Not long ago, I did a talk at the LaRue County Public Library. I’d never been there before, but a friend, actually a cousin a few times removed as people say, lives there and got the library events person to invite me. I was pleased that some people were there to hear me talk about books. Then I was excited because none of them had heard me speak before.
Yay, I had fresh ears. I could tell all my old stories about my books and my writing adventures. I gave them a glimpse of this writer’s journey from when I first picked up a pen or pencil to write a story when I was ten and on toward publication and beyond.
Then it was even more fun when we got to the question and answer time. That’s always my favorite part of any talk because I never know what people might ask. I like the challenge of coming up with an answer which I usually manage, but of course, I remind them that I do make up stories. So, maybe I can make up answers. No, I don’t do that. Instead, I don’t mind saying “I don’t know.” That’s always an answer that will work.
A popular question is how do you work. Every day or just when you’re feeling inspired? Half my books, maybe all of them would have never gotten written if I had to wait for my Muse to kick in. He or maybe she is an onery sucker who most of the time refuses to show up until I make myself go on and start hitting computer keys even when I don’t know what I want to write.
I have to write something. Anything. And then I hope part of it will be my story happening. Believe it or not, writers can even download a program that will start erasing the words you’ve already written if you hesitate too long before continuing to write. No way would I want to have that kind of pressure.
Somebody usually asks if I know what’s going to happen in the story before I start. Some writers do, I think, but not me. I might have an idea of where my characters are going to go, but how they get there can stay a mystery until the scene comes clear. That happens as I write.
At a talk a few years ago, someone wanted to know how I knew when it was the end. A good question. And I didn’t have a very good answer for her. Usually, I just know. Once all the major problems are resolved, the loose ends tied up then – as I read once – it’s time to get out of Dodge. When the story’s over, it’s time for my characters to ride off into the sunset. I don’t need to linger behind them describing the beautiful hues. Readers have imaginations, and they enjoy using them. I want to let them.
Sometimes, especially at book clubs, I hear questions about what happens to the characters after the story. Those are good questions to hear because it means my characters came to life for them. They want the people they liked while reading the story to live on. It can be fun to speculate on what happens after that final page in the book.
That’s some of the questions I’ve heard in the past at talks.
What question would you like to ask an author?
As always, thanks for reading. As soon as I get my work in progress finished, I’ll do a giveaway here. I did just send out a newsletter that has a giveaway chance. Check your email box (including the dreaded Spam files if you don’t see it) if you are signed up to get them. Or you can read it at this link. Lots of book news.
Comments 5
I like to ask is there a genre that they will probably never try and one that they would like to be haven’t? What do you do when you have “writers” block? Do you listen to music? Do you have a faithful friend that you run things by to work out issues with the story?….
Author
I love all your questions, Beth.
I have tried several different genres – cozy mysteries, historical romance, historicals, young people and children’s books, one memoir, contemporary. I even have a beginning of a fantasy book on my computer and have played with the idea of writing a devotional book. But I couldn’t do science fiction. Or horror fiction.
The only thing to do when you have writer’s block is to keep writing even though you think every word is wrong. If I get stuck in a scene, I’ll sometimes take a walk or just throw in the towel for the day and hope a good night’s sleep will make things come clearer on the morrow.
No, I don’t listen to music, but I know lots of writers do.
And no, I don’t have a critique partner or friend that I let read my stories before I have them written. I’ve always worked alone on them and trusted my own instincts. Might have some better stories if I had that friend to help me come up with better ideas.
Thanks for the questions. Love them. Might have to add them to a blog post.
Thank you Ann for your responses.
Hope you have a great day!
WHAT IS THE ONE KEY THING THAT MOTIVATES YOU TO
BEGIN A NEW STORY?
Author
That’s a great question, Mary. I might have had a clearer answer if I answered this earlier in my writing life. But now, I’ve written so many books, that I don’t have a really clear answer of one particular way to come up with a new idea. But that might not be exactly what you are asking. I’m motivated to hunt up a new idea and start a new story because it’s an itch I have to be making up some story and writing words.
I’ve always enjoyed putting words together to write something. But stories are the most fun to write, although journal posts are second perhaps. I find new ideas by reading, seeing something on line, checking out Kentucky history.