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Today, Valerie Noble dropped by to talk about her writing process and her upcoming debut, THE ENERGY CRUSADES. Enjoy!

1. When did you start writing?

While we were growing up together, one of my best friends used to always say “Valerie, you live in a dream world”.  She was right. I constantly make up stories in my head, but when actually putting pen to paper, it’s far more difficult to write a beginning, middle, and end. I have several notebooks full of unfinished stories, and it wasn’t until the idea for The Energy Crusades blossomed in my mind that I was able to complete my first novel.
profile pic2. Are you a pantser or a planner?

Overall, I am a panster. I carry the whole story in my head but it doesn’t always go exactly the way I thought it would. The Energy Crusades ended completely differently than how I originally imagined it would. I only outline while in the midst of writing and only for the very near future. For instance, while writing a chapter, I’ll outline the next few chapters at best, just to remind myself of where I’m going. Sometimes I’ll draw a timeline.
3. Can you give us an idea of your writing process?

I love to write by hand and I have the notebooks to prove it. For me, writing something on paper helps me to be sloppy and meandering, where if I write on the computer I am far too meticulous. I can’t stand those red lines, or misspelled words and it drags me down when I’m trying to be creative. I wish I could ignore it and let the words flow, but I can’t. On paper, however, I don’t mind making a mess. By the time I’m ready to use the computer, it’s a chance at a second look at what I’ve written and an editing opportunity as well.

4. Which authors have influenced your work?

The two that immediately spring to mind are Suzanne Collins and Kristin Cashore.
5. What are your plans/future projects/new releases that we should be aware of?

The Energy Crusades will be released in the Spring of 2014. I’m currently working on the sequel and doing a bit of research for some young adult historical fiction I’m interested in.
6. Any tips for new writers?

Write what you want to read, what you love, regardless of what’s trendy.
7. Any tips for old writers?

I don’t feel worthy to give them tips!

Connect with Valerie: www.noblevalerie.com