Welcome to another writer feature! This interview is with Lynn B., a sixteen year old writer of fiction and poetry, who has been writing since she was eleven years old. If you would like to follow her on Instagram, you can do so @_.one.more.chapter.
What are you currently working on? When/where will it be available to read?
I am currently working on the first draft of my WIP, (currently named) Elwood. I have a few other side projects, but I am focusing on my main for now.
Well, hopefully, when/if I finish I would love to look into publishing, but it would not be any time soon.
What inspired you to start writing?
I have always loved reading. I think it was around the time I started reading the Harry Potter series that I got inspired to create my own world and characters.
What inspires you to keep writing?
I have to admit that I rarely write consistently for more than a month or two at a time. But, I always come back to it. I’ve always loved the idea that you can string words together and create something. Seeing my characters come to life as I write them has been one of my inspirations.
What is a unique writing “quirk” that you have?
A quirk? Well, for some reason when I write short stories I take a more formal tone than I do when I write my WIP. The style completely changes, but it feels natural.
What do you want readers to take away from your writing?
I just want my readers to feel something after reading my writing, whatever the emotion. I want my readers to feel connected to the characters and maybe even see a bit of themselves there too.
What is something, as a writer, you couldn’t live without?
Post-it notes. I have a bit of an obsession with post-it notes. I use them to map out my plots, make a timeline, or just write down random characters’ details. They are all over my notebooks (notebooks are another thing I can’t live without).
What is your “formula” for writing a good character?
Creating the personality first, and letting the appearance come later. I look for a specific quality or the trait that is the reason for them being in the story at all. For example, are they incredibly loyal, or are they the person who would sell everyone out? Make sure you know their personal set of morals. This goes hand in hand with their motivation. I read that piece of advice somewhere (sadly I don’t remember where), and it has helped me create my characters.
Can you share a quote/sneak peek from a current project?
Here’s a piece of my favorite scene so far:)
“I was too distracted to notice that the notebook had taken on a faint glow, though it was only for a few seconds. I say this now because I have seen it happen several times since. If I had known this was my last night in that house I would have reminisced with my old self through torn up journals and said goodbye to the small trinkets and maps and books I’d collected. If I would have known about the place I would wake up in the next morning, I might never have gone to sleep.”
Describe the first thing you ever wrote
The first thing I remember writing outside of school is also where I got the idea for Elwood. It was a very early, and very chaotic version of a scene that I still have in the WIP. My main character, Riley, receives a package that contains a notebook belonging to her deceased sister. This version was very short and ended with her waking up, thinking it was all a dream.
What is writing advice you often hear that you believe to be false? Why?
I’ve heard a lot of advice about not using the word said. There’s a point when using a different dialogue tag every line does more harm than good. And, it’s just much easier to use “said” and change it up every once in a while than try to find another word for what you want to say.
Big thanks to Lynn for the amazing interview! If you would like to be interviewed for my blog, send me a message on Instagram @elizarkent.
