Elizabeth Scott Interview

As you know we picked Elizabeth Scott as our Author of the Month. We have to say a major thanks to her for taking the time out to answer some questions for us! Also, don't forget to check out her website & her blog for some awesome giveaways!

Also this month we possibly...might.. be doing a giveaway with one of her books. So make sure to check back with us!

First, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! Here's my author bio: Elizabeth Scott grew up in a town so small it didn't even have a post office, though it did boast an impressive cattle population. She's sold hardware and panty hose and had a memorable three-day stint in the dot-com industry, where she learned that she really didn't want a career burning CDs. She lives just outside Washington, DC, with her husband; firmly believes you can never own too many books; and would love it if you visited her website, http://www.elizabethwrites.com. I'll also add that both my parents were high school teachers--and that when I was in high school, I was in both their classes!

Who are some of your favorite authors/books?
Oh, too many to list! But I have started putting up some of the books I've read and enjoyed over the past few months at goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/elizabethscott


Where do your ideas come from?
I've gotten ideas while sitting in traffic, while cleaning the bathroom (!), and even in dreams. I always carry a little notepad and pen with me. Always!

What inspried you to become a writer?
Boredom.

No, seriously! I was 27, at work and bored out of my mind in a meeting and instead of taking notes, I started writing a story. I'd never written fiction before that unless I had to, and I wrote a whole essay about what that first story showed me about writing, and what writing means to me which you can read here (http://www.elizabethwrites.com/elizabethscottauthorbio.pdf)

We've noticed some authors have music playlists when writing, does music help you get into the mode? And what are your favorite bands/singers?
I don't listen to music when I write--I used to try when I first started because everyone I knew did listen to music when they wrote, but I always ended up tuning it out because when I write, I pretty much fall into the world I'm writing about and don't notice anything or anyone. Which means that if the phone rings while I'm writing, there's a good chance I won't even hear it!

If not writing, what do you think you would be doing?
I would still be a secretary. Although now that I think about it, given my odd career path--well, who knows what I'd be doing now?

With the books that you have out/coming out now, is there one that is more your favorite?
I actually can't read any of my books once they come out--it's just too weird for me (by the time a book comes out, you've been with it for so long--years, usually!) and so I can't pick a favorite. I will say I'm so amazed that they are out there and so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to write me after reading one. Readers=AWESOME!

Living Dead Girl was so much different than your other novels, do you plan on writing anymore that have a more intense and 'darker' tone to them?
I do! Love You Hate You Miss You, which will be in stores on June 2nd isn't nearly as dark as Living Dead Girl, but it's much more intense than Something, Maybe or some of my other books. And I have a book coming out in 2010 that is definitely intense---and as soon as I can, details will be going up on my website!

With four books out, two hitting the book shelves soon, you've been really busy! How do you discipline yourself to keep going?
Well, part of the reason I have so many books out is that I sold three in 2005, and the first one, Bloom, hit stores in 2007. The second, Stealing Heaven, came out in 2008, and the third, Love You Hate You Miss You, will be out this year, in June 2009. So there was a good two year period where I had time to write--and I did!

How do you get over the horrible monster known as writer's block?
I usually sulk--and I do mean sulk--I don't let myself do anything but sit around and feel sorry for myself. And I mean that's *all* I can do--no reading, no watching tv, no hanging out with friends------ nothing. Just me and my pity party, and it turns out they can get old pretty fast.

Other times, I just make myself keep going--I'll write the scene after the one that I can't seem to do and stuff like that. But sometimes you just need a break. I know a lot of people say you should write every day, and if that works for you, great! But I need a day a week to recharge, and sometimes more than that. And it's okay--you need to get out there and do things, see things, read books, all that good stuff. Because how can you write if you don't have a life?

Do you know what fan fiction is? If so, how do/would you feel about others writing about your characters?
I do know what fan fiction is, and if people want to write about my books--WOW! That would be amazing. Of course, I'd never be able to read it because of legal issues, but I have no problem with fan fiction at all.

Do you have a 'best' and 'worst' moment in your career?
The best moment--the first time I ever heard from a reader.

The worst--firing my first agent. That really sucked.

How long does it usually take you to write a novel from start to finish?
It depends. I've written novels in nine days. And I've written novels in nine months. (!)

Any adivce for aspiring writers like us?
Well, my guess is that you've got the writing thing down, so I'll just say--don't forget to read!

Can you tell us what you're working on next?

In addition to Something, Maybe, which will be in stores on March 24th, I have another book, Love You Hate You Miss You, which will be in stores on June 2nd. And for 2010, right now it looks like I'll have three books out--one with Simon Pulse in March, one with Harper in June, and one with Dutton in the fall. I'll post more about each of these books as soon as I can on my website!