Ask the Author: Nicole J. Simms
Answered Questions (6)
Nicole J. Simms
I was looking at my short story spreadsheet and noticed that I had many unpublished drabbles (100-word stories). Then an idea popped into my head: I could group these stories into a collection. So, I edited my current drabbles and wrote some new drabbles to create The Book of Drabbles, which is a collection of 20 drabbles.
Nicole J. Simms
If it’s for a current big project like a novella or a novel, there are times where I have to force myself to write and not wait for inspiration. But, I do have a process to get myself in the writing mood. I lock myself away in my bedroom (I don’t have an office), sit at my desk, play instrumental music or listen to nature’s music (the sounds from outside) and think about my story. Where am I in the story? What happens next? With the story in my mind, I start to daydream and soon enough, I start to write.
I also have an ideas notebook where I jot down ideas that pop into my head, snippets of conversations, strange news topics or anything that could grow into a story. So, if I’m working on something smaller like a flash fiction story or a short story, or looking for a new idea for a new novel, I can refer back to my ideas notebook and see if anything inspires me to write.
Also, being part of a fantastic writing group (The Oldbury Writing Group) inspires me to write, especially when we go on group trips. There’s something about sharing your passion for writing with others that motives you to put pen to paper.
I also have an ideas notebook where I jot down ideas that pop into my head, snippets of conversations, strange news topics or anything that could grow into a story. So, if I’m working on something smaller like a flash fiction story or a short story, or looking for a new idea for a new novel, I can refer back to my ideas notebook and see if anything inspires me to write.
Also, being part of a fantastic writing group (The Oldbury Writing Group) inspires me to write, especially when we go on group trips. There’s something about sharing your passion for writing with others that motives you to put pen to paper.
Nicole J. Simms
I’m currently editing my horror flash fiction collection. This collection will contain 54 horror stories of no more than 1000 words. Once completed, the book will be available to buy in e-book or paperback formats.
I’m also planning a supernatural novella and working on ideas for my fantasy flash fiction collection.
I’m also planning a supernatural novella and working on ideas for my fantasy flash fiction collection.
Nicole J. Simms
Never give up, even when faced with constant rejection.
At the beginning of my writing journey, I was close to giving up on my dream. I had received rejection after rejection, and after each one, I questioned my ability to write. But, I pushed through my fears and one day I finally received a story acceptance. The story acceptance, and everything else that has followed, would never have happened if I had given up — perseverance is key.
You should also never stop learning or improving. You should read as much as you can and read wide, even genres you don’t normally read, because this is the best way to learn your craft. And keep writing because this is the only way your writing will ever improve.
At the beginning of my writing journey, I was close to giving up on my dream. I had received rejection after rejection, and after each one, I questioned my ability to write. But, I pushed through my fears and one day I finally received a story acceptance. The story acceptance, and everything else that has followed, would never have happened if I had given up — perseverance is key.
You should also never stop learning or improving. You should read as much as you can and read wide, even genres you don’t normally read, because this is the best way to learn your craft. And keep writing because this is the only way your writing will ever improve.
Nicole J. Simms
The best thing about being a writer is that I can bring my daydreams to life and share them with others. It feels weird, but also exciting to think that the stories I create started life as a random thought in my head. There’s something magical about it — it’s the only way I can be a wizard.
Nicole J. Simms
Sometimes I try to push through writer’s block. But, when I can’t, I give myself a break and do something completely different — I knit, spend time in the garden, watch a film, waste time on social media, etc. I do anything to take my mind off writing, and after a break, I can write again.
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