Estelle Laure: Writing Must-Haves + Blog Tour Contest

What do cats, ugly sweaters, and poetry have in common? They are all just a few of the things But Then I Came Back author Estelle Laure needs for her writing routine — which she shares in a guest post for today’s stop on the official blog tour. PLUS, keep reading for your chance to win a copy of the book!

“Cats, Ugly Sweaters & a Poem a Day, or My Writing Must-Haves”
by Estelle Laure

Music: Must not have lyrics because lyrics lead to singing along and possibly dancing and also prolonged analysis of said lyrics which leads to not writing. Dramatic movie soundtracks are excellent although sometimes I’m like holy crescendo! Take it down a notch.

Playlists: Specifically tailored to the story and possibly the character must be handy in case the well dries up and am in need of inspiration (I listen to these throughout the writing process, just not during the actual writing). All it takes is one connected song for a whole scene to unfold. Therefore must have phone and speaker or earbuds, but this is to be used sparingly because dancing/not writing.

Pillows: I have that big bad fibromyalgia business so writing at a desk kills me. Mostly I work in bed or on the couch. Must have pillows for support. (Don’t judge! Truman Capote did it).

Beverages: Several. Water. Coffee. Bubbly water. Possibly tea. I know, I’m a mess, but it’s important to stay properly hydrated/caffeinated. Also what if there were some sort of emergency and the house collapsed around me? Survival would be ensured.

Sweater: I run cold. Perhaps this is due to lack of movement. Must have big, ugly sweater that makes me look like a potato. Needs to be one I would never wear in public. Also socks which are to be taken off and put back on several times throughout the writing session.

Bullet journal: I’m psychotically into my bullet journal. I have 40 gel pens and this giant monster journal and I have to have it next to me so I can scribble all my ideas down and also remind myself to pay my insurance for the 80^th time! It gives me peace and joy and I get to doodle and feel like I’m eight and use all the pretty colors.

Messy notebook: This is for quotes, to keep track of anything that inspires me, for random plot ideas and character things. No one should ever look in this notebook. I start a fresh one for every project. Looks like the ramblings of a madwoman.

Regular journal: This is where I put my morning pages. It’s a little more coherent and I do this every day, because one must vomit out one’s life before one can craft someone else’s.

A lamp: I write butt early in the morning. It’s always dark. I need a lamp.

Poetry: I subscribe to a poem a day and I always read it before I start.

Cat and/or dog: I like the cat for warmth but the dog just lies there and waits for me to be ready to go for a walk, as opposed to the cat who sits facing the computer and puts his paw over my hand which makes the whole thing a little challenging. I think he thinks he’s the puppet master. I feel weird without at least one of them.

Eden Jones, a 17-year-old girl, feels lost after surviving a near fatal accident. Unable to connect with her family and friends, Eden forms an unlikely relationship with Joe, a boy who comes to the hospital to visit Jasmine, a friend who may soon be gone forever. Eden is the only person who can get through to Jasmine, but is she brave enough to face a world that’s bigger and more magical than she ever would have allowed?

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In Stores April 4th

Estelle Laure is a Vonnegut worshipper who believes in love and magic and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theater Arts from New Mexico State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and thinks everyone should have to wait tables or work in a kitchen at least once in their lives. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her children.

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3 winners will receive a hardcover of BUT THEN I CAME BACK, U.S. Only.

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Week One:

• 3/27/2017- Literary Dust– Interview
• 3/28/2017- The Best Books Ever – Review
• 3/29/2017- Novel Novice– Guest Post
• 3/30/2017- Portrait of a Book– Review
• 3/31/2017- Literary Meanderings– Excerpt

Week Two:

• 4/3/2017- YA Book Madness– Review
• 4/4/2017- Don’t Judge, Read– Review
• 4/5/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader– Interview
• 4/6/2017- Just Commonly– Review
• 4/7/2017- Wandering Bark Books– Excerpt

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