On this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, I talk with Middle-Grade Horror Novelist Wendy Parris about her writing journey–from zero background in writing to learning all the things to publishing a novel that now sits in over 300 libraries, with another due out in September of 2024!

It's hard to believe she almost gave up, and the thing that saved her is so freaking sweet and heartwarming!

Wendy shares how her background in theater informs her writing process and helps her with visualization and dialogue, but she really struggles with plot and character motivation. She’s had to learn to lean into writing a messy first draft so she can fix it later.

It took twelve years from the time she had the idea for her debut novel, Field of Screams, until it was published.

From losing agents and editors to finding new ones and writing books no one wants, her journey will teach you to stick with your passion and be stubborn about it, even in the low moments.

She also opens up about how she works through self-doubt, which looks like perfectionism, finding accountability with the community through organizations like SCBWI (The Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators), and her approach to writing despite life's interruptions.

Her insights on dealing with unhelpful internal narratives and embracing imperfections during drafting are invaluable for any aspiring writer.

01:27 Meet Wendy Paris: From Midwest to Middle-Grade Horror

02:16 Wendy's Journey to Becoming a Writer

03:37 The Abandoned Farmhouse Inspiration

05:38 Joining Writing Communities and Finding an Agent

06:57 The Long Road to Publication

12:46 Writing Process and Inspirations

17:43 Exploring the Compressed Timeline

18:36 The Struggle with Perfectionism

21:42 Finding Time to Write

24:15 Dealing with Self-Doubt

27:07 Learning the Craft and Best Advice

29:59 The Joy of Writing and Middle-Grade Horror is Having Moment

31:39 Current Projects and Where to Find Wendy

CONTACT INFO:

www.wendyparris.com

Instagram:@wendyparrisauthor

X/Twitter:@wlparri

Bluesky:@wendyparrisauthor.bsky.social

Agent:Hilary Harwell, KT Literary: hilary@ktliterary.com

Publicist:Lena Reilly, lreilly@penguinrandomhouse.com

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