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How long does it usually take to finish writing a book?
It depends on when my deadline is, haha. If I have no deadline, I will take a leisurely year or two (A Time to Die took me three years!), but when I’m on a set deadline, I will do it within that deadline (hopefully.) And that usually means somewhere between 4-6 months for a first draft. (EEP!) This is tough sometimes, but with each book I get closer to finding my rhythm of writing and how to meet those deadlines with confidence about my book.
It depends on when my deadline is, haha. If I have no deadline, I will take a leisurely year or two (A Time to Die took me three years!), but when I’m on a set deadline, I will do it within that deadline (hopefully.) And that usually means somewhere between 4-6 months for a first draft. (EEP!) This is tough sometimes, but with each book I get closer to finding my rhythm of writing and how to meet those deadlines with confidence about my book.
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I love writing days!!! So when I get a day fully committed to writing, then it looks like this:
I love writing days!!! So when I get a day fully committed to writing, then it looks like this:
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Are you a full-time author or do you have another job?
Well, as of this January (2018), I will be a full-time author! WHAT. A. DREAM!!! For the past almost-five years, I’ve run my own editing business and loved it. But I’m stepping out to focus instead on writing and speaking at conferences. I’m also finishing up a part-time ministry position at the end of this year. A lot of exciting changes!
Well, as of this January (2018), I will be a full-time author! WHAT. A. DREAM!!! For the past almost-five years, I’ve run my own editing business and loved it. But I’m stepping out to focus instead on writing and speaking at conferences. I’m also finishing up a part-time ministry position at the end of this year. A lot of exciting changes!
What is the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of research?
That really depends on your definition of crazy. Because I hit all levels. Climbing a cliff-face, going through the Panama Canal in a sailboat, eating cattail stalks, driving a dogsled….research is basically my excuse to go out and be adventurous. I love doing as many researchy things as I can!
That really depends on your definition of crazy. Because I hit all levels. Climbing a cliff-face, going through the Panama Canal in a sailboat, eating cattail stalks, driving a dogsled….research is basically my excuse to go out and be adventurous. I love doing as many researchy things as I can!
 | Cake or Cookies? Cookies. Always. Forever. I’m actually part-Oreo. I am so not a cake person except for my wedding cake which was hand made by a friend and filled with jams made from wild berries from the valley I grew up in. That should totally be in a book, it’s so amazing. |
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Afternoon crow. Can’t write in the morning and can’t write in the evening (that’s when I do my brainstorming.) I don’t stay up late and I can’t for the life of me get in the habit of getting up early. So…I’m usually pretty well-rested. ;-)
Afternoon crow. Can’t write in the morning and can’t write in the evening (that’s when I do my brainstorming.) I don’t stay up late and I can’t for the life of me get in the habit of getting up early. So…I’m usually pretty well-rested. ;-)
Bible verse to share:
My current favorite is Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still. Because the life of a writer is one filled with doubt and fear and wondering if readers will hate the book or if my words will disappear or if I’ll failfailfailfail. And I just have to remember that the battle for reader’s hearts is not my battle. My job is to be obedient and write. The Lord will do the fighting. And this applies to so many other corners of life.
My current favorite is Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still. Because the life of a writer is one filled with doubt and fear and wondering if readers will hate the book or if my words will disappear or if I’ll failfailfailfail. And I just have to remember that the battle for reader’s hearts is not my battle. My job is to be obedient and write. The Lord will do the fighting. And this applies to so many other corners of life.
Thank you so much for having me!!
-Nadine-
 Nadine Brandes | Nadine Brandes is an adventurer, fusing authentic faith with bold imagination. Her dystopian trilogy, the Out of Time Series, challenged her to pursue shalom, which is now her favorite word (followed closely by 'bumbershoot'.) When Nadine's not taste-testing a new chai, editing fantasy novels, or being a Harry Potter super-nerd, she and her knight-in-shining armor (nickname: "hubby") are out chasing adventures. |
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