Get to know Keri…

Keri Mikulski is the author of HEAD GAMES (Razorbill/Penguin, January 6th, 2011), Pretty Tough Books 4-6 (Penguin/Razorbill, 2011-2012), SCREWBALL (The National Writing for Children Center’s 2008 Summer Young Adult Pick), and its sequel, CHANGE UP (a 2009 Cybil Nominee). To learn more, visit her website!

Let the conversation begin!

How many words do you write each day?

Hmm… Instead of words, I usually go by hours. When I’m on deadline, I write for about five to ten hours a day. When I’m not on deadline and working on other projects, it’s more like five to six hours a day.

Are you an outliner or a seat-of-the-pants writer?

I used to be a seat-of-the-pants writer. However, my editor quickly pointed out that I really need to plan. Now, I’m more of a planner.

What do you do to recharge your creative batteries? 

Definitely sports. I love to play sports. Whether I’m running, playing soccer, or hallway hockey with my daughter, it’s a definite recharge. 

Are you characters completely fictional? 

Each one of my characters is a little piece of someone I know added with a lot of my imagination. 

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received? 

Control what you can control–the writing. And keep writing!