulous editor on the first two books, we're discussing titles and covers and everything's rolling along towards the Spring 2008 release. Can't wait to have covers to show everyone -- you can bet I'll debut them here.

If anyone every has any writing questions, I'm happy to help out the best I can. Just post here on Books, Boys and Buzz or e-mail me through my website.

In the meantime, grab a good book, curl up under the covers and stay warm!

Hugs,
Marley = )
Sorority Rush Begins - Spring 2008!
Puffin Books

7 comments:

TinaFerraro said...

Wow, those pictures are priceless, Marley! And I loved hearing about how prolific you are, all snuggled up with your laptop, or blazing away in restaurants or on public transportation.

For a time I worked as a ms. typist, and I would work on my own stories whenever no one was looking. :) Consequently, that's still how I write. In a straight-back chair, in front of a keyboard and screen. Very traditional. I have yet to break-out.

But people like you inspire me to try new things. :)

Stay warm!

Tina

www.tinaferraro.com

Anonymous said...

I'm cold just looking at that. Ouch.

stephhale said...

Ooh, Marley. I feel your pain. It has been VERY cold here with blizzard like conditions most of last week. But it was fun to play with the boys in the snow & it is warming up now.
I have been wanting to get an Alphasmart for a while, I think you just talked me into it.
I'm so jealous that you can write anywhere. I have to have complete silence or I can't get anything done, which is pretty rare around here! :)
xo,
Steph
www.stephaniehale.com
ps- awesome view!

Dona Sarkar-Mishra said...

HAHA! May I gloat for a second and say that while it's raining here in the Pacific NW, we have 50 degree weather? Today i wore no coat :)

In non-gloating news, I am happily curled up in my favorite coffee shop with my laptop..am I working on some amazing new novel? Not so much. I am actually working on work-work (day job that is...)

GeminiWisdom said...

I've heard very little about this AlphaSmart thing. What's the scoop? How much is it?

Me said...

Go TEAM ALPHASMART! My Alphie has totally revolutionized my writing. Seriously, I used to write a max of 4 pages per hour on my laptop... but I can get out 6 on the Alphie (when I don't succumb to distracting... which is rarely). And thank goodness for Starbucks or I would never write anything. With my Alphie and a Frappuccino I can write the world. =)

TLC
(who, despite being sad that she won't get to know NECRWA better, is very glad to be far from frozen Boston right now)

Heather Davis said...

Brrrr! You're so right, Marley. Covers here I come.

I totally love my Alphasmart. Used to write on long car trips (as a passenger - duh!) and at the laundromat on my Alpha. So light and turns on in a snap -- no need to boot up, click on anything, whatsoever. Alphas rock.

Hugs!