Ask the Author: Jacob Sannox
Answered Questions (7)
Jacob Sannox
Hi Mark, not sure whether you meant book 2 or 3, but book 2 is out now. I am working on book 3 at the moment. No date at the moment, but I can keep you updated if you join my mailing list at www.jacobsannox.com or like my page on Facebook! Thanks Jacob
Jacob Sannox
Drop the pretension. I took a gap-year to write. I had a dedicated desk with a stack of A4 paper and fountain pens positioned very precisely upon it. I wore brown cord jackets and talked about writing all the time. To be fair, I did produce work. However, I started getting productive when I dropped all the affectations and just sat down to write, treating it like any job that needs doing. I don't wait to be inspired, I just plan what I'm going to do a little and sit down to write. I don't worry about what I'm producing, I just write until I hit the end. Worry about making it GOOD after you have the first draft finished.
I still have a desk. It has a quill, a goblet, a b&w photo of a place in Scotland, a pewter figurine of Frodo and a fountain pen on it. I never use it and, frankly, will probably sell it.
Throwing the laptop down on the coffee table or the dining table suits me just fine. Throw in some black coffee and bacon sandwiches to complete the picture.
I still have a desk. It has a quill, a goblet, a b&w photo of a place in Scotland, a pewter figurine of Frodo and a fountain pen on it. I never use it and, frankly, will probably sell it.
Throwing the laptop down on the coffee table or the dining table suits me just fine. Throw in some black coffee and bacon sandwiches to complete the picture.
Jacob Sannox
The modern urban fantasy? I was watching a paranormal, adventure TV show and was getting irritated by their unrealistic approach to the problems they faced, as well as unbelievable reactions from most characters. I decided to write about crazy, exciting, paranormal stuff from a more grounded, procedural perspective.
The above in combination with reading about the history of the Tower of London.
The above in combination with reading about the history of the Tower of London.
Jacob Sannox
Listening to the audio version of Stephen King's On Writing or Annie Dillard's The Writing Life usually gives me a kick in the butt; two very different perspectives on the same life, but both offering valuable insights.
I tend to write in the genre I'm reading or watching at the time. I'm a man of obsessions, so if I'm in a horror mood then everything is horror. If I'm in a fantasy mood, I'm watching the Lord of the Rings special features, writing fantasy, playing fantasy board games. One week I love something then the next I can take it or leave it. It comes in cycles and must be very irritating for people buying me gifts.
I tend to write in the genre I'm reading or watching at the time. I'm a man of obsessions, so if I'm in a horror mood then everything is horror. If I'm in a fantasy mood, I'm watching the Lord of the Rings special features, writing fantasy, playing fantasy board games. One week I love something then the next I can take it or leave it. It comes in cycles and must be very irritating for people buying me gifts.
Jacob Sannox
I am currently a third of the way through the second in the Dark Oak series. It's nice to be excited about it!
I'm also writing an urban fantasy set in London. More details to follow!
I'm also writing an urban fantasy set in London. More details to follow!
Jacob Sannox
You don't realise how little you know about anything until you try to write about it. Been to the drive-thru a thousand times, right? What happens on the other side of the window?
It's the year 1100. Do you start work at a certain time? How do you know the time? How often did people sleep in?
How does a firefighter get into the fire station? Fobs, keys, swipecards?
Writing is learning. Writing is experiencing new things! Unless you just make up the answers, of course...
It's the year 1100. Do you start work at a certain time? How do you know the time? How often did people sleep in?
How does a firefighter get into the fire station? Fobs, keys, swipecards?
Writing is learning. Writing is experiencing new things! Unless you just make up the answers, of course...
Jacob Sannox
If I'm losing momentum and tensing up, I'll walk away from the keyboard for a while to try and relax. I might do the washing up or clean up a bit!
When I return, I'll start writing a scene for later in the book - something which excites me and flows easily. That might turn into a whole chapter.
I try to avoid getting writer's block by constantly updating a chapter plan. I have a rough idea for a word count for a book, divide it by my average chapter length and write just a few words about what I think will happen. When I start writing a chapter, I don't stick to that plan because I like characters to make their own choices. When I'm done for the day, I then modify the rest of the chapter plan to reflect the butterfly effect instigated by the character.
Having those single sentence chapter summaries in front of me, is like looking up at a cliff face with all the hand and footholds clearly marked. It gives me hope that there is a way up!
When I return, I'll start writing a scene for later in the book - something which excites me and flows easily. That might turn into a whole chapter.
I try to avoid getting writer's block by constantly updating a chapter plan. I have a rough idea for a word count for a book, divide it by my average chapter length and write just a few words about what I think will happen. When I start writing a chapter, I don't stick to that plan because I like characters to make their own choices. When I'm done for the day, I then modify the rest of the chapter plan to reflect the butterfly effect instigated by the character.
Having those single sentence chapter summaries in front of me, is like looking up at a cliff face with all the hand and footholds clearly marked. It gives me hope that there is a way up!
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