Behind the Scenes of Damsel Distressed

Behind the Scenes gives you a closer look at the process of writing a manuscript. This edition features Kelsey Macke and her manuscript Damsel Distressed. Kelsey has been creative for as long as she can remember. Her formative years were a swirl of bad poetry, journals full of songs, and absolutely TONS of jazz hands. Her debut, Damsel Distressed (Spencer Hill Contemporary) is being presented with Imogen Unlocked, a full album of original songs inspired by the book and performed by the band Wedding Day Rain.

Inspiration for the manuscript:

tech theatre (specifically the "soundies"), self-image problems as specifically experience by young people who are overweight, a positively swoony best friend who wears tragically hilarious t-shirts, musical theatre (Rent is a favorite), hot pink, mental health (and ending stigmas related to it), graffiti walls, & Cinderella

About the manuscript:

"My book, Damsel Distressed doesn't come out until about 1 year from now. It's a multi-media project that includes the book (obviously) which is sprinkled with illustrations which hide QR codes that readers can use to visit a website with exclusive bonus content - specifically, the songs from the book's soundtrack, Imogen Unlocked. It's awesome because I get to tell Imogen's story through words, and also through music alongside my Wedding Day Rain bandmate and husband, Daron."

A piece of Kelsey's writing process:

"One important part of my writing process is bouncing ideas off of my friends, family, and CPs. I don't believe that any book really exists (or is written) in a vacuum. I know that my book is only as strong as the conversations that I have with others. Sometimes, I ask them questions as members of a certain demographic, other times, I offer them two options and ask which resonates most with them. I am part of a rare breed of writers... extroverts. As such, I love bringing other people into the creative process for real collaboration."