Writer Routine Wednesday: Keri Mikulski

Hey, all!
It's the LAST week of my new blog segment: Writer Routine Wednesday, where every Wednesday I have hosted an author (hopefully new to all of you).

We got to know them better and their books as well as hear them describe their usual writing routine.
But now like all good things, it's come to an end. *sniff sniff*

But guess what? We're kicking this last WRW with a GREAT author!
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So please welcome YA author Keri Mikulski today and hear about her writing routine!

BIO:
Keri Mikulski is the young adult author of Head Games (Razorbill/Penguin, January 6th, 2011), Pretty Tough Books 4 - 6 (Razorbill/Penguin, 2011-2012), Screwball (Blitz, 2008), and its sequel Change Up (Blitz, 2009). Keri earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University and a master’s degree in teaching from The College of New Jersey. A three-sport athlete in high school and two-sport athlete in college, Keri worked as a personal trainer, lifeguard, registered nurse, college instructor, and high school coach. Her over thirty articles were sold to Current Health 1 and 2, Highlights for Children, Golfer Girl, Fastpitch Forever, Softball Youth, LiveStrong, and many other publications. Keri teaches writing and lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband and daughter.
FMI check out http://www.kerimikulski.com/

Thanks for stopping by, Keri!

**Describe a “typical” writing day for yourself. For example: Do you get up have your coffee, check e-mail, then write to a certain time? Do you have a set word or page goal when you do write?
This definitely depends on the season.
If it’s summertime my day goes something like this
But, the school year is a totally different story. It’s chaos. I wake up early, take my daughter to school, teach, pick my daughter up after work, play, hubby makes dinner (I try to fit in 1000 words or revisions during this time, but usually end up chatting about my day with hubby), hang out with my tribe, put my daughter to bed, write some more, and pass out. Most of the time I deny myself something I want to watch on television until my word count or revision goal is done. This usually works especially if it’s a One Tree Hill Monday night.

**Do you have another job outside of writing? (Being a mommie definitely counts!!) If the answer is yes, describe how you balance the two and how much time you devote to each.
Although I’m still in the process of figuring the balancing act out, my day job is a teacher and my twenty-four-seven job is Mommy.
I’ve tried everything and after some amazing advice from a working mom, I’m settling on devoting the time I’m at school to school. The time I’m with my family to my family. And the time I’m writing to writing. But, like I said, it’s a serious work in progress.
Any tips out there?

**Are you a laptop, PC, Alphasmart, or by hand kind of writer?
Definite laptop. But, I do keep a composition book for every story I write with pics, writings, articles, and just stuff. Beth Revis just turned me on to Scribner and I’m LOVING - it’s replacing my comp book.

**Plotter or panster? If you’re a plotter, how much time do think you put into plotting before writing.
I used to be a huge panster… But, since working with my editor, I’ve become more of a plotter. I’d say I’m a cream – a half and half now. I try to plot, but I end up pansting.

**Some writers make collages or listen to or create music soundtracks for their work-in-progress? Do you do any of those or have you thought about doing one of them?
Another half and half ... I definitely use google images and magazines to picture my characters and scenes, but I’ve never completed a full collage. And I do listen to certain types of music depending on the project I’m working on, but I’ve never made a soundtrack.

**What’s your favorite book on writing?
Robert McKee’s STORY helped me tremendously with my technique and plot. And Dorthea Brande’s BECOMING A WRITER helped me to understand the creative mind, the importance of writing everyday, and how to focus. I HIGHLY recommend both books.

**What’s your favorite fiction book you’ve read so far this year?
That’s a tough one since I’ve read so many amazing novels this year.. But, I’d have to go with Sophie Kinsella’s TWENTIES GIRL. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book.

**What’s your favorite way to reward yourself after you’ve finished writing a book?
I allow myself one gently used handbag on Ebay.

Thanks so much for having me, Jennifer!! Xoxo


Thank YOU, Keri!
If you see a great deal on Ebay let me know! :)

Keri's new YA novel HEAD GAMES will be released January 2011!
Here's a little bit about it:
The PrettyTOUGH series is back— and this time, the girls take it to the hoop!

Taylor is calm, cool, collected, and ferocious on the basketball court. A total all-star. Not so much in real life. She may be tall, gorgeous, and an incredible catch, but just try telling her that!

And lately, Taylor doesn’t know which way to turn: The summer showcase game is almost here. Her BFF Hannah roped her into a fashion show (eek!). And she can’t decide between Zach—the super-popular, super-tall, super-off-limits basketball dynamo—and Matt—the sweet boy from her math class (who may just be dating her BFF’s older sister). It’s enough to make any girl’s head spin!

Can Taylor strike a pose, land the boy of her dreams, and win the game?

Mark your calendars!
It will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Also, Keri and Cyn Balog (author of SLEEPLESS) will be presenting WANNA WRITE YA? at the NJRWA conference.
Here's more about it:

Wanna Write YA?
Do you have what it takes to write for teens? Join young adult multi-published authors, Keri Mikulski and Cyn Balog as they guides participants through the world of YA. Explore genre specifications, sub-categories, agents and publishers currently acquiring young adult fiction, and much more during this introductory workshop.


CONTEST: Keri has generously offered to giveaway an ARC of HEAD GAMES to some lucky commenter!

Please leave a comment below to be entered to win. The giveaway contest will run from now until Thursday 11:59PM (EST). I will announce the lucky winner this Friday!


Good luck and get into your own writing routine!