D.A. D'Aurelio grew up in Ocala, Florida known for thoroughbred horses and Love Bug season, which comes twice a year. D.A. has lived in five states along three coasts and visited many states in between. She enjoys finding out how people choose to work, live and play. She draws on these experiences and combines fact with fiction in her middle grade stories.
Represented by Essie White, Storm Literary Agency
It's true that some ideas just pop into your head, but most of the time they are triggered by some experience in your life. Some of my ideas happen as I'm falling asleep at night, so I keep a notebook and pencil next to my bed. But most ideas comes from various sources---brainstorming, research and talking to others and observing total strangers (not in a creepy, stalker way).
Growing up, I was always creating something. My parents had more macrame hangers, knitted pot holders and handmade ornaments than they knew what to do with. Most of all, I loved stories, whether they were in books, television, or movies. I loved how a story grabs the audience at the beginning and guides them all the way through, while getting to know the characters and experiencing the plot along with them. One of the first stories I ever wrote was about a kid who got sucked into a cereal box and had to complete all the puzzles on the back in order to escape. That one hasn't sold yet---hmmmm.
Dedicate time to write and set deadlines for yourself. I treat writing like a job and although the pay isn't great, the rewards are amazing.