Labotomy of a Writer

Please welcome Beth Barany to Labotomy of a Writer today! I met Beth during a workshop she taught at SavvyAuthors.com. I immediately was drawn her to upbeat attitude and tenacious drive. She is my role model as a writer and a woman and I’m honored to know her.

You’re so sweet! Hey, it takes one to know one!

Aww thank you! Let’s get this started. Tell us a little about yourself, Beth.

OMG, there is so much to share… I’ve been making up fantasy and adventure stories all my life. When I’m not writing, I run a business helping other authors through coaching, teaching, editing and consulting.

In my off hours, I love to do cardio kickboxing, stick yoga, to read novels and to watch movies with my husband, author and musician Ezra Barany. I’ve got two cats, and a garden of mostly herbs and zucchini. I love to lie out on my patio in the sun. I also love to travel and have lived in Paris, France twice. I’m drawn especially to the medieval cathedrals in France. I come from a family full of artists, teachers and activists. My favorite movie is The Fifth Element and my favorite author, right now, is fantasy and science fiction author, Sharon Shinn.

I love the Fifth Element and watch it often! I traveled a lot being the daughter of an Army soldier, but not so much anymore and I’ve never been to Paris. I would love to one day though. I have been to Germany and they have some lovely castles and cathedrals also. OH my dear, my rambling, let’s get back on track. What made you decide to become a writer?

I’ve always wanted to be writer. Perhaps I was influenced by my great grandmother, Meridel Le Sueur, also an author. I know I was also greatly influenced by the many many stories my parents read to us four kids.

Wow, you just have a family full of authors. So lucky! My parents both draw and paint so I had a different from of artist growing up. It’s funny that both my sister and I became writers. What inspired you to write?

I’m not sure. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember. My mom tells me a story of me scribbling away with a crayon, filling up a pad, telling a story that only I understood. I was probably about three years old.

Hahah! That’s so cute. I was the same although I think for a long time I didn’t write them down, i just TOLD stories to my sister all the time. With a history of writing, how has your life changed since you’ve been published?

I’ve got a lot more work to do! Marketing my book! And I get the benefit seeing my readers reactions of my book. It’s been so gratifying!

I’ll bet! And I bet all the extra work is fun in a way too. I’m curious, how long does it take for you to write a book and what is your schedule like when writing?

Though Henrietta The Dragon Slayer was written in about 15 months, it took me about five more years on and off to edit the book and prep it for publication. When I’m writing my first drafts I tend to write 3 to 4 days a week, 1-3 hours a day. I can write at any time of day, though I prefer 11am to 1-2pm. That’s my sweet spot!

I can write almost any time too but my weet spot is around 1 to 3 am! Which makes it hard sometimes as I stay at home with my son and he’s ready to go at around 7 am! Continuing with how you write, do you character plot a great deal or have a detailed outline before you start writing or do you write on the fly?

I do a combination of things. With the current novel I’m working on, a paranormal teen novel set in my hometown of Sonoma, I started with the initial premise, then wrote a 15 page outline of the book. That was enough to get me moving into writing the story. Since the characters are loosely based on people I know I haven’t had to do extensive characters sketches. When I’m stuck or not sure of what to do next, I usually pause to draft a character sketch or dialogue in my journal, fleshing out backstory or interviewing my character.

In Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, I sketched out legends and tales and lore of the different kingdoms as my characters traveled through them. I also drew maps and researched things like sword making when I needed inspiration.

I do the same thing with my stories. I love doing research as you never know what will inspire a scene or a section of dialogue in your book. You said before that it took you about five years on and off to edit. Do you have a critique group, and if so, what is your opinion on the help they give?

I love my critique group: Kay Keppler and Patricia Simpson, both excellent and accomplished writers, and great editors. I would not have gone this far in my career without their support.

Wonderful! I have two crit partners myself that I couldn’t live with out. Even with such support, what is the hardest part of writing that you’ve struggled with?

Editing. I’m never sure when I’m done. I could probably edit my fiction forever and never feel done. Ironically, I don’t feel that way at all with nonfiction. I always know when my nonfiction is done.

I think with fiction since there is the potential for more all the time, as you can make up more scenes or characters, it makes it harder to reach the point of “done”. I think that is why everything I write turns into a series! I just can’t be “done” with the story! Thanks so much for being here today Beth. Come back tomorrow everyone to learn about Beth’s recent release, “Henrietta and the Dragon Slayer” I had the honor to read this book and I loved it!

Thanks for having me here, Anastasia! You know I love to talk about writing and everything book related!

I do too! You can find Beth at all around the internet, so stop by and say hello!
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