Olivia

Olivia asked Charlie N. Holmberg:

How do you keep yourself from falling out of love with a story idea? It seems like every time I have a good idea for a book, the more work and thought I put into it, the more it loses its magic-no matter how much I love the idea. Any tips?

Charlie N. Holmberg Sorry for the delay in answering! One of the reasons I write so many standalones is so I don't overwork an idea to the point of not loving it. Though sometimes I just... breakup with a story (last year I stopped working on a novel I had already written 68,000 words on. It was sad). It doesn't happen often, thank goodness, but when it happens I try to accept it and move on. If I've lost interest, maybe the reader would have, too.

Have you tried discovery writing? Putting less effort into planning and outlining and just going for it? It might help you hold on to your mojo a little longer. :)

More Answered Questions

Christina Gould

Christina Gould asked Charlie N. Holmberg:

I just finished the entire Paper Magician series, Magic Bitter Magic Sweet, and Followed by Frost (my favorite) since the new year. Followed by Frost was my favorite by far. I read somewhere that you studied under Brandon Sanderson, who creates the most in depth worlds so it is no wonder I loved all of yours so much. What was it like studying under him? I have so many questions!

Kourosh Keshavarz

Kourosh Keshavarz asked Charlie N. Holmberg:

Charlie I am hooked on the whole magician series. I finished the paper magician a couple of weeks ago followed by the plastic magician and the fifth doll. I really love the universe you created. In particular I liked the rebellious Alvie and her slacks in early twenty century London. Please keep this series going?

Melanie Hale

Melanie Hale asked Charlie N. Holmberg:

I love your books and style of writing! I just finished The Spellbreaker and can’t wait for the sequel/trilogy. (There is more to the story, right?) Elsie and Bacchus are as great as Ceony and Emery.

All answers from Charlie N. Holmberg…

Charlie N. Holmberg

8,639 followers

To ask Charlie N. Holmberg a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions