Behind The Words // L.M. Stull

Watching L.M. Stull's Twitter avatar these days is like the downtown Christmas light display. It's brilliant and beautiful. But in a second or two, it'll change. And I know she'll be amused by this comment. Laughing yet, Lisa?

L.M. Stull (Lisa) is one of those rare writers who is not solely focused on writing but also on how it gets to readers. As such, she's an active member of several groups and does mounds of work establishing her online presence. I've had soooo many wonderful Twitter chats, email exchanges and coincidental run-ins with Lisa on the web that it's hard to believe she doesn't live down the street or work in my building. 

I would bet most of her contacts out here in the Reaches would agree and say the exact same thing: Lisa's not just a writer we know. She's our neighbour in this writerly world...

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L.M. on L.M....

Originally a Washington, DC native, I now reside in Southern Virginia. During the day you will find me chained to a desk at a law firm. Yes, I work for lawyers (go ahead, feel sorry for me). At night I channels my inner creative monster and writes (sorry, I don't turn into a werewolf or anything).
When I'm not writing or feverishly taking orders from attorneys, I lace up and run (and sometimes drinks wine… yeah, okay maybe more than sometimes).. I can also be spotted riding Phillip (don't worry, that's my bike) around Williamsburg and visiting local coffee shops (I drink LOTS of coffee).

My debut novel will be published by Black Kettle Publishing in Fall 2011.

L.M. on where she writes...

CLICK TO ENLARGE!  My writing desk -- which I really should call my "where my laptop and
writing sh*t sits" desk because I very rarely actually write at it. I usually write in bed or on the floor or in a chair.

I’ll do it anywhere (*ahem* get your mind out of the gutter, you know we are talking about writing here). No, in all seriousness, it depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s my bed, my favorite chair, a coffee house, a beach, it really does depend where I am when the mood strikes. I very rarely listen to music when I write, as I am easily distracted. If I do, it is usually classical music. There are sheep grazing out my window when I write…never mind, no there aren’t! It’s just my dog…she just kinda smells like a sheep.

L.M. on her work...

I am currently in the final round of rewrites for my debut novel (squeee!) and hope to have it available to the public soon. When I’m not working on those blasted edits, I am writing short stories, guest posts and working on my latest WIP.

All of my novel writing seems to be a cross of paranormal romance, action and comedy. Ironically, when it comes to my short stories, however, I seem to write more about life, emotions and some very dark places. I also, on occasion try to write fantasy for Splintered Lands (operative word here is TRY ;). So, it seems I am a little bit all over the place.

L.M. on her approach...

Hmm I think the writing techniques I use are pretty standard. For plotting, I use a rather large cork board and index cards, which was a method used by a fellow friend and writer that I fell in love with. I write on my computer and very, very occasionally will write short stories by hand and yes, I do use a fountain pen (I’m a pen snob).

I try to write an hour each day, but that NEVER happens. Usually, I get an hour in here and there and then play catch up on the weekends. My new goal as of late is to get up every morning and write for an hour before work…so far it hasn’t happened, but hey, I’ll keep trying!

Editing?! Ewwwww I hate it! I have a super fabulous critique partner who does my editing and then I usually give it several pass-through’s myself. I simply can’t dive into my own editing after just writing the story; I’ll never catch anything because the material is still too new for my eyes to accurately evaluate it.

The L.M. Street Team...

Ha, well, I am recently divorced, sooo…but my writing was never an issue when I was married. However, with the rest of my family and friends I have to say they are VERY supportive and will let me ramble on and on for hours about my various projects. They also know not to panic when I disappear for days at a time to write. I would welcome anyone who would like to bring me chocolate cake, I’d really appreciate it.

Finding L.M. Stull...

There are several ways you can go about stalking me on the web if your little heart so desires: Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads (Hint: I’ll totally think you’re awesome if you add my upcoming books to your to-read pile) and of course on my really cool website: http://lmstull.com. I also runs the Fellow Writer’s Group on Facebook.

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Lisa, thanks so much for coming by and making yourself comfortable here in the Reaches. A little too comfortable in some ways. I believe I had some chocolate cake in the fridge. You wouldn't happen to know anything about where it went, hmmmm? 

Your addition to the Behind The Words effort is duly noted and revered. Already, judging by the comment collection forming below, you might be one of the most popular girls in school!  Go Team Stull!