Ask the Author: Rebeca Seitz
Answered Questions (6)
Rebeca Seitz
I know this is not the "right" answer, but...I don't write through it. I've read that many authors advise sitting down and writing anyway, even if what you write is going to be completely deleted the next day. That method did not work for me. I just grew more frustrated as I typed words I knew to be unworthy.
So, when it isn't flowing, what works for me is to step away for a bit. Do something else. I make sure that I'm clear on the problem (e.g. I've written the heroine into a corner, the problem isn't becoming clear, the climax is coming too soon, the story feels boring) and then I let my brain subconsciously do its thing while I clean or work on a different project. It has always proven faithful to provide me a solution in due time.
So, when it isn't flowing, what works for me is to step away for a bit. Do something else. I make sure that I'm clear on the problem (e.g. I've written the heroine into a corner, the problem isn't becoming clear, the climax is coming too soon, the story feels boring) and then I let my brain subconsciously do its thing while I clean or work on a different project. It has always proven faithful to provide me a solution in due time.
Rebeca Seitz
The power! [insert maniacal laughter]
I will never forget when FIRST BLUSH was produced into a TV pilot. Former Disney showrunner Bob Burris and I wrote the script, which was based on my novella. On the first day of principal photography, Bob and I were sitting in Video Village when we heard the first, "Quiet on the set..." followed by, "Action!"
And then magic happened.
A character that had only lived in my mind until that moment walked into the real world and spoke words I put into her mouth.
The realization of my power as a writer hit me as both horrifying and exhilarating. Who was I to be putting ideas into the world like this?! Shouldn't I need to get a license or go through some vetting first?
Fast forward a few months and I stood in the back of a darkened theater as the show played on a giant screen. A few seconds in, a character spoke my words and the audience laughed.
They laughed!
I'd legitimately brought a moment of joy into a life purely through words!
I've thought often of those two moments. Prior to them, I'd taught at writers conferences all over the country and extolled the power of stories to inspire, encourage, and urge us toward good, healthy, happy living. I don't think I truly got it, though, until then.
When a precious reader holds one of my novels or novellas in hand and lets the gaze flow across those words that didn't exist before my fingers danced on a keyboard...there is magic happening. It isn't just my power to wield because the reader has to be present, too, but it is powerful and I am a part of it. I'm so unworthy of that, but it's true just the same.
I don't know if that power is the best or worst thing about being a writer - but it's definitely a thing I try to honor and put toward best use.
I will never forget when FIRST BLUSH was produced into a TV pilot. Former Disney showrunner Bob Burris and I wrote the script, which was based on my novella. On the first day of principal photography, Bob and I were sitting in Video Village when we heard the first, "Quiet on the set..." followed by, "Action!"
And then magic happened.
A character that had only lived in my mind until that moment walked into the real world and spoke words I put into her mouth.
The realization of my power as a writer hit me as both horrifying and exhilarating. Who was I to be putting ideas into the world like this?! Shouldn't I need to get a license or go through some vetting first?
Fast forward a few months and I stood in the back of a darkened theater as the show played on a giant screen. A few seconds in, a character spoke my words and the audience laughed.
They laughed!
I'd legitimately brought a moment of joy into a life purely through words!
I've thought often of those two moments. Prior to them, I'd taught at writers conferences all over the country and extolled the power of stories to inspire, encourage, and urge us toward good, healthy, happy living. I don't think I truly got it, though, until then.
When a precious reader holds one of my novels or novellas in hand and lets the gaze flow across those words that didn't exist before my fingers danced on a keyboard...there is magic happening. It isn't just my power to wield because the reader has to be present, too, but it is powerful and I am a part of it. I'm so unworthy of that, but it's true just the same.
I don't know if that power is the best or worst thing about being a writer - but it's definitely a thing I try to honor and put toward best use.
Rebeca Seitz
Write what you care about.
Rebeca Seitz
Well, my first five novels were published by traditional publishers. With "The Neapolitan Stories" I'm going the indie-publishing route. (Thankfully, I've worked with incredible publishers and been a publisher for certain clients over my 16 years in the entertainment industries and so have learned the steps necessary to creating a good book.) Indie-publishing means I spend as much time on the activities of publishing than I do writing.
Yesterday, I finished typesetting the second novella in "The Neapolitan Stories" which is SECOND GLANCE. This week, I'll submit it and the newly-designed cover to Amazon for review. Meanwhile, I'm writing the third novella in the series, THIRD DEGREE, which should be out by November.
Yesterday, I finished typesetting the second novella in "The Neapolitan Stories" which is SECOND GLANCE. This week, I'll submit it and the newly-designed cover to Amazon for review. Meanwhile, I'm writing the third novella in the series, THIRD DEGREE, which should be out by November.
Rebeca Seitz
Um, I breathe. Ha! No, seriously, I'm not sure I know the answer to this question. I write because I exist. Writing is how I process and share ideas and life with the world.
Rebeca Seitz
My most recently release is FIRST BLUSH, which was produced as a TV pilot a while back but never available in print book form until now. This is the first book in "The Neapolitan Stories" which is a series of beach reads based in my adopted hometown of Naples, Florida.
I began this series as a way to settle in and figure out my new home, which also happens to be my husband's childhood home. Naples is a very odd community in several ways. Many of the world's wealthiest people have a home here, but are only in that place for a few weeks out of the year. They and other "snowbirds" come down usually between January 1 and May to enjoy the beautiful climate and beaches while the rest of the nation freezes their tails off. We call that time period our "Season."
Where there is a gathering of wealth, there is almost always a gathering of those who need that wealth to accomplish their worthy endeavors. This means Naples is also home to over 300 non-profits, most of which hold some sort of fundraising event (gala, soiree, golf tournament, etc.) during Season. I was the President and CEO of one of those non-profits, SON Studios, for several years.
Operating in a town filled with Bentleys and billionaires, even while another part of the population struggles to afford rent and food, is...uniquely interesting. Raising my children here comes with blessings and curses. Building life and community here comes with blessings and curses. There are challenges and opportunities that aren't present in other kinds of towns.
As I felt my way through all of that, a woman came alive in my mind. This is how characters start for me. I lived with her for several weeks before sitting down to write her story. In doing so, I was able to work out what I think of Naples and how I can live and move within it. Those ideas are constantly changing as Naples and the surrounding towns and islands change and I mature, so I'm thinking this series could be endless!
I began this series as a way to settle in and figure out my new home, which also happens to be my husband's childhood home. Naples is a very odd community in several ways. Many of the world's wealthiest people have a home here, but are only in that place for a few weeks out of the year. They and other "snowbirds" come down usually between January 1 and May to enjoy the beautiful climate and beaches while the rest of the nation freezes their tails off. We call that time period our "Season."
Where there is a gathering of wealth, there is almost always a gathering of those who need that wealth to accomplish their worthy endeavors. This means Naples is also home to over 300 non-profits, most of which hold some sort of fundraising event (gala, soiree, golf tournament, etc.) during Season. I was the President and CEO of one of those non-profits, SON Studios, for several years.
Operating in a town filled with Bentleys and billionaires, even while another part of the population struggles to afford rent and food, is...uniquely interesting. Raising my children here comes with blessings and curses. Building life and community here comes with blessings and curses. There are challenges and opportunities that aren't present in other kinds of towns.
As I felt my way through all of that, a woman came alive in my mind. This is how characters start for me. I lived with her for several weeks before sitting down to write her story. In doing so, I was able to work out what I think of Naples and how I can live and move within it. Those ideas are constantly changing as Naples and the surrounding towns and islands change and I mature, so I'm thinking this series could be endless!
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