Today we interview Anna Mateja who like you, dear students, is working on her first novel. Let’s take a look at her writing method. We specially approve of reading a paragraph of what you wrote last to kick-off the writing of the day. Don’t get lost re-reading all your novel, oh young ones, or else you’ll never finish your work!

Do you have a ritual for writing?

The only thing I do every time I start writing is reading a paragraph or two of what I wrote the previous day. It helps me get in the writing mood.

When did you start introducing yourself as a writer?

Few days after I started writing my first novel. At the beginning I was calling myself “an aspiring writer”, but then after reading an article on the Internet I’ve realised that the aspiring writer is an excuse for not devoting yourself entirely. I am writing, therefore I am a writer.

What tools do you use for writing?

I like to use basic writing programs. Notebooks are also a very important tool for me. I use them to plan my work, and for important scenes I need to focus on. It’s much easier to carry one or two of them instead of a laptop in the bag, in case inspiration strikes.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Three things: people, music, and TV. As the first two seem to be obvious sources for inspiration for a writer, the last one might be a bit surprising. Generally people enjoy watching TV series, and I wanted my first novel to imitate that type of storytelling.

How do you approach your characters, how do you create them?

The most important aspect of creating a character is to make him/her distinguishable. It reflects in the way they dress, act and speak. Sometimes I use parts of personalities of people I know and mix them up to create an interesting individual.

Who’s the writer that has influenced you the most?

George R. R. Martin. His characters are amazing. He made it impossible to judge them. They are not just black and white, not even grey, he wrote them in many different shades and colours.

How much do you read?

Not much. I used to read a lot before I’ve started writing. I can’t just read a book, I have to feel the story, be a part of it and when I’m writing, the only thing that’s on my mind is the story I’m telling.

How much and how often do you write?

I try to write every day. I spend at least a couple of hours a day writing. When I can’t do that, I try to come up with some particular scenes at least.

How would you describe your writing method?

First I’m creating a brief outline of main events. Then I’m writing the scenes that are already existing in my imagination. The next step is coming up with some additional scenes and finally merging everything together in the way that they reference one another. I used to write the story chronologically, but I felt limited by that approach. When the story is finished, the editing starts.

And what does your writing / workspace look like?

A simple desk with a computer, notebook, box of loose notes containing ideas, lots of pens, and even more cups of tea.

Paperback or Kindle?

I love paperback, but kindle seems to be a more reasonable choice.