This interview is with a young lady named Talia Jager, the author of Damaged: Natalie’s Story and Teagan’s Story: Her Battle With Epilepsy. Talia is a young adult writer. She started writing in the mid-1980’s and has loved it ever since. Her third book is due summer 2011. She lives in Texas with her husband and their five daughters. Now then, let’s get to the questions!
Where do you generally prefer to go when you write?
I have a few places, so where I write depends on my mood. The main places I write are the breakfast bar, couch, or my bed.
How long have you been writing?
For as long as I can remember. Seriously, there isn’t a time I don’t remember coming up with a story. High school is where it got more serious, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to publish.
How many books, and in which genre, have you written?
I have two published books, both young adult dramas. I just finished another YA drama, and I’m working on a YA paranormal. I have many unfinished stories that I hope to go back and finish.
Tell us three random things about yourself.
I have five daughters.
I love chocolate.
I had purple hair in high school.
Do you prefer to write on a laptop or a desktop computer?
Since buying my first laptop 4 years ago, I haven’t looked back. I love my laptop!
What do you most enjoy about writing?
Creating characters readers will care about. Bringing a story to life and telling that story in a way that the reader won’t forget.
What steps do you take in starting a new book?
I open two Word documents, one for the story, one for all the information I need to remember. Sometimes I just start writing the story and do research when I need to. Other times I do the research first. I guess the very first thing I do is find a name I love for my main character.
What are you currently working on writing?
I’m giving a YA paranormal a try.
When do you find it best to write?
Very late at night, when everybody is asleep, that way I can have it quiet or play the music I want to hear.
What advice would you give a new writer?
There are three things I tell people: Write as much as you can as often as you can. Write for yourself, not anybody else. Believe in yourself and never give up.
What is the most important thing you have learned about writing?
Story lines don’t always go the way you want them to and characters can surprise you.
How many drafts do you usually have before deciding it’s done?
Once my first draft is finished, I print it out and edit it with a red pen. Then I send it out to people for a critique. Once I have about 5 reviews back (and I’ve waited a couple of weeks), I go back to the story and do another draft. Then I do an edit on the computer one or two times. Then I print that out and edit it again with pen. Once I’m sure it’s near perfect, I’ll send it out again for a review. If those come back good, I publish. If they come back not so good, I’ll do another edit.
© 2019, Steven R. Drennon. All rights reserved.