Author Visit: Blog Tour with Brenda Pandos

This wonderful Blog Tour is being hosted by the equally wonderful Eleni of La Femme Readers. 

Brenda Pandos has graciously agreed to answer some of my questions about her writing process. 

*****

Where do you usually do your writing?
In my brain and at the computer are my usual places. During the busy times of my day, I focus on a scene and imagine my characters. The dialog usually flows from there. I get my best inspiration when driving or taking a shower. Later, I’ll write it out. When I’m actually writing, I’m sitting on my couch with my laptop on my lap or at the kitchen table. (Don’t tell the IRS, they think I always do it in my office).

Do you have a set space in her home, or do you write wherever you can?
I write wherever I can. Sometimes, I jot down dialog on a notepad if I’m somewhere I can’t take my computer, but it comes with me everywhere. You never know when you’ll get a moment to write a scene or two.

Computer or paper?
Both, but mostly computer. I don’t know how people did it before with only a typewriter. I’m a little OCD and rewrite stuff over and over.

Noisy or quiet?
I prefer quiet, but don’t always get it. If a kid TV show is on, I can usually tune it out and write. Editing is different. I need to be distraction-free because I get on a roll and I don’t want the creativity to stop. I try to get a lot done when my youngest naps.

Are there specific things you always need with you in order to write?
Mostly, my laptop and a thesaurus are a must. Well, and Google too. I’m always referencing something. I’m a very visual person, so seeing ‘things’ help me with descriptions. Slacker radio is ideal if I need music. I love trance because it’s usually wordless and perfect for getting into the mood of a scene when editing. Too many words in a song can distract me and I stop writing and start singing along. Lol.

Thank you so much Brenda!

I'll be reviewing The Emerald Talisman soon, so stay tuned. 

(from Goodreads)

To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

Some other goodies:

The Emerald Talisman website

The Emerald Talisman on Facebook

Brenda's Blog

Brenda on Twitter