Write-a-holics

Rebecca and Courtney are avid readers with a successful blog on YA book reviews and recommendations. With a knowledge of what YA readers enjoy and what the market is looking for, we both took on the great endeavor of writing our first book in a new series called  NIGHT MARCHERS.  

Rebecca's Side of the Story

    "When Courtney told me a year ago that we should write a book together, I was like hmmm... You're a little looney-tooney... I've never written a full length novel and neither has she, what would make her think that we could write a full book, that was actually worth a nickel?  
    We have both been avid readers for a long time and have a successful blog on YA fiction offering reviews and recommendations to other avid readers. (http://courtneynuckels.blogspot.com/)
After months of having fun writing our opinions and recommendations on our blog, Courtney approached me again about writing a book together. This time I was more like, 'why the heck not.' 
   After weeks of deliberation on what we would write about, an idea was sparked and the story telling began. We were both pleasantly surprised that writing together came naturally. We both filled in the gaps for each other. Courtney had a knack for describing details and I had a knack for dialogue. When we wrote our rough draft of the NIGHT MARCHERS, we were like giddy seventh graders. Both of us couldn't believe we actually finished! (Now, I know the work is still not done, we need to find a great agent, a publisher and go through edits and revisions, but to have actually gotten the story out of our heads and onto paper, was a huge accomplishment for us. Especially when it was all on paper in less than two month's!) 
     Now that I look back to a year ago when Courtney asked me if I wanted to write a book with her, I can't believe I said no originally. After having experienced the joy of story telling I don't think either of us will be able to go back to the way things were before, where ideas would form in our minds but fizzle away. Whether we set out to be in the beginning or not, Courtney and I are now and forever more writers.  
    So, if I haven't told you lately Courtney, Thank You! Thanks for asking me that second time if I would like to write with you." ~ Beckie

Courtney's Side of the Story

    Ever since I was young, quite young in fact, I loved writing.  I used to write in a diary, then as I grew up I used to write about life.  When I finally got to college I began taking creative writing courses and really discovered my love with writing.  I once wrote about my past experiences and I watched as the teacher cried over my paper.  I think it was then I realized I had a gift for writing and I couldn't let that go to waste.  Towards the end of college I began hammering out the term papers and always acing them; even if I didn't quite know what I was talking about.  Writing just comes easy for me, as do ideas.  I had written many short stories but knew that someday I wanted badly to complete a full length novel that I would be proud to share.  Realizing that this was quite a task for a beginner I sought refuge in my friend Beckie.  I told her what I wanted to do, and she supported me.  She said that if there was anyone that she would want to write with it would be me.  I felt honored to have her accept this monumental task with me.
     So, we began brainstorming.  We looked up many different mythological creatures looking for just the right one.  After days and days of research we came together and began collaborating ideas.  Towards the end of the night we stumbled upon the NIGHT MARCHERS.  It was something that hadn't been touched on in literature and we got really excited. We began researching all the Hawaiian legends and found there was indeed a book that needed to be writen on all these wonderful legends.  
      I have to say that the writing came easy to us.  We have been friends for so long that her thoughts were right on with mine.   After the first couple of chapters the book took on a life all itself.  When I would get tired of writing, Beckie would step in to fill in my downfalls and vise versa.  I don't think I could have ever done something like this with anyone else.  
     So, thank you Beckie for sticking by my craziness and stubborn will.  We made it through and we're going to continue to write until we're 'rolling around the nursing home in our wheelchairs causing trouble.' ~ Courtney