Interview with Elise Fender Burns

How did you become a writer?

My mom is a writer! She worked for our small town newspaper, so I grew up watching her write and reading her articles. I always knew I wanted to be a writer too.

What are your current/future projects?

I am currently working on a YA manuscript that follows the relationship drama among a staff of teen lifeguards. It takes place over one summer at a country club pool.

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Finding time to sit down and write is my biggest challenge! I find that my head is full of so many words and ideas, but I don’t have nearly enough time in the day to put all of them on paper, before they leave my head forever!

Do you have a routine you follow when you write?

I like to go for a long walk before I sit down to write. I use the time to mentally leave my own head, and prepare to enter my character’s mind.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I don’t have any original advice, but I will share my favorite quote from Jodi Picoult! I return to it time and time again when I feel like every sentence I write is bad: You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. - Jodi Picoult

What is your preferred way for readers to get in touch with you?

Twitter- @EliseWritesYA