Thursday, June 9, 2011

Aspiring Author Interview with JE Fritz

Look, even her picture is mysterious-
we can't see her face very well
Hello to everyone on this beautiful sunny day!  (at least, I hope its beautiful and sunny in your neck of the woods!)  My interview today is with JE Fritz of Still Writing...  I'm keeping her first name a secret because she doesn't list it on her blog, so I'm keeping the mysteriousness that surrounds her in tact. (although if you look hard enough, you just might find it)  We all could use a little mysteriousness in our lives.  For example: you have no idea what I'm wearing as I write this.  I could be wearing a prom dress, or a big bunny suit.  Or I might not be wearing pants (little known fact: lots of authors don't wear pants).  JE was one of my first followers when I started almost a year ago.  She's smart and funny and finds really great tips and information on writing.  So, here she is!


     Tell us the scoop on how you got into writing novels.

‘Scoop’ makes it sound interesting. I just wanted to write a novel…and I did! It wasn’t a very good novel, I admit, but for me, it was wonderful to be creating something with words. I’ve wanted to be an author for years (I think high school is when I first went “Hmmm. Can I do this?”).

What genre do you write?
YA, although that’s more of an audience I’m trying to reach. I like speculative fiction (dystopian, post-apocalyptic) and urban fantasy/paranormal. Most of them just seem to come out YA. 

What authors inspire you?
Stephen King definitely inspires me in his raw output of prose. Mark Z. Danielewski is amazing in terms of voice and skill. 

How often do you write?
I try to every day, even if it’s just a paragraph. Having a blog really helps keep me writing, even if I’m in the middle of doing non-writerly tasks.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Pantser, at least for the first draft. When I’m done, then I outline, move things around, make sure everything is how I want it. But I never know the details when I type that first word, so that definitely makes me a pantser.

Where do you write best, and do you listen to music while you write?
I write best in my room, where I have a comfortable chair (or can stand comfortably; sometimes I do this, too). I definitely go for music when I’m writing, cranking up the most depressing and/or angriest music I have. It really helps!

What is on your TBR pile?
World War Z, The Water Wars, The Hunger Games (again)

If Stephanie Meyer and JK Rowling got in a cat fight, who would win?
JK Rowling, and thus, society. 

What is your “day” job?
Right now, just some researching for a tech company. 

What can you not leave home without? (cell phones are off limits)
My flashdrive. Just in case someone breaks into my house and steals my laptop. Because you never know and paranoia is right sometimes. 

Mac or PC?
PC. I’ve heard Macs are better, but I doubt I have the skills to use one. Me and computers = not good.

Favorite dessert?
Chocolate pudding cake. 

Favorite desert?
The ones I made up in my book! Shameless plug-y enough? Of course, those were inspired by the deserts of the southwest. I’ve only seen them in pictures, but they’re beautiful. As long as you bring enough water. 

Where is your dream vacation?
Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to go there and see the volcanoes and the Pacific.

Finally, link us to your website, blog, fb, twitter and anything else you might like to shamelessly plug for yourself

13 comments:

Colene Murphy said...

Fantastic interview! I love the mysterious JE! (I call her gee in my head FYI)

And I really hope you're wearing a bunny suit. That would just make my day.

Anonymous said...

Fun interview! Angry music helps me write, too, and chocolate pudding cake equals heaven. I also love the mystery behind JE.

Jennie Bailey said...

Is that a teeny, tiny kitten in her arms? Great interview. And another Rowling win!!

erica and christy said...

I always thought that picture of JE was just her looking mysterious, but now it looks like a kitty or a bunny - cute!!

And at least her picture didn't blog up blogger like ours did a few weeks ago. ;)
erica

KM Nalle said...

I giggled imagining you wearing a bunny suit and working on your computer. I loved learning more about the mysterious JE. Also inspired (sometimes) by Stephen King.

Rachael Harrie said...

Great interview, lovely learning more about J.E. :) I hadn't realized it was a kitten either (her blog photo is smaller) - cute!!!

You had me laughing at the clothes point :D I looked closely but couldn't see the name anywhere - I'm guessing it's on her bracelet perhaps (tho too small to read!) :)

Hope you're doing well.

Hugs,

Rach

alexia said...

Great interview ladies! I want to go to Hawaii, too. Tropical locales have been on my mind lately.

storyqueen said...

It looks like JE is holding the tiniest kitten IN THE WORLD!

yay! another pantser in the world!

nice interview.

Shelley

Jennifer Shirk said...

So interesting that she outlines AFTER the first draft!

Jennifer Hillier said...

Awesome interview. Looks like JE and I have a lot in common - I also outline after the first draft! It's only when I can see the whole story (warts and all) that I really know what needs to go where.

erica and christy said...

I'm wearing pants.... Great interview. Love learning more about our blogging friends! christy

Donea Lee said...

Writers don't wear pants???! Unless we're talking sweat pants, right?

Great interview! I'm not sure I know JE. I'll have to check her out.

Thanks, ladies! :)

Unknown said...

You always have an awesome interview system! I love it! Great interview peeps!

I've been FAR too distant and I'm so glad I got to read the interview. I just finished another first draft and I'm celebrating by commenting!!!