Another reader question. This one from @HeffronRusher: What's your favorite thing about writing? What keeps you inspired? 

These are good questions. And they have tricky answers—tricky, because they are always changing. But, in general, I would say my favorite thing about writing is creating the first draft of a story. When I'm writing the initial draft, I don't worry if the plot has holes. I don't worry if I properly show my characters' motivations. I don't worry if readers won't like my characters' flaws, and judge them harshly because of those flaws. I just...write. It's a lot of fun, and it's stress-free. During this phase, I do a lot of giggling, groaning, squealing, and dancing in my chair. I don't think about revisions. I simply...go to town.

As for what keeps me inspired? Life. Going out into the world and doing stuff. Lots of different stuff. Trying new things, even when they scare me. Hanging out with people I adore. Listening to smart, witty and engaging speakers. Going to a concert and listening to really good music. Playing made-up games with my kids at the park. Going to a restaurant and ordering appetizers, a main dish, and dessert. And eating it all. Eavesdropping on conversations. Reading a book that makes me laugh. That makes me cry. That makes me think, “Man, I wish I'd written that.” Going to an amusement park and searching out the scariest ride. Running. Hiking. Swimming. Making banana spits. Watching the perfect movie. (Ahem, Romancing the Stone.) 

Being alive inspires me. I steal from my personal life all the time, and put that content into my books. I steal from my friends' lives. I people-watch. I try to sponge up everything I can. 

It's pretty darn inspiring.

The other day on Twitter, @lilyalbert asked me this question: Just wondering if you've ever had a bad review and if so, how you dealt with it?

Here's my answer. 

At some point during this past year I read an article (I think it was an article, it might have been a blog post—I don't remember) saying that all authors read reviews of their books, even if they claim they don't. I smiled and thought, Actually, I don't read reviews of my books. At least, I don't anymore.

When Hush, Hush first came out, I was wildly curious about what people were saying about my debut novel. It was such an exciting time for me. The book I'd been working on for six years was finally being published. I checked online retailers and book blogs for reviews. I Googled my book's title. I wanted readers to love the book as much as I did. As might be expected, some people loved it. Some people thought it was okay. And some people hated it. There were so many varying opinions about Hush, Hush, it was hard to know who was right. The people who loved it—were they right? The people who hated it—were they right? It took me a long time to realize it doesn't matter who is right. Our opinions aren't valuable because they're right—they're valuable because they're ours.

 I read a handful of reviews for Crescendo, my second book. I don't recall reading any reviews for Silence. And I don't plan on reading reviews for Finale. If I'm going to judge my self-worth and my writing based on what other people are saying about me and my books, I'm never going to be happy. I'm never going to be satisfied. I'm going to be too busy worrying about others' opinions to do what I should be doing—which is trying to become a better human being. And trying to write better books.

I'm worried some people are going to read this and misinterpret my words. I'm worried some people are going to think I'm saying I don't care about reviews. That's not the case. Not at all. I love knowing people are out there reading and reviewing my books. I encourage readers to review books and share their opinions and insights. I'm grateful when they do. Because, as a reader, I rely on friends' recommendations. I rely on book-talk. I like knowing what people are saying about a story I'm contemplating reading. It helps me make decisions about what to read. It does me a great deal of good to read book reviews—just not for my own books.

The short answer to @lilyalbert's question is that I don't deal with negative reviews. When I'm writing, they aren't part of the equation. I write the best books I can, and while they aren't perfect, they're mine. They are my contribution. Writing makes me happy. I get so much joy from creating stories and sharing them with you.

That is what I focus on when I write.

-Becca

Team Patch

Hey everyone -

It's that time of year - the YA Sisterhood's Crush Tourney is happening now! As I mentioned a few entries ago, Patch was nominated as one of YA lit's hottest crushes. I'm super honored! I'm also super grateful to Jen at Jenuine Cupcakes who has volunteered to be Patch's advocate. She's doing a fantastic job of spreading the #TeamPatch love, and I'd highly recommend keeping tabs on her blog if you want the latest #TeamPatch news during the tourney. She's also created a couple fun buttons to show your support for Patch. Grab 'em and get ready for his first match on Wednesday!

Old Town Book Fair

First off, thanks to everyone who came out yesterday and helped make the inaugural Old Town Book Fair a big success! I had a wonderful time on the panel answering questions, reuniting with old writer friends, and making new friends. I genuinely appreciate good writer friends - in a business filled with ups and downs it is always nice to feel a sense of solidarity. Speaking of writer friends, here is a picture of Laura Resau and me. I met Laura for the first time a couple of years ago at the Colorado Teen Lit Conference. Laura must be one of the best human beings I know. She's smart, well spoken, thoughtful and has a huge heart. I always enjoy listening to her words of wisdom when it comes to writing. I enjoyed her book, THE RUBY NOTEBOOK so much, and seeing her yesterday reminded me I should give myself a treat and pick up another one of her books.

And another pic with Amy Kathleen Ryan and Brenna Yovanoff. We are standing in front of the yurt, a.k.a. the Toaster. That rosy color in my cheeks is not a sunburn, rather the early stages of heat stroke! I can now officially say I have done an event inside a yurt. Bragging rights!

Finally, a few more event pics. Thanks go to the event organizers - hopefully we get to do this again next year!

Lazy Summer Days

Hi guys -

I am lovin' this summer, which has got to be my laziest and most relaxed to date. The kids stay up late, playing outside, and sleep deep into the morning. I've been getting up early to run and/or bike since it has been so hot lately, but it has given me an excuse to indulge in afternoon naps. My days have been filled with trips to the pool, to the park, or shooting hoops with the kids in the driveway. Not much writerly news to report. FINALE is on its way to the press. I can't believe in just over three months, you will be reading it!

Of course, since I'm not working on any writing projects at the moment, my mind is furiously searching for other ways to be creative. Almost always, this means playing around with my home. I must have been feeling especially patriotic yesterday because, on a whim, I decided to paint my dining room RED. The right side of my brain is dancing with joy!

Speaking of the Fourth, I hope those of you in the States had a very happy Independence Day!

-Becca