[player]
“I think of the first draft as draft zero. I don’t think of them as first drafts because, to me, a first draft is a book.” -Marie Lu
I’m thrilled to have New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu for this week’s new episode! Marie is one of the most humble and gracious guests we’re honored to feature on the show. Before becoming a full-time writer, Marie worked in the video game industry for Disney Interactive Studios as a concept artist. She has since earned an incredible following of loyal readers from The Young Elites and Legend series.
In today’s episode, Marie walks us through her experiences writing Midnight Star, the final book in The Young Elites trilogy, and why it was an intense challenge deciding how to wrap up Adelina Amouteru’s story, the main character who met her downfall towards the dark side. Marie shares how music helped her channel the villain’s voice and the different kinds of songs on her villain’s playlist that allowed Marie to tap into a dark headspace, pushing her through difficult scenes.
We dive into world building and character development, writing with your internal editor switched off, and dealing with rejections and summoning the last bit of courage and strength to forge on with your writing. Marie also shares how to specifically shift your mindset to alleviate pressure when approaching the first draft.
This episode is especially for writers who’d appreciate writing tips on creating a complex villain, advice on writing the first draft of a novel, and how to find inspiration for your story.
XO
PS. Do you know anyone who’d love to hear amazing writing tips and inspirational personal stories from authors? Please share this episode, it may really be of help!
Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!
“With the creative arts, we put a little piece of our souls into what we make.” -Marie Lu
“This is legitimate. This is what I do. This is who I am.” -Marie Lu
“It feels like there’s something spiritual or magical about the process because the characters take on a life of their own.” -Marie Lu
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
-
- How Marie fell in love with the process of creating stories and creating art
- How Marie transitioned from the video game industry into the writing world
- How writing alternate endings for your novel can help motivate you to finish your series
- How immersing yourself in your character’s headspace helps with character building
- How music helps with character development and world building
- How NaNoWriMo can help you turn off your internal editor when writing
- How to shift your mindset when approaching the first draft to alleviate pressure
- How to find inspiration for writing by placing yourself in creative atmospheres
- Coping with rejection as a writer and finding the strength to keep writing
The thrilling finale to the New York Times bestselling Young Elites series from “hit factory” Marie Lu
There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.
Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all she’s gained.
When a new danger appears, Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds, putting not only herself at risk, but every Elite. In order to preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.
Learn More About Marie Lu
Marie Lu is the author of the New York Times bestselling series The Young Elites and Legend. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a concept artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing games, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California with one husband, one Chihuahua mix, and one Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Marie’s Recommended Books & Resources:
Kristin Nelson (Nelson Literary Agency)
Mattimeo and the Redwall series by Brian Jacques
Ender’s Game series by Orson Scott Card
The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
