There are a few things that inevitably kick my writing butt into gear. One is talking to awesome writers. Another is reading a book I think is amazing. (Also, occasionally, reading a book I think is horrible.) For this reason, I try to go to book signings whenever I can! However, once a year I get the power up boost from attending Dragon*Con and working with the Young Adult Literature track. This year there was a wealth of riches in terms of writers I know and love: Beth Revis, E.C. Meyers, Diana Peterfreund, Susan Dennard + Sarah Maas (because yes, they are best when combined), Michelle Hodkin, Jana Oliver, Victoria Schwab, Lev Grossman. (Also John Barrowman, but let’s face it, the reasons I know and love him have nothing to do with writing – his sister Carole is pretty awesome, though.) I also had the opportunity to moderate a panel about YA short fiction, and Eugie Foster (who is one of my longtime short fiction heroes, though I did not get to tell her this!) among others shared their thoughts on short form as well.
Another source of writing power-ups for me are my aspiring writer friends, since we can commiserate and cheerlead and brainstorm with each other. My friend Alexa is my YA novel writing buddy (though she has a serious leg up on me since she’s actually finished her first novel!) and Steve Berman is a great short story critique partner. Critiquing other people’s work has actually been super helpful for me as a writer, and one of the reasons that I’m feeling more confident about long form now, I think. Spending a ton of time with Alexa at Dragon*Con was a big boost to me as well, since we spent ages discussing novels and worldbuilding.
So basically, I’m like when Mario grabs one of those flashy stars and is like ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM! At some point I had a lightbulb moment that solved some of the worldbuilding problems I was having with the YA novel-in-progress, pushing me past a six-month slump. As a result, I scrapped most of what I had and started over. In a week and a half I’ve written almost 10,000 words (with some recycled from the previous version, to be fair), which is some serious ZOOM for me. Will it last? Hard to say. I’m also working on a couple of different short stories, so at least I can put my attention elsewhere for bits at a time. In any case, it just feels good to be productive again.
And, courtesy of Victoria Schwab (who is one of the most adorable human beings I’ve met lately), STARS ON A CALENDAR are an excellent writing tool.
Casey Lynn Wright 