How's your Monday coming along? Not so well for me. Feeling under the weather and dealing with a nasty cough and migraine. Bad combination, because each time I cough, my head feels like it's splitting in two. But let's talk about a good combination, shall we? Here's one: We Do Write and an interview with NO MORE GODESSES author, Kim Baccellia.
Welcome to We Do Write, Kim. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven. I earned an elementary teaching degree from Brigham Young University.I’ve been a telemarketer, library helper at the university, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, and bilingual teacher. Now I’m a stay-at-home mom and writer.
How long have you been writing?
I love to read and write!
I am also a reviewer for Young Adults (& Kids!) Book Central.
How long have you been writing?
Since I can remember! In the fifth grade I loved writing and my teacher Mrs. Clements encouraged this with her positive feedback. I also was a staff member of my Middle School and High School newspapers. Even as a bilingual teacher, I loved writing and had a writer’s workshop in which my first graders would write and put together their own books.
Fifteen-year-old Jordan loves vintage clothing, romance, Audrey Hepburn, and listening to her grandmother’s tales. When she finds an ancient bracelet similar to the one AH wore in her favorite movie, she uncovers some family secrets. Her life takes on a sinister twist. Seems she can get couples together but at a cost. Getting a date to the dance shouldn’t be this hard!
How did the idea of the story come to you?
It came to me after a string of rejections on Crossed Out. I was a reader for a YA romance imprint and thought I’d try my hand at writing a lighter romance. I basically went over the whole premise on one of my daily runs. Then I pitched the idea to the editor at the imprint, who loved it and asked for more. She gave me wonderful feedback and insight.
Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?
I have a Beta reader who goes over my writing and the complete manuscript before I hit ‘send’. I also have a writing mentor, Joyce Sweeney, who helps me with plot work. My former writing mentor, Louella Nelson, still helps me out whenever I need a second reading or two.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Totally a plotter. I wouldn’t have finished any of my books if I hadn’t plotted them out first. But that doesn’t mean that plotline is set in stone. I add to and delete. The basic plot line helps me with getting my thoughts about the premise out in writing. Then I go from there. I use Joyce Sweeney’s Plotting Clock which is wonderful! I also use a plotting paradigm.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
Writing from home! Now that my husband works from home and I also homeschool my 12 year old son, it’s really been a challenge to get any writing done. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf coffee house close to my son’s student center has been wonderful! It’s calm and I’m able to get some serious writing done! I also love my local library and use the quiet room to write. I also have a notepad and pen in my purse and write whenever I find that opportunity.
What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
I swear by my iTunes Playlists to help me get into the minds of my characters. Also I have on my Nook Tablet, The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman which is a must have for any author.
What are you reading right now?
I usually read more than one at a time! Plus, I’m a reader for Month9bks.
Right now here’s a taste of what I’m reading:
The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton; Devil’s Frost by Heidi Kling; and The Sugar Smart by Anne Alexander.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Wow, this is a hard one! Maybe the power of flight. How cool would that be?
What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
I have to say it would have to be this one conspiracy theory that I’d heard from a sister-in-law about FEMA stockpiling coffins for the end of the world. It sounded like a bad dystopian idea but I was shocked to see that it is actually out there! I ended up using this idea in one of my current projects. So bizarre not to use!
Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: theology, abrasive, and petticoat.
The preacher’s theology wasn’t really that abrasive considering she wore a petticoat and loved the Dali Lama.
Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...
If I’m not writing, I’m probably either reading another amazing book or practicing a new yoga posture.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
Thanks to everyone who’s been so amazing and supportive! Liz at Zumaya Publishing; Joyce Sweeney; Christine Marciniak; P.J. Hoover; Christine Norris, Marlene Perez; Mandy and everyone at YA Books Central, and everyone at RWA! You guys rock big time!
And finally, where can people find you and your books online?
My website: www.kim-baccellia.com
Twitter: @ixtumea
I’m over at YA Books Central: www.yabookscentral.com
FB: kbaccellia
No More Goddesses is available through Amazon; Barnes & Noble.com; and Indie Bound
I would love to fly! Best superpower EVER.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour, Dorothy!!!