Oasis for YA

For this Thankful Thursday I asked the girls to please send over something you’re thankful for - specific to your writing, your novel, or your characters. Is writing a stress outlet? Is it getting over that break-up because your characters do it differently? Here's what we all had to say:

Jessica:
I'm thankful for my writing because it allows me to escape to a world of my own creation. It's a great stress reliever. I've always daydreamed when I wanted an escape from reality and writing allows me to relive that one daydream over and over if I wish. And of course, get that smokin' hot guy I never had the courage to talk to in high school. ;)

AE:
Despite my need/drive to complete RESONANCE, which my agent is preparing the proposal for, I'm really thankful for the character who butted her way into my RESONANCE writing zone and insisted I write down a blurb for a dystopian. It might've opened up Pandora's Box of writing evils, like compulsion/obsession for me, but OMG the tone and tense and atmosphere of the book is addicting. I've been calling it the cracktopian because it's THAT addicting for me.

Jessie:
I'm grateful for those sentences where you go back and read it and you're like - OMG! I wrote that? (Cause it's that good.) It's those sentences that make me know I'm supposed to be writing.

Sheri:
I'm grateful that writing forces me to view people, their ways of life, and attitudes through alternative eyes. If I'm going to be true to my writing and my readers, then I must be willing to create multi-faceted characters and push them beyond my personal experience. 

Nikki:
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have an outlet for my creativity - one that I can share with others. There's nothing better than having someone read your work and love the story you've crafted. And if I can make them cry, all the better!