13

Feb

Author Crush Month – Mitali Perkins

Posted by   Published in Making Goals, Productivity

We are halfway through Author Crush month here at Routines for Writers. Our guest today is Mitali Perkins who writes YA“ books between cultures.” When I emailed Mitali to ask her to blog today, I told her that I wished her books were around when I was a teen. They are exactly the kind of books I liked to read—strong girls; strong families; a little bit of romance, but the main characters also have ideas and dreams of their own—they’re not all about how to win the guy. The other unique angle of her books is that they are mulit-cultural. For example, in First Daughter, the main character, Sparrow was adopted from Pakistan. In Monsoon Summer, the main character’s mother is from India and they go back there to work in an orphanage for the summer. I like learning about other places and cultures, and seeing America through other eyes. Refreshing YA books!

 

Take note: Mitali has a big day planned for Valentine’s Day. She is spearheading Kids  ♥ Authors Day where 40 independent bookstores around New England are  hosting 140 author signings. Wow, what a fun day New Englanders are going to have! I’m a little jealous. Click here to check it out.

 

 

Long Showers, Lattes, and Permission to Fail

By Mitali Perkins

As a former teacher, it’s helpful for me to think of dividing the year into four academic quarters. I set goals in marketing and writing at the start of each quarter. Fall and Spring quarters are busy with school and library visits, but I also try to write as much as possible during those months. During the Winter and Summer quarters, I slow things down and focus primarily on writing. I have a writing buddy in town (Karen Day / NO CREAM PUFFS) who meets with me regularly and we tell each other our goals and try to hold each other accountable.

 

 

It takes about year for me to write a book. I begin by brainstorming in my journal (and/or during long, hot showers), letting characters and a narrative arc form themselves in my mind. Once I have that story arc and a strong character, I start writing by taking Jane Yolen’s BIC (Butt in Chair) advice. That chair for me is usually in a local cafe. I tell myself I can’t leave the place until I write at least 1500 words. I am only allowed brief bathroom breaks and one latte refill.
The next day I’ll head out again (usually to another coffeeshop as I don’t want to wear out my welcome), and start by cutting and revising. Then I try to add another 1500 words, and so on and so on. I give myself permission to write garbage because I know my strength is revision. Once I have a lousy first draft done, it gets more fun. I go back and hone and cut and polish and carve and paint and decorate until it’s finally ready to send to my agent.

So on a day without an author visit, I’ll ideally dedicate about 3 pre-lunch hours to writing. Then I spend about 3-4 hours/day on correspondence, editing work that’s closer to publication, promotion and marketing, networking, writing blog posts, reviewing/reading other books, doing interviews, and/or preparing talks for upcoming appearances. I’m finding that younger writers are asking for more of my time these days, so I’ve added mentoring to the list.

I rarely meet my goals, but if I didn’t set them at the beginning of each quarter, I think I’d be half as productive. And while I know I’m blessed to be a full-time writer, my biggest challenge is shared by all those who are self-employed: motivating myself and staying on task. It’s a constant struggle as self-discipline and delayed gratification don’t come easily for me, but I’m growing. Thanks be to God, we can always grow and change, no matter how long we’ve been pursuing our dreams.
 
 

 

 

 

http://www.mitaliperkins.com/

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Kitty Bucholtz said in February 15th, 2009 at 10:58 am

It’s funny how God works things out. I didn’t read this on Friday, Mitali, but Sunday morning I was talking to God about some of the stuff you wrote here – and then I came to read your post, finding bits of confirmation in my line of thoughts! I love it when that happens!

Thanks for visiting!
Kitty :)

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