Write On!

Beth Pond, who began writing at age five (she's sixteen now) says she knows that it is what she wants to do with her life. She says, "By age eleven it occurred to me, why wait until I'm an adult, so I wrote my first book, Alive Without a Trace, which came out when I was a freshmen. It took awhile to finish it and edit it. It's still not perfect, but I was eleven!" At fifteen, she began her second book, Going for the Mountain and other short stories, which came out earlier this year. In between books she wrote a piece called Chasing Dreams which should be out later in the year. Beth is currently writing her fourth book and is interviewing athletes for research, as well as writing short stories. She says, "As of now they're short stories, but according to my mom and teachers nothing I write is short, so we'll see where they end up."

Check out Beth's website at www.bethpond.com.

Read on for Beth's tips about finding ideas, defeating writer's block, and shooting for your dreams!

Write On: How do you find inspiration and ideas for your stories/novels?

Beth Pond: I have been very fortunate in that I haven't ever been short of ideas. My inspiration comes from dealing with other people, personal experiences and even day dreams. Once I get an idea I try to run with it and see where it takes me. Inspiration is everywhere.

WO: How and when did you first start writing? Did you always want to be a writer?

BP: I remember I wrote my first story when I was five. I think it was about a bunny. I was so proud when I finished it that I insisted on pasting my picture on the back. I even asked my Mom when I could get it published. I always knew writing was what I wanted to do, but by age eleven it occurred to me that I didn't have to wait until I was older in order to start. The idea for Alive Without a Trace came to me shortly there after and I've been writing since.

WO: Can you give us a timeline of how one of your books is born -- how you start, what steps you go through (i.e. rough draft, editing, final draft, cover design, publicity) and about how long the whole thing takes for you?

BP: I recently started keeping a notebook. Every time I get an idea for a quote, a scene, or a character I write it down, so I can go back to it later without forgetting it. Once I start writing I'll check the notebook from time to time. Each manuscript takes a different length of time to complete. Going for the Mountain, took a few months. Chasing Dreams, has taken two years because I've been so busy and the actual writing portion of Alive Without a Trace took a year maybe a year and a half. Editing is my least favorite step, but once the manuscript is done, then I edit. Once the book is finally published I do publicity, which is usually just an interview with the local papers. I plan on doing more publicity for the piece I'm working on now once it comes out.

WO: How do you balance writing and research? Do you enjoy one more than the other?

BP: I don't mind doing research. For example I had to research some winter sports for my manuscript. I needed to do the research in order to make the story more realistic since I didn't know much about what I was writing about. I prefer just being able to write, but without some research the story might not be as good.

WO: Describe your writing routine. How do you make time to write? Where and when do you usually write?

BP: Over the summer I write almost everyday. I write when I'm in the mood and I don't force it when I'm not. I write all my stories on my laptop because I like the freedom of being able to move from my bed to the couch or wherever else I want. As for when, it can be difficult to find time during the school year, but I manage. I find time in between track and soccer practice and homework.

WO: How do you deal with setbacks like writer's block and rejection?

BP: I try not to let rejection get to me. I focus on what I have accomplished not what I haven't. As for writer's block, if I can't come up with anything that works, then I move on and come back to it later.

WO: What inspires you? Which authors do you admire?

BP: I admire J.K. Rowling because she faced rejection, but never gave up.

WO: You have a wonderfully unique writing voice. How did you find your voice? Is writing a struggle, or do the words flow naturally?

BP: Sometimes knowing what you want to say is easy, but knowing how to say it is hard. I guess you just have to be true to the character. For me the words flow fairly easily.

WO: What is your advice for young writers reaching for their dreams?

BP: The best advice I can give is don't get discouraged; don't give up; and don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something.

WO: What are your goals and dreams for the future -- what's next?

BP: In the future I hope to get an agent and have my books be adapted for film. I'd love to see them become movies. No matter what the future brings I plan to keep writing.