Writers Studio Archives - Page 5 of 10

Inside the Writer's Studio with Brian D. Anderson

A hectic week around here as it’s the Eid al Fitr holiday (end of the Muslim month of fasting) and so the city came alive after thirty days of closed restaurants during sunlight and a family trip away before school starts for the fall semester.

That doesn’t mean though that writing is far from my mind! Sometimes the best way to improve your writing is to take a break, read the work of others, and take in their experiences. With this in mind, I’m happy to host Brian Anderson in the studio because his book is a family project.

Brian D. Anderson grew up in the small town of Spanish Fort. He attended Fairhope High, then later Springhill College where his love for fantasy grew into a lifelong obsession. His son, Jonathan Anderson’s creative spirit became evident by the age of three when he told his first original story. In 2010 he came up with the concept for The Godling Chronicles that grew into an exciting collaboration between father and son.

1. What is your one piece of must know advice for aspiring writers?

That they don’t have to be Hemingway or Tolkien to be a good writer. Every professionally released book you’ve ever read was not to sole product of the author. We have a army of talent behind us helping us put it together. From the proof readers to the editors, they turn our rough work into a polished novel. I think that too many aspiring writers get discouraged because they look at their own work and think it’s “not good enough”. Of course it’s not. At least not until the other people you need to have involved get their hands on it. Remember that, and tell the best story you can.

2. Is there an unforgettable lesson you learned from writing this book you wouldn’t know otherwise about fiction?

That I become entirely too involved with my characters. I didn’t realize that I had the capacity to have genuine feelings for fictional characters. Sadly, it’s too late to do anything about it. But, I suppose it’s for the best. It helps me make them more believable.

3. Any challenges for you as you wrote and published this book?

There are always challenges. But the biggest challenge is patience. Once your work becomes a finished product, you want it out there. You want to share it with everyone. It’s so very hard to wait for all the proper wheels to turn. The little kid in you really comes out.

4. How would you start your next project?
I’ve already completed The Godling Chronicles-Book Two:Of Gods and Elves, and it’s currently in editing. I’m in the process of writing book three. It’s taking more time to write than that other two; mainly because the story has grown so much.

5. Anything else you want to readers to know?

What can I tell a reader? They read, and to me that is wonderful. I am just honored that they choose to read my work, and I hope they continue to enjoy reading about Gewey, Lee, Kaylia, and the rest of the cast of characters as much as I enjoy writing about them.

Inside the Writer's Studio with Lori Culwell

The internet is a big, sprawling playground. The changes of bumping into someone you know seem to be miniscule. Imagine my surprise when I opened my inbox a few weeks ago and found an email from author and PR maven, Lori Culwell. I had read one of Lori’s books years ago because a friend had passed it along to me as encourage to get off our duffs and get to writing.

Lori is the founder and president of Get Creative, an internet consulting firm whose clients include Johnson & Johnson and Apple among others. She has contributed to Salon.com and the San Francisco Bay Guardian and divides her time between New York and Los Angeles.

After I gushed about how much I loved her work, Lori kindly offered to do a Writer’s Studio feature with us (and also two of her books for me to review). Learn more about the secrets behind this indie’s publishing success.

1. What is your one piece of must know advice for aspiring writers

My one piece of advice for aspiring writers is: write every day. You’re only going to get better if you practice. Aim for 2,000 words a day, that way when you get your book deal and have to deliver a 50,000 word novel, you won’t freak out and get writer’s block. Writing is like running –if you do it all the time, it’s no big deal, but if you put it off, it hurts!

2. Is there an unforgettable lesson you learned from writing this book you wouldn’t know otherwise about fiction?

During the writing of this book, I learned the value of the peer group. My first novel (Hollywood Car Wash) was written pretty much all in one shot (it was a NaNoWriMo book, actually), but “The Dirt” evolved over several years and was the result of the input of some awesome people who are my friends and readers. I think writers (or really, all creative types) should have a group of friends/ trusted readers who can say things like “This plot point makes no sense” without hurting your feelings. Trust me, it is way better to hear stuff like that from supportive people who you know like your work rather than later on in your Amazon reviews. 🙂

3. Any challenges for you as you wrote and published this book?

This book stopped and started several times, actually. It was written several years ago, then the deal it was supposed to be part of fell through, so I put it aside for awhile so I could get over my angry feelings about it. Then I got together with my fabulous friend and publishing partner (and now co-author on another book) Katherine Sears at Booktrope, she liked my novel, and she brought “The Dirt” back to life. I was glad to get it out and start working on it again and get it out there. I think that’s another good lesson– remember, there’s always a home for a story, sometimes it’s just a matter of timing. So, keep writing and be patient!

4. How would you start your next project?

I write all the time (on my blog Funny Strange.net, on BookPromotion.com, and on LoriCulwell.com), and the writing I do now is mostly non-fiction, just computer stuff and helping people with their social media and their websites, which I think is really awesome and fun. For fiction projects, I don’t have one going at the moment, though people have been requesting the sequel to “The Dirt” so I might have to take that one up soon.

5. Anything else you want to readers to know?

I want readers who are also writers to know that there has never been a better time to be a writer! Even five years ago, there was so much stigma around self-publishing, and now it’s like, the norm to do. I’m so happy about that! I work with agents, authors, and publishers every day, and it’s amazing how many self-published authors there are out there who are making real money. Believe me, publishers are jealous, and they know you don’t need them anymore! So, write, publish, get yourself out there with a website and some social media. Take yourself seriously!!

Oh, and if readers have questions about their websites/ social media, feel free to ask me. I’m always around! www.loriculwell.com or @loriculwell on Twitter.

Inside the Writer's Studio: on Co-Authoring a Title

In the writer’s studio this week we have the rare chance to talk to a duo, Jack and Ashley, who have co-written Osric’s Wand, a novel that introduces readers to a world of magic in its infancy. While the world leaders of Archana gather for an unprecedented peace treaty signing, tragedy strikes, and rumors spread of war. Osric; a young, untested leader, is thrust into the chaos and must journey far with his unlikely companions to stop the inevitable world war. Hear more about their advice if you are getting started on your own project and the challenges they faced in bringing this tale to the page.

1. What is your one piece of must know advice for aspiring writers?

Ashley: Write what you are passionate about and accept criticism with an open mind. I think writers should enjoy the writing process, regardless of whether it is for profit or not. Writing a story should be just as enjoyable as reading one. I admit that I am a bit of a perfectionist and I tend to take criticism personally. This characteristic is not beneficial when it comes to accepting suggestions and critiques about my writing. I have to keep in mind that any improvement to the story will make me a better writer and provide more enjoyment for my readers.

2. Is there an unforgettable lesson you learned from writing this book you wouldn’t know otherwise about fiction?

Jack: The most important lesson I learned was to ignore advice from other writers. Not that their advice is bad, but there are as many theories about writing a good book as there are writers. Listening to what all of them have to say may cause you to become frustrated with yourself, and you may begin to doubt whether you want to write. Just write what you want to read. Chances are that if you want to read it, others will want to read it as well. You may never become a billionaire doing it, but at least you will enjoy yourself.

3. Any challenges for you as you wrote and published this book?

Ashley: My greatest challenge was balancing the time that writing deserves and requires with the rest of my obligations and passions. I am a single mom, I run my own business, and I am a full time student. It was very difficult to find time to write each day without sacrificing any other priorities. However, my always diligent, and often relentless, co-author made sure I found the time and we completed the first book in under a year. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to collaborate with Jack, and I would recommend that every writer try working with another author at least once. It allows a story to develop in surprising ways, it keeps the writing process exciting and new, and it gives you someone else to be accountable to in your writing throughout the process.

4. How would you start your next project?

Jack: Some great music, a glass of iced tea, and a room with just me and a computer in it! But if you mean, “How will your next book start?”, that is much easier to answer. It will start exactly where the last book left off. We are only a few months away from bringing the second installment to the world. My talented Co-Author, Ashley Delay, aptly named it Osric’s Wand: The High-Wizard’s Hunt!

5. Anything else you want the readers to know?

Jack: I want to say thank you to all of our fans. It goes without saying that we would not be in this position without you. It is amazing to have so many of you falling in love with the characters that create themselves for us as we write. I am also humbled by all of the feedback we have received in the reviews. Those of you who have taken it upon yourselves to spread the word about our book have been amazing in helping us get to where we are. The personal recommendation may be the best form of advertising on the planet, and we have had more than our fair share from readers. Thank you again!

Ashley: First of all, I want to second that thank you! We were blown away when The Wand-Maker’s Debate broke into Amazon.com’s bestseller lists. Thanks to our fans’ enthusiasm and support, it has remained there since. Secondly, we can’t wait to hear what you think of The High-Wizard’s Hunt! Keep an eye on OsricsWand.com as the release date approaches for a chance to win a copy of the second book.