Welcoming T.S. Krupa to Jorie Loves A Story,
featuring an Interview & *LIVE!* Author Q&A!
FULL DETAILS:
Jorie interviews Ms. Krupa ahead of the 5:30pm (EST) live commenting blog event which will take place in the comment threads of this post! IF you are unable to drop back during the time in which Ms. Krupa will be responding to reader comments, questions, and compliments please make sure to leave your response *early!* in order for her to respond! All comments are still moderated by Jorie, who will be on hand during the live event making sure all comments get through! Once approved you will have the ability to post a direct response without waiting. Readers and visitors of Jorie Loves A Story can easily leave a comment by using Email, WP, Google+, Facebook, & Twitter interfaces without the stress of captcha as I do not use that service! *Remember!* return back to this page in the early evening hour of 5 o’ clock to make sure you do not miss Ms. Krupa! I do recommend subscribing to the comments in order to keep in the loop!
My path crossed with Ms. T.S. Krupa whilst checking Twitter, seeing what was new and finding that a wicked sweet Indie author had found me! She asked me to check out her website and the premise of her début indie novel “Safe & Sound”. I was offered to receive the novel in exchange for an honest review as well as host a special feature to coincide with the book if I elected too. I thought it would be a smashing idea to host an Author Interview, as she’s just getting her feet wet in publishing, and I know I always appreciate reading interactions between authors and book bloggers myself! Therefore, this particular extra feature became quite enhanced when her publicist Ms. Bauer suggested a *live Q&A* where readers could pitch questions and Ms. Krupa could answer live at a scheduled time! I’m happy to have found a new way to bring an author to my blog, and offer such a unique event to my readers as well! Let us pause now whilst the conversation commences!
Book Synopsis for Safe & Sound:
When great love is lost forever, what does it take to find the courage to move on?
When Jill met Jay Greenfield she knew she had found her forever love. She was a kindergarten teacher, he was a high-powered attorney and their lives were perfect. But when a tragic accident takes Jay’s life, this young bride is left to pick up the pieces.
Jill finds herself a young widow facing multiple decisions she thought she had a lifetime to decide. With support from her childhood best friends, Lanie and Stella, Jill attempts to piece her life back together. With nightmares plaguing her dreams and the struggles of constant grief over Jay’s passing, Stella and Lanie keep near constant vigilance over her. In the process of settling the estate, Jill learns that her husband was not quite the man she thought he was. She finds herself transported to the small beach town of Oak Island, North Carolina. But the fairy tale ending she envisioned no longer exists. She must face the reality that Jay is gone as she finds herself having a chance at love one more time.
Safe & Sound follows a yearlong journey of love, loss, friendship, and conquering the
unexpected.
I gathered from your biography you come from a strong Polish background. Did grow up in a family full of story-tellers?!
Looking back on my childhood I would say that is an accurate statement. As a kid I always gravitated towards adults. I would sit at the table and listen to them talk about the various challenges or indulgences of life. I don’t think it was meant to be story-telling but to a young kid, they were stories that let my imagination run wild.
I think its exactly how you said it is when we are children. All the stories we overheard from our family members were quite dear to us, even if they were only imparting sage advice befitting the day or hour we were with them in conversation. Each of those nuggets of inspiration have a way of incorporating into our writing life down the road!
What do you feel shifted your mind towards taking writing out of your personal journals and into a full novel?
Journal writing is very personal about specific thoughts, emotions, feelings that are only relevant to you. Whereas, I find novel writing is about story-telling. I had less and less to say in my personal journal and more and more to tell in forms of a story. The biggest push though came when I just couldn’t sleep anymore because I had this story running through my thoughts.
I oft find myself with the opposite problem; where I excel in writing fiction or poetry, I am not always as apt at conveying what I want to impart on behalf of a personal journal! I have started and stopped journalling so many times during my life, that sometimes I wonder why I keep attempting to maintain one! I suppose in the back of my mind, I always would hope I could bridge the gap between fiction and antidotes of my real experiences. I’d like to have those to share with my future children. Alas, every writer I think falters on that one note: what to do when the stories are eager for you to write them down!
When did your writing from worrying about what others thought to caring more about your own personal thoughts and processes!?
To be honest, I don’t know if I am there yet. The first book is easy to write in regards of expectations because there aren’t any. With the second book it will be very much, can I live up to the expectation of the first, and will it be as relatable without telling the same story. But I find that once I get into my comfortable space and start writing I can tune most things out, it’s in the editing process that I can ‘over-think’ the details.
I think as long as you are comfortable in your own writing voice and the characters which speak to you as you write feel wholly true to your own spirit as you write their stories; you’ll do just fine when your second book is released! Afterall, at the end of the day, the writer has to be confident and happy with what they have cast out into the world. Long before the audience of readers ever sees their work, they have to own what they created. I think its a process and the day will arrive without notice when you feel your not second-guessing yourself anymore. Confidence grows in quiet hours.
What are your earliest memories of books and authors? Which stories were your favorite companions? And, why?
I ‘wrote’ a book when I was like 5 or 6. It was mostly a poorly drawn collection of stick figures put together in book form but it was my first attempt. From there I can always remember excelling at story-telling assignments about Paul Bunyan, Camelot, Pilgrims and even the Egyptians. I liked the realm of make-believe and story-telling but it never occurred to me as a career. I was also drawn to reading. I would fly through books in a night and it would drive my mom crazy as she didn’t want to keep buying books that would take me no time to read. But I loved ‘The Babysitters Club’ series by Ann M. Martin and even tried to start my own club (it failed). I also read R.L. Stine and Judy Blume.
I enjoyed listening to you as a budding writer and publisher, binding together your creations, thoughts, and stories in such clever ways! I must confess, my Mum & Da didn’t mind how long the stories were which appealed to me, because I went through a difficult moment in school where the mere fact I was reading at all was a celebration! Short, long, or in-between the lengths varied at different ages throughout my childhood, but if my heart were committed to the story, my parents never dissuaded me from reading them. For instance, going to the bookshoppe to collect more “Babysitters Clubs” was a regular weekly occurrence and more oft than naught, more than once a week!
Where were you on your life path when writing started to become the central focus?
Ha! I was in the middle of writing my dissertation for my doctoral degree when I started writing Safe & Sound. It was a completely unscheduled side adventure in my life path. I had been so focused on scholarly articles and writing that writing for fun was a welcomed diversion.
Oh, I love learning how a writer unexpectedly became a writer! As though they had this bubbling little voice inside itching to reach out and find light! It sounds as though Safe & Sound started out as a pet project but soon became a central focus with a heart of its own?! Its interesting isn’t it? How life reveals a hidden piece of our paths right in the middle of another moment just as important!?
I oft disclose on my blog how music is my muse as it evokes the ink onto the page. Are there specific pieces of music which evoke your muse? Or, does it change with each new story? Perhaps even it is simply for ‘background’ whilst you create?
I do agree that music is so important to me in all aspects of my life. I listen to it to when I clean, run, work, drive that it was only natural for me to listen to it while I wrote as well. I mostly just played my iTunes songs which are extremely eclectic and can range from Frank Sinatra, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Zac Brown Band, Adele, Jay-Z, Nelly etc. I would put in my ear buds and start a song and usually (on a good day) but the time the second or third song played I was completely zoned out and focused on my story. I would use music to set the mood. For example, in Safe and Sound the beginning was very sad and heartfelt so I listened to songs that dealt with loss of a relationship or losing love.
Eclectic is surely the word for me as well — I vary a bit from your choices, but I always had a penchant for the songs and songwriters of the early 20th Century; including Old Blue Eyes! Adele belts out such strong ballads as to make my heart quake and wish I had a startling vivid romantic drama to pen! I only listen by earphones if I am not in my study, as generally speaking what helps me write is having the music go through the stereo’s speaker system to where its barely noticeable once I get into the muse! I believe I am more of an atmospheric writer, as I cannot listen to all musical varieties as I write but rather have to opt for music which befits the character I am creating.
I noticed inside your Author Q&A, you only write from places you visit. Do you ever research outside these realms, and write whilst borrowing from your imagination?
I start with places as I visit for structure and then the locations within the story are imagined. If you try to go to Oak Island and look for Rusty’s it sadly does not exist, although I think it should! I think with each future story, I will venture a little further and further from what I know but I don’t think I could ever make up an entire world with new words and creations like J.K. Rowling for example. It’s not the way my mind works and I greatly respect her for the way she was able to create that!
Hmm,… I found this to be quite remarkable actually because I tend to lean more towards Rowlings! I love creating and envisioning worlds which are just outside the reach of the naked eye! I am always inventing words, phrases, locales, and places of interest! Even creating new combinations of names fascinates me! I think your strength is through seeing the world as it is and reflecting that back through narrative which strikes a chord with readers as though they had sat down with a person’s memoir. Whereas I like to jump outside the scope of our living realities a bit and explore a realm not readily as well known. Thankfully literature has as many portals to travel through as there are writers to pen the stories!
Did you have any repercussions from studying writing at University!? Did you need ‘down time’ to resume where you had left off before your studies?!
So I was in a spot in my dissertation where the pace was completely my own and writing Safe & Sound did not slow me down. I in fact just successfully defended my dissertation at the beginning of this month and will be graduating in May. It does take me a little bit to switch from scholarly writing to novel writing because the styles and expectations are so different.
My hat is surely off to you, then! I am not sure if I could have juggled a dissertation AND completing my first novel, much less launch my debut! I completely congratulate you on graduating from grad school and by having your story out in the world ahead of ending this chapter of your educational journey! Your home is surely lit aflame in celebratory remunerations! I appreciated the insight into shifting gears in writing styles as well.
Did you meet your husband through field hockey? And, what encouraging words can you impart on those still seeking their forever love?
I did not meet my husband through field hockey. He didn’t even really know what field hockey was until he meet me! I met him at Texas Tech University while we were working on our Master’s degrees; me on Sport Psychology and him on Sport Management.
If you go out seeking forever love it will be hard to find. It has to find you and you have to be open to it. I was told that when I moved to Texas I was going to find a ‘cowboy’ and I rejected all those ideas. I didn’t find a ‘cowboy’ but I found my husband when I wasn’t looking.
Actually, I was re-iterating what I had read on your website?! Perhaps, I misunderstood but it seemed to have been writ to elude that you both met somehow through field hockey! I also took inspiration from your novel being an exploration on the fundamentals of ‘forever love’ and the ability to transcend out and in a state of love after tragedy. Either way, the best news is that you both found each other, worked towards degrees within the same field, and fell in love! Love is always a blessing to celebrate no matter how it alights in our lives or when our season for love arrives! Oh, I don’t know! I wouldn’t mind meeting a cowboy! Between the fact I love riding horses & I’ve heard great stories about cowboy families who are natural bourne story-tellers,.. as I wink a nod to an author I know who married her own cowboy!
Being that New England was your home, do you have any musings of settling a story in the town in which “Safe & Sound” was originally set? (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
I do eventually want to set a story in Cape Cod! I have so many wonderful memories from there growing up that I would love to share those with my readers. However, based on my current thoughts and outlines it might be a couple stories before I can get my characters there but you never know what will happen during the writing process!
The battle of the stories! Laughs. Is it not grand that we all have a deep well of inspiration to pull from to where we never quite know where we’re headed off next, but we have a delightful time sorting out the map of where our characters lead us!? I’m not an outliner, but I do like sketching out ideas and then, seeing where I want to venture based off where my inklings and ideas are merging!
How do you think readers will process the heart of the story being hinged on the proposition where writing a will not only is a safeguard on our mortality but is a process of accepting our mortality?
I hope that they process it as an unfortunate but necessary part of the process. I still struggle very much with mortality and I don’t know if I have fully accepted it. BUT in life there are no guarantees and trying to prepare for every outcome is part of my process and acceptance.
I have a completely different take on this part of life. Mostly I would suppose because I grew up having lost my loved ones throughout my younger years, but also, because I never feared mortality because I was constantly surrounded by the peace of this chapter ending and the next one beginning. Death never felt like an ending or a moment of finality but rather, by extension the next step in our journey.
Your main protagonist is caught up in a life shift and choice of undertaking the idea of a second chance at love. Do you feel you could brave the sails and try to recapture love after its lost?
That’s a tough question! It’s hard to see outside the lens of your current life and imagine different scenarios but I would like to hope that I would be able to ‘brave the sails’ and be able to find happiness again whether that be new love or on my own. It’s about not forgetting those who you lose but being able to take those memories and build upon them. To be cliché ‘if it doesn’t kill you it only makes you stronger!’.
Again, I differ a bit in this regard as well. My faith has carried me through the pain of my loss on the previous vein of thought, but in this one, as love is always eternally tied, I suppose I never quite felt as alone as I could. On the other hand, I grew up knowing my great-grandmother lost her husband at a very young age, and although she was definitely strong enough to live alone, I oft wondered how her life would have been a bit fuller if she had accepted love again. I suppose I take the “Love Comes Softly” side of love; where the Grahams were an example of how when a door closes, a window will always be left open.
What has been your greatest blessing as an Indie Author?
I have found many blessings during this process and many were very much unexpected. The extremely supportive nature of the Indie Author/Novel community is AMAZING. I have met so many wonderful people through social media that it is at times overwhelming. The second is that as an Indie Author everything you read in Safe & Sound is mine for better or worse; the names of the characters, the locations and the title. That was all very important to me as a story-teller.
I completely agree with you on the liberty and rights of authors to not only create the stories they feel are a part of their heart and creation, but to have the ability to decide on the fullness of the stories contained therein! I never understood fully why authors rights are limited in scope and do not always envelope the naming of characters, the titles of books, and other little aspects of writing & our process as writers that many readers might not be as aware of themselves! Afterall, as far as marketing is concerned, half the time I question their choices after I heard ‘original’ ideas by the authors! Surely one can market a title no matter what it is if the author is convinced its a truer vision of their story!?
I can imagine social media is similar to opening the floodgates and sorting out how to keep your balance between meeting new readers and contacts, with your personal life! I know I felt blessed when our paths crossed and I was thankful how keen you were to allow a book blogger to receive your novel! I have found the book blogosphere (which is an extension of the publishing world!) to be interconnected as much as you have found the Indie Author community! I think those who are bookish tend to remain close-knit to each other!
What are the tools of your trade? Can you describe your writing process and the tools you use in which to create your stories? Do you write at a specific hour of the day?
Right now I work full time so I am limited on my writing time. Safe & Sound was written pre-dominantly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. during the week and maybe 4p.m. to 2 a.m. on the weekends. Usually I sit at my husband’s desk in the office located in our house. I turn off the overhead lighting and just use a desk lamp and then I stare at my laptop listening to music through my earbuds until I can pick up my place on where I left off. My writing process was not very fancy. I would sometimes scribble ideas, names, and locations in my notebook to reference but otherwise I just used WORD on my computer. I used my husband as my initial editor and close friends as my ‘beta-testers’.
I give you credit for not only being a night owl, but for working straight through into hours which I know must have undercut your work day! Your dedication to your craft and to the process of discovering your writing voice as you went along is a credit to your work ethic as a writer. I loved how you said ‘beta-testers vs. beta-readers’, as I oft felt early readers were ‘testers’ as they are tasting the words right off the page after they were initially birthed into being! Tasting to see how they sound and reflect back the story and the characters who hold the story together!
Describe your perfect day.
The perfect day would be some variation of this: Waking up on a beautiful warm sunny day and heading out for a run. Coming back and having breakfast with my husband in hopes he made his wonderful banana pancakes. We would then spend the day doing something outside with friends/family like hiking, hanging out by the pool, etc. The day would end with us grilling outside and eating on the deck as the sun sets. Later in the evening I would probably write for a couple house once the house settle down until it’s time for bed.
The perfect day is really about being able to spend time with people you love and being able to put technology away!!
I cannot think of a better way to spend one’s hours than in the comfort of family and friends! Being in nature or leisurely enjoying the comforts of relaxing at home are a mighty fine way to spend the day! May you always find the hours and moments to step away from technology and have the balance between what is necessary and what is elective not override your everyday joys!
Author Connections:
Site | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads
Converse via: #SafeandSound
I’d like to thank Ms. Krupa for such a rewarding Interview which gave us a keen insight into her writing life and the way in which she came to love the craft of writing! I am looking forward to seeing the comments coming in below & look forward to the lovely conversations which will emerge out of this wicked sweet live event! I want to thank Ms. Krupa for her time in being with us today and to Ms. Bauer for providing such a wonderful press kit to make blogging about the event such a delight! I look forward to meeting new readers as well!
*Exclusive Event on Jorie Loves A Story* starting at 5:30pm EST in the USA! Everyone is welcome! Drop in & return!
**Readers & Visitors: After the #livechat concludes, please be assured that your notes, questions, & compliments left in the comment threads will be seen by the author! Continue the conversations! And, thank you!**
Author Interview & LIVE Author Q&A
courtesy of T.S. Krupa and:
Announcement of Event was cross-posted on T.S. Krupa’s GoodReads Page!
{NOTE: Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.}
{SOURCES: Author photograph of T.S. Krupa, author biography, book synopsis, and Author Q&A banner badge for Live Q&A event provided by Royal Social Media and used with permission. Jorie requested an Author Interview with Ms. Krupa, to coincide with her book review of Safe & Sound. The questions were submitted to the author directly & returned. Author Interview badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
Thank you so much to everyone who participated tonight! Continue to leave questions and I will reply to them! I appreciate the response and feedback :)
To all my subscribers, readers, and followers, as well as all the lovely newcomers who arrived on Jorie Loves A Story for the *very!* first time today, THANK YOU! You have warmed my heart by your gracious response to my very first *live!* Author Q&A event! This gives me positive hope about hosting these events in the future!
I want to thank Ms. Krupa & Ms. Bauer for their wonderful lovely conversations which are knitted together in the comment threads & for giving us such a wonderful evening!
I will be in touch with Ms. Krupa about new comments coming in, so please do not worry if you were late or couldn’t make it today! Read all the comments, respond where your lead to add a note, & she will be back to answer you!
Thank you and goodnight!
I’ll plug you further… ;) TS is SUPER active on social media, so make sure to connect with her on these sites:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TSKrupaAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TS_Krupa
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/TSKrupa
Thanks again for hosting this, Jorie. So much fun and such an honor to be a part of your inaugural LIVE Blog Chat! Can’t wait for your review and hopefully we’ll be able to come back for future events!
xoxo
Cait
Hey TS! How do you think this book has helped your grow?
When can we expect another book from you? :)
Hey Chrissy!
I think this book has helped me grow as a person because it pushes my boundaries. I once read you should do something everyday that scares you. This book did that for me. It forces me out of my comfort zone – meeting new people, talking about myself and the book and sharing my ideas and stories. Every story line I have I think can people relate or will they think I’m crazy.
I am hoping the next project will be out by the end of the year but we will see how life goes!!
Ms. Huffman,
Thank you for dropping by my first-ever *LIVE!* Author Q&A! I am thankful that you arrived whilst Ms. Krupa was still here responding to reader Questions! I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised by Krupa’s response and I encourage you read through all of the comments in this thread as you will gain more insight into not only her writing style but more delicious future book news!! :) Blessings & Happy Reading!
Hey Jorie! Hey Everyone!! Super excited to talk to you all!
Hallo Ms. Krupa!
I am thrilled to bits to be hosting your *LIVE* Author Q&A! As you can see a lot of lovely bookish souls dropped by early to post a Question! I am quite thrilled to see early arrivals & look forward to seeing where the conversations organically go from here! Thank you for coming & I’m quite excited in return!
It’s a great turn out, isn’t it!!
*waves!*
Yes, it most surely is a great turn-out!! :)
You are rocking the *live!* blog event, today Ms. Krupa!
How’s it going?? I hope I’m getting to everyone question!!
Ms. Krupa,
You’re doing divinely well! :) You’ve been responding back to everyone’s Questions, and a few returned to ask a bit more past what you initially said in reply! I’ve been allowing them to come back & then, took up a bit of time to reply myself as I didn’t want to miss out on all the fun either! :) I think you & I are passing each other up/down the comment threads!
I am overjoyed in pure happiness for you right now!!
This was such a fun idea, Jorie! I’ve never seen anything like it. What a cool way to connect and chat. So nice not to have to worry about 140 characters or less. ;)
Agreed…sometimes 140 characters won’t do!!
Ms. Bauer & Ms. Krupa,
You’re quite welcome, but I’ve been giving you both the credit today for envisioning how to pull this event together! :) Somewhere in our planning conversations everything connected, so this was definitely a collaborative blog event where I know Ms. Krupa & her readers have benefited! And, yes, outside the scope of tweeting *blogs!* have the lovely ability to be a flowing conversation w/o word counts! And, quite a bit easier to locate after the event, as everything is *archived!* right here on the post! Especially in case readers will drop by after it concludes & want to add a note or reply! :)
Whenever I’m writing, I feel like there’s always that one line, or that one paragraph that just doesn’t read as I see it in my head. I feel like I change and edit it a dozen times before I finally get what I want written in front of me. Can you remember a line, paragraph, or chapter that you found yourself in the same situation? How did you overcome that “mind to paper” block?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Hypnarowski,
I love interacting with writers, and I am so happy to see you’ve found this wicked event with Ms. Krupa today! A keen observation of how ‘writer’s block’ first evolves and can grab a hold of you to where overcoming it is a bit dicey! I look forward to Krupa’s response! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Amy! It’s a great question and it happens all the time. I find sometimes it’s best to move on to another section and come back to it once you have slept on it. But yes, chapter 25 in the book was not there when I first read the manuscript but I felt like there was this gap and I was missing something and it wasn’t conveying the message I wanted so after re-reading the sections over and over I decided to add a chapter and it turned out to be my favorite. Another piece of advice I got was to read it outloud to yourself and sometimes that helps you work through the wording. Sounds simple but I would have never thought of it!
Ms. Hypnarowski,
I completely agree with Ms. Krupa, because I have experienced this myself and taking a step back is sometimes the best ‘medicine’ for your stories & characters! I try to read aloud, but oft times find if another pair of eyes look over the section I struggle with the most, they might see what I’ve turnt blind to see for myself!?
When will your next book be out? I am definitely looking for more from you!
Thank you for dropping by Ms. O’Brient,
I am tickled to peaches seeing readers & appreciators of Ms. Krupa’s debut novel arriving in time to participate in her JLAS Live Author Q&A! Thank you for being a part of this special event! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Marie that is so sweet!! I actually just drafted my next book and I am looking to start writing it mid-May and my hope would be to have it out late fall/end of the year but will all depend on editing/publishing etc. Writing is fluid so I hope it goes as planned!!
Oh, my goodness!
Ms. Krupa this means your going to *release!* potentially *two books!* in 2014! Now, that is what I call *Author Newsflash!* for her readers!! :)
I’m doing a little research on this next one so that is a new thing for me. Safe & Sound I wrote what I knew and what I felt with the next one I need a little help!
Hi TS! You pursued your dream of releasing this book, which I am loving by the way. A lot of people, including myself, know following your dreams takes tons of courage. What inspired you to take the leap and keeps you inspired to keep writing?
Wish you all the best!
Laryssa
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Laryssa,
Such a happy delight in finding readers of “Safe & Sound” dropping by for Ms. Krupa’s live blog event! A most happy day indeed for the author! I love your Question as it goes to the heart of what drives all of us to create & to be bold enough in our beliefs of pursuing our dreams! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Laryssa,
Great question!! It was and is SO scary!! I’m not gonna lie I did debate about not releasing it but my family encouraged me otherwise. What finally did it for me was I saw all these other people doing what I wanted to be doing and I finally said to myself ‘why not me?’ I mean really? Why can’t I be doing that? That really set me on my path and I would encourage you to take that leap!
Ms. Krupa,
I think that is one issue a lot of writers face: taking that bold leap into the unknown and being brave enough to give their stories & novels the wings to fly! Readers are more accepting than I think some fear they might not be, and especially for emerging writers, I am finding the market is quite open to new voices! :)
Jorie,
I have to agree. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. It has been so overwhelming in a positive way, I have to pinch myself sometimes!!
First of all, congratulation Ms Krupa! Then, I’d like to know if you can recommend any good text on creative writing or literary writing in general. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for dropping by Sam,
I love how many writers are dropping by today! I was especially hopeful writers on the path towards publication &/or writers aspiring to publish once their stories were ready for an audience might alight & ask Questions of Ms. Krupa! You picked a solid topic to broach! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Sam,
Before I do my question would be what are you looking to get out of it? Sometimes if you try to be too technical or follow the rules it gets in the way of being creative. My advice would be to sit down and just write with abandon and then go back and see if you need to edit/revise to fit a genre or type you are looking for. Good luck!!
How long after you finished “Safe & Sound,” did it take you to get your book published? I loved it, btw! :)
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Meyer,
I am enjoying the Questions concerning the craft of writing, as I oft find this adds a special dimension to the story we’ve recently read. To step inside the writer’s world & see the story created through their eyes! Brilliant! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Renne,
Thank you, that is so kind of you!! So my timeline was very quick and I recognize that it is not typical by ANY means. So I finished writing around the first of September and Safe & Sound was published on January 1st of this year. It’s really a crazy timeline and I don’t expect the next one to be as quick.
Holy Speed, Batman!!! That is insanely fast. I’m impressed.
When did you actually start the process of writing this story? Curious as to what the entire timeline looked like from start to finish.
I started thinking about the idea of the story late in 2012. The idea resurfaced in June 2013. I started writing in July and was done with the first draft by the first of September. **Disclaimer** I know this is SO unusual and that it can take years to write a book. For me this book came together quickly. It probably won’t always be that way. I have had writer’s block before when writing school papers/projects and it an really set you back days, weeks if not months so this was a very special project for me!
That’s so cool. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait for your next book. You sure you can’t put that out yesterday? ;)
Ms. Meyer,
I was quite impressed myself on two counts: the dexterity of speed for writing “Safe & Sound” and how quickly her next release has the potential of hitting the bookshelves! Whoa! Ms. Krupa is surely in the ‘writing flow & the muse is on her side!’ :) I am celebrating alongside her as she shares all this wonderful news with her readers today!
Gosh I wish!! Right now I work full time so I need to be realistic but I would love to be able to put out more (sooner rather than later) so that people can enjoy them. Thank you so much for liking Jill’s story and being part of this crazy journey for me which is Safe & Sound!
You all give me too much credit. I have been in school a very long time just having finished my doctorate degree. I have been writing academically for years with papers and my dissertation. Writing novels and stories is like dessert for me and comes very naturally. If there are people who continue to enjoy my stories, I will continue to share my crazy ideas!!
Ms. Krupa,
I think we simply recognise that you are found a beautiful niche of where you can balance your studies, your personal life, & your creative muse. Its not always easy to find the tranquility to create & write whilst you are juggling such a lot on your plate; but for whichever reason, your writings spilt out of the ink well without an obstacle to forestall them & I think that proves your arriving in your season for story-telling! All those stories you appreciated creating as a child & the stories you loved to read were bubbling in the background awaiting to release your own written voice! And, that is something worth celebrating!
What is your writing process like? Did your characters come first or your story?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Erin,
Another excellent Question to enquiry about Ms. Krupa’s writing life & craft of story-telling! I am thinking we have writers alighting on JLAS today! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Erin,
Great question! I’m not really big into drafting (my English teachers are cringing right now) I like to sit down and write and see where the story takes me. For this story, I had developed Jill and Jay in my mind before I sat down. Also I had originally thought there would be just one friend to support Jill. But when I started writing I saw a need for two friends. All the other characters came as the story developed and there showed a need for it. As I develop my next story I see the same pattern occurring. So to answer your question, the main characters come first, the supporting characters come with the story.
Ms. Erin & Ms. Krupa,
I must confess, I’m a writer who writes the same way,.. I’m an organic writer who loves to see where the story is going to knit together out of where the characters are leading me to go next! I never outline, but sometimes I do a bit of ‘character sketching’ to get a semblance of an idea of whom I’m going to be sitting down with and listening to their story! I love the discovery of seeing where the pattern emerges, which Krupa spoke about!
What is your next project and what will it be about?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Krystyna,
I am happily delighted to have you today for this wicked sweet event! Ah, alas, you are anxious for her next release! Ms. Krupa will be most thrilled! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Hi! Thanks for the great question. My next book is story about a mother and daughter relationship through struggles of being a single parent and the daughter pursuing her own dreams. It takes them on a journey together with some unexpected (as always) obstacles.
Will there be another swoon-worthy romance? Please say yes… ;)
Yes! I think there will always be a romantic aspect/relationship in my stories because at heart I am a romantic and that is what I love to read. I do caution that I don’t know if every story will have a happy ending.
A happy ending doesn’t always have to revolve around a man, right? ;) Could be another type of relationship or even a personal victory!
Ms. Krupa,
I am most delighted to hear your going to spotlight a single Mum! In fact, this news warms my heart over tenfold!! Especially if you saw my little notation about ‘adoption’ in my lower right sidebar!? I look forward to adopting & as I plan to adopt ahead of marriage, I’ll be a single Mum! :) Hmm,… the depth you can give your character is going to be amazing to see develop! :)
I concur with Ms. Bauer, a happy ending per se doesn’t have to be the fulfillment of a tangible and plausible love; remember how “Under the Tuscan Sun” ended!? She received all of her life’s dreams & blessings, but not in the ways in which she dreamt!?
Jorie,
That is amazing! My goal in writing to be able to tell realistic stories but never to tell the same story twice. I don’t want to fall into a mold that is predictable and I found many people tell me at the end of this novel…I didn’t see XYZ happening. I liked that. I didn’t want people to read ten pages and know how it was going to end!
I think that’s the thing I love most about your work, TS. I said it in my review, and I’ll say it again: It was refreshingly and surprisingly realistic, as well as romantic without being overly sappy. You tackled an extremely tough subject without alienating the reader. I was genuinely surprised (pleasantly) at how unpredictable your story was. I kept saying to husband: “Oh, this is gonna happen. I totally know how this goes.” Then it didn’t. It was SO refreshing. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good predictable romantic read, like the rest of us do. BUT it was so exciting to be kept on the edge of my seat with your story. I know I’ll never get the same thing twice from you, which definitely makes me want more. :)
Caitlin
You are SO kind and that is the highest compliment I can get! THANK YOU :)
Ms. Krupa,
I think you’ve broken the mould for publishing simply by stepping outside of the traditional box to become published! I still remember when I spoke to you ahead of this Interview & Author Q&A about the publisher you choose to align with and in that story you shared, I saw that you are a rebel with a cause! You like to push outside the known envelope and give people something to think about. Your carving out your own path & that is something I will always rally behind because it shows your heart leading you! And, in writing, if we are writing by heart we are empowering our own creativity in return!
Jorie
I have never been called a rebel…LOL…but you are right in the fact that I don’t like to wait for the traditional methods. I have always done things differently but get to the same result as others. I think people should do it more often.
Wells, Ms. Krupa,
I wasn’t using the word ‘rebel’ in the traditional sense, but as a mark of a measure of someone taking the reins of their dreams by the horns & finding their own true path rather than settle for conventional methods &/or waiting periods! :) I think that takes a rock steady charisma of character & a determined spirit of saying, “Here I am world: I am a Writer!” :) And, your debut I believe has made quite the landing in the book world!
Where is your favorite place to work? i.e. coffee shop, beach, office, etc.
Hallo, Hallo Ms. Bauer,
OOh, a most excellent Question, indeed! I love gaining little insights into where a writer feels most encouraged to compose their stories! Happy to have you here today! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Thanks Caitlin!! Ideally, it would be the beach. Realistically, it’s my office at home! I like to work in the evening in a darkly lit room. If it’s too bright, I start to think about what I could be doing in the house or outside…I need to avoid distractions!
True story! I have this vision of you writing on Jill’s deck at sunset… Sigh… Wouldn’t we all LOVE a beach office!?
Caitlin
I had that vision too!! When you find it let me know :)
Yes that would be the dream and maybe someday a reality but not right now.
A girl’s gotta keep dreaming! :)
Ms. Krupa & Ms. Bauer,
My own heart murmurs an echo longing to be near the rugged coast & ocean! There is something quite convincing of settling near the sea, hearing the foghorns & listening to the choppy waves crashing onto the shores! I love the aching passion of seafaring life & the way in which the oceans used to bring our trade and livelihoods to our townes! There is an enriched history with the ocean & part of that I think can be felt in our own hearts. Those of us connected to the seasons & to the cycles of Earth will always become drawn to the sea, I think! :)
A lovely spot to create,… the inspirational well would never cease!
I truly believe there is something magical about the ocean. To be cliche there are endless possibilities and each wave brings something different…sorry I can get cheesy (something I have to work to avoid in my writing)!!
Will there be a sequel? If not, any ideas on the next book?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Teresa! :)
Welcome to my first *live* reader & author blog event! Oh, now that is an interesting Question to propose for Ms. Krupa! Eager to see how she responds! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Teresa,
Thanks for the question. There will not be a sequel to Safe & Sound BUT there is an extra chapter on my website, http://www.tskrupa.com. It’s not an epilogue but an extra chapter for Jill!
You definitely have to check it out, Teresa. Not gonna lie, I completely LOVED the additional Chapter 36! SO satisfying to get the extra glimpse. <3
I will be honest I wrote that at the request of my publisher. I was happy with the way it ended but they wanted a little more. I’m glad I did it because I get a lot of requests for sequels and that extra bit helps readers find closure!
Huh… interesting! Would never have guessed. YES–as an avid series reader, it definitely was nice to get a little extra treat. Although, I absolutely adored the way you finished the story. That last page felt like the neat little bow on a present.
Ms. Krupa,
Do you think in the second printing (or which is next in line) the ‘extra’ chapter might appeal in subsequent editions of “Safe & Sound” as to work as a proper Epilogue!? I know I am generally the reader who can feel a bit let down if certain aspects of story threads are left too auspicious and vague! Not always, but there are moments you get so caught up in the characters’ lives you are on absolute pins with worry about how certain aspects of their lives knitted together OR were left a bit unresolved!? Depending on the story?!
Jorie,
Yes I think if there is a second printing it will probably be included. I should also point out that the e-book version and printed version have one difference. The e-book does not have the full poem that is in the book. We couldn’t secure the copy-right in time for the e-book. I hope to eventually update that as well.
Question for t.s krupa… Are you always in writer mode? Ex. Like at the airport, out to eat, or while on facebook and such; when you see a real life ‘scene unfold’ do you automatically start a mini novel in your head and contemplate its potential? Or does an idea just pop out of the sky for inspiration?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Jen! :)
I am thrilled to bits you’ve arrived early today to ask your Question for Ms. Krupa! I know she’s going to be delighted when she sees you’ve enquired about her writer’s life! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Wow! Great question. I am not always in writer mode. I find inspiration in random places and usually at 3 o’clock in the morning when I can’t sleep. I find clarity for my ideas when I am running or daydreaming (happens more than I care to admit). I’m glad I’m not always ‘on’ otherwise I couldn’t enjoy everything around me.
That being said, I do write it all down so I don’t forget about the idea when I need it.
Ms. Krupa,
Night owls like us will always find ourselves wide-eyed and bushy tailed in the wee hours of the morn, fervently attempting to jot down this or that and then, whilst in our ‘regular’ waking hours or the next early morning we sort out where everything ‘fits’ and carry-on the story! :) Oh, how I can relate! I always wonder, why does my inspirational clock tick into being ‘after midnight’!? What was wrong with the late afternoon!? Laughs.
I know right! I know that ideas are not 9-5 but I wish they weren’t at 3 a.m. either :)
I was about to add that I typically am ‘always’ with my characters & stories, as I’m a ‘think-writer’ to where my thoughts align back into my fictional world a bit more than most, as its simply how my method of craft works. There are times though where I too, like those ‘off-moments’ where you can be left alone with your own thoughts and not always have to work out a struggle of a character OR a piece of the story which doesn’t quite as fit into where you wanted to take it!
Writing a book you wrote a little about the perfect life?
Thank you for dropping by Ms. Victoria! :)
I am excited to have you here today in celebration of my first *LIVE* Author Q&A! :) You were the first to alight and post a question for Ms. Krupa! I do hope you’ll be able to duck back & enjoy the conversation once it gets underway! Blessings & Reading blissitudes!
Victoria,
Yes this time I did write about the perfect life or the idea of the perfect life. It plays into our stereotype of being the ‘American Family’ with two children, big house, white picket fence etc. This was Jill’s idea of a perfect life and some of it didn’t turn out the way she wanted. Does that help?
Ms. Krupa,
I like how you tackled a seemingly ‘typical’ story arc, but added a bit of intrigue and unexpected drama to unfold for your main character! You gave it a dimension that takes it out of the regular fold of romance & gives it a bit of a heartier edge! :) A bit more real than a pre-conceived idea of how a happy ending can be stitched from the on-set premise! :) Love that!
Jorie.
That is kind! I think you and Caitlin have said it better than I could ever have. I love to read fiction like Harry Potter for example but I could never come up with a magical land and made up words. For me writing is something that could possibly happen…maybe happen to someone right?