Inside The Writer’s Studio – The Working Author

Last week we were once again given a peek Inside the Writer's Studio. Author Tina Ferraro shared a picture of her writing space which is in the corner of her family room.

It has been fun getting to know Tina over the past month, and knowing her really helps me to see how much of her personality shows in her creative space. Tina agrees! She told me, “It's basically organized chaos, which rather describes my brain, as well!”

The amazing thing about Tina’s writing space is that it shows the life of a working author. To be a successful author you generally have to do a lot more than just write. We can see in Tina’s space all the things she is doing besides writing. She said, “You can kinda tell I'm in promo mode for my new book, huh?” and that is exactly what is so compelling about this space. A day in the life of the writer is more than lattes and laptops. Tina’ shows a real slice of life into being a true author.
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So what’s the first step in book promotion? Building a shrine to yourself.

(Anyone shocked that Devyn thought this was a great idea?) So, actually, it turns out that isn’t a shrine. But I wanted to bring attention to this element of Tina’s experience as an author. She told me she almost took these photos of herself down and I am so happy she didn’t. Being an author is about more than just what picture you like the best of yourself, but also about how everyone else sees you. That is why Tina has these pictures up. She asked every single person walking through her house to vote on them.
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Tina was generous to answer questions that were posed in the comments. I will be sharing the questions and answers throughout the post.

Sarah asked:
“What advice do you have for young people who want to write a book?”
Tina answered:
“To answer your question about advice for young people who want to write a book...it's never too early to start. I was writing short stories as early as 7, and "officially" started my first book (title page with title and author) at 17. None of these early attempts were very good, but I am one of those people who learns more from doing than from studying, and some of the things I picked up back then I still employ in my writing today! Good luck!”

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One of the first things that caught my eye in Tina’s picture was this Bungalow sign. First of all, I just happen to find the word bungalow extremely fascinating and amusing, but secondly what exactly is it doing there over the desk? I wasn’t the only one to wonder this. Chelsea asked a question about the sign as well. And Tina knowing how great minds work had already prepared an answer.

“People might wonder what the "The Bungalow" sign over my computer desk is. It's sentimentality. My mom, who died many years ago, was a literary agent, and shared an office space other individuals and businesses, and a few years ago, this sign was found and given to me. It brings back wonderful memories and inspires me!”

It is interesting to learn that Tina’s mother was a literary agent; clearly the literary blood courses thick in those veins. I really enjoyed reading the story of this sign and found inspiring to myself, so I am sure it is overwhelmingly so to Tina.
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Thao asked:
“Do you write on laptop or on notebooks?”
Tina answered:
“I do have a laptop, but I only use it for traveling. I do absolutely everything on my full-sized computer. Even grocery lists!”

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Tina provided you all with an eye spy list of items to look for in her office.
“You may spot my glasses, hand lotions, comics and newspaper interviews, writing awards, conference badges, notes from my editor, several printers/scanners, books, office supplies, and the box for my new Kindle. And a huge pile of paperwork which has to do with all my local volunteer work...trying to keep it all straight.”

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Devyn asked:
”Do you write your book in order, or do you write the part of the story that sounds most interesting at the current time?”
Tina answered:
”Lots of writers jump around inside a story, but I am a beginning-to-end writer. I am "living" the story with “my main character, and although I have wisdom that she doesn't have (for the most part, I know what's going to happen next), we BOTH get surprises along the way, and that's part of the fun.
For instance, in THE ABC'S OF KISSING BOYS, there's a scene out by a lake where main character Parker and her neighbor, Tristan, are "practicing kissing." I knew someone would interrupt them, but was totally surprised by how Tristan reacted. Impressed, even. Sounds weird, but it's part of the fun for me, and I think it shows in my writing.”

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Shooting Stars Mag asked:
”What song would you pick to go with The ABC's of Kissing Boys?”
Tina answered:
"Hall and Oates, YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIST"