Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Steven wrote: "ok I have some questions for any author or authors that want to answer it.
When starting a story, do you ever just start writing something not knowing where it's going to go? Do you always know ho..."

I often start stories not knowing where they are going but those stories often don't end up getting finished. When I write an outline, it's always helpful, but I find it soooo hard to do! Nearly all my finished stories have had a clear ending in my head when I started them. But sometimes I enjoy just going with the flow...

Julie wrote: "Okay, okay! I admit it! I'm utterly lacking in confidence. I'm terrified my book isn't good enough, that it won't stand up to critical eyes.

But what else can I do? I can't give up on myself, can I?"

I don't know any writer - published or unpublished - who doesn't regularly feel like this! I often have those doubts about my own books. Just remind yourself that feeling worried about your book is normal for a writer (and then get back to work ;-)

My first line is:

Waer and I may be the only survivors from our little village by the lake, and I don't think he will live much longer.

This is in a prologue I created because my first 2 chapters are a bit slow - a lot of tea drinking etc... :)

Aside from the Hobbit I can't think of any opening lines that I adore.

Regarding who you write for : I learned somewhere along the way that a writer should have a target reader in mind. So on the one hand I decided to write the sort of book I would like to read, and on the other I was thinking of a target reader, rather younger than myself maybe, who liked a similar genre. My best reviews on Amazon have I think come from such people. I believe that there needs to be a cross-over between what the author really wants to write, from the heart, and how that can translate to what other people want to read.

Alice wrote: "Steven wrote: "ok I have some questions for any author or authors that want to answer it.
When starting a story, do you ever just start writing something not knowing where it's going to go? Do you..."
I don't start writing until I have a basic idea of characters, situation, and intended outcome. Then I 'write into the mist' as someone described it. The characters reveal themselves and the plot 'thickens' as they show me their secrets. The book may end up pretty much where I thought it would, but the journey is one of discovery.

If you write to express who you are, you write to please yourself. The devil with editors who are concerned only about sales. I had a small niche publisher tell me I would have to rewrite much of my Revolutionary War novel because much of the dialogue (and some of the narration) would put off too many "ordinary" readers. They weren't patient or smart enough. They want books that are easy to read. I decided then to self-publish.

Julie wrote: "Okay, okay! I admit it! I'm utterly lacking in confidence. I'm terrified my book isn't good enough, that it won't stand up to critical eyes.

But what else can I do? I can't give up on myself, can I?"

Never give up on yourself. Get all the critical feedback you can and roll with the punches. And always remember, not everyone will like what you have to write; all you have to do is find the people who do like it.

I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?

I find myself on the verge of doing just that as I have several good concepts I want to develop, but frightened at the prospect of not doing them justice.

So I write extensive notes - pages at at time. But I'm also worried I won't be able to rekindle the passion if I go back to one of them months or years later.

Ed wrote: "I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?

I find myself on the verge of doing just..."

I only write one book at a time, but I'm often writing one book, editing another, and promoting yet another. I haven't had any issues, but I know when I've talked to some other authors they have. It just depends on you and whether or not you can flip back and forth like that.

Heck, I can't even read one book while I'm writing one. Much less write two at a time.

I've worked on two books at the same time, but one was in first draft, while the other was in rewrites. The stories stayed separate in my mind, that wasn't the problem.

But I felt as if I wasn't giving my full attention to either project. I met the deadline, and haven't set myself up the same way since.

Ed wrote: "I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?

I find myself on the verge of doing just..."

Yes. I read multiple books, and I write multiple books. I have five reading books in progress. When I start I have a goal in mind; perhaps to get to 25% and switch to the next book. Of the five, I've abandoned one book. It will never be read. Another book contains great writing, but it is so outside of my zone that it will take effort to stay with it. Still another book will probably force me to concentrate on it until I finish it. It's exactly what I like. I almost abandoned an Amish book, but it got better.

In 2011 I sat a self challenge; to write more than one book at a time. I wanted to see if I could do that. It wasn't easy, but I was surprised at how focused that forced me to become. I would write about 4,000 words, and then I would switched to the other book. Sometimes I wrote more, because I would get in a zone, or I would be halfway through a scene, but most of the time I was able to make the switch.

I should have mentioned that I am currently writing three books, but they are all in the same series. The challenge is to keep the voices different. That is when an extensive vocabulary is essential.

The story is told of C.J. Cherryh, a very prolific writer. She begins book A. The moment it gives her the slightest difficulty she drops it and starts book B. When book B becomes difficult, she closes that file and opens up a new document to start book C.
By the time book C gets sticky, Book A has aged long enough. She opens that document and writes on it until it becomes troublesome. She goes around like this, and whenever a book is done she pulls it out, sending it off to her agent, and the next time around she plugs in book D.
You can write a LOT of fiction that way.

As to writing for a reader.I wrote a novel specifically for C.S. Lewis. I hit all the things I knew would turn him on, the mythological stuff, the theological underpinnings. I even named the hero Lewis, so as to keep that in mind. It worked fine.
I am now writing a novel for Wilkie Collins. Again, it will hit all his hot buttons: English legal issues, the status of marriage in society, damsels in distress, the journal format. It should be super.

I have three on the go at the moment plus two awaiting editing and a few outlines or half started oh and a collection of short stories. I fly between them depending on mood. I also have two that I am reading fiction and some half read non-fiction that I am making slow progress through

Regarding writing for a certain audience: I write for children, so have to have that in mind when I write my stories, and also have to have at least a rough idea of the age I'm aiming the story at so as to make the language and content age appropriate.

Regarding writing more than one story at a time: I almost always have two or more writing projects on the go at once. Although, I will usually make one a priority over the other(s) and focus the larger part of my writing time on that one; the other(s) give me something to write when I need to step away from the first story for a bit.

I'm doing revisions on one that has been through its first critiquing round. (It will go through three or four more.) I am trying to wrap up the sequel but that may take a while. I have the beginning of the one that follows that, and half a "short" story in progress. Sometimes ideas need to get written, no matter where I am in the process of the other books.

I stick to one at a time. I have ideas for others, but usually just jot down notes to jog my memory when I have time for them. Once I finish a draft of my current WIP, I take a break and get started I others. After a few weeks, I go back to my main and revise again.

I always have at least one or two going on at the same time. My husband calls me A.D.D. since I bounce around between writing, editing, revisions. He can never keep track of what I'm working on. I go wherever the mood strikes me.

Stephan wrote: "Hello,

I do have a question for authors. It's a general question: when you write, do you have a particular kind of reader in mind. If so, do you adapt your writing to what you expect the readers ..."

Very good question Stephan. I initially wrote my autobiography the way I considered it should be presented. However, a number of comments and observations have caused me to rethink this. It appears many modern day readers do not like very much detail or background information. Many also seem to only want story form books. I have therefore been working on an abridged edition which takes these elements into account. It is not the writing style I would normally chose and from that perspective is being written with these type of readers in mind. It has proven difficult as it is not my normal style. Having said that I have to admit the challenge has been enlightening and I hope will help in the writing of my future books. (I should in fairness acknowledge my original manuscript, for reasons I will not bore you with, has multiple errors. However, I do not think that in itself negates the style I originally chose.). Some will argue that to compromise in this way is not good. Nonetheless, if we really do want people to read out books there is a need, to some degree, to take the readers preferences into account.

Ed wrote: "I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?

I'm one who does just that. There are times when I have to step away from one for a few days, even weeks, but because I truly hate having nothing to write (it's right up there with having nothing to read), I always have an alternate or two. Mostly, though, I try to have them in different genres. Same with reading. If I'm writing SF, I read romance or thrillers. If I'm writing romance, I read SF or thrillers. I don't write thrillers or romantic suspense, which are among my favorite reads. I usually have one for listening to on the iPhone in bed, and a couple of others to read on my iPad's Kindle app. My eyesight's deteriorated so badly I can't recall the last time I actually read a printed on paper book--except for a picture book for my little grandson.

Ed wrote: "are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?"

Yes. I do. I just published a paranormal romance that reached the end before the dystopian, the sci-fi, and the autobiography (and the screenplay.) I didn't know which one would be finished first. (Looks like the dystopian will be out next.)

There are several benefits to doing this, if it suits you. You can finish a book, then finish another a few months later. :)

Even better than that is if you find yourself with "writer's block," you can consider your other works-in-progress and see if you're not blocked on any of them.

I usually find that if I reach a roadblock on what I'm currently writing, the road is free and clear on another book, so I just switch.

It's a little crazy, but if you feel inclined to do it - go for it. You might find it works out well for you too.

Ed wrote: "I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?

I find myself on the verge of doing just..."
I can only write one book at a time I'm afraid. I have to get caught up in the world and the characters I'm creating until, in the end, they feel as though they really exist. I couldn't swop between worlds, I'm sure, without losing the passion. I have enough difficulty promoting one book whilst writing the next!
And as far as writing for the reader or writing for myself, I think on balance I have to write for myself. Every reader is different so I couldn't possibly please them all. And if I don't love the story and the people in it - with all their flaws - then it would show in my writing; it would be flat. That doesn't work for anyone.

I am writing two books in very different genres, which helps. One is cookbook with a local Charleston chef. The other, in the final editing stages, is a Middle Grades novel. I have found myself adding a few recipes at the end of the novel--so perhaps art influences art!

I haven't been successful at it yet, but I'm often thinking about a new book while finishing up one. The closest I came was after finishing "The Murder House." I started the opening chapter for the next book in the series and also began working on a book about the Harvey Girls which required lots of research and is historical fiction instead of mystery, so something new for me.

What happened? I edited "Cozy Food :128 Cozy Mystery Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes." I didn't mean to; it just happened. LOL

Ed wrote: "I know many readers often read multiple books at the same time. The question is: are there any authors out there who write multiple books at the same time?"

I sometimes write three separate works at the same time, that is, I shift from my 3rd person novel to my 1st person novel to my 3rd person short story... Sometimes I shift within days, other times I will spend a week on a story and then shift over to the other story.

I am currently writing two books at the same time. My only rule, said books have to be in different genres or I get all confused!

Stephan wrote: "Hello,

I do have a question for authors. It's a general question: when you write, do you have a particular kind of reader in mind. If so, do you adapt your writing to what you expect the readers ..."

I write for middle grade students up through young adult, so yes I have a particular kind of reader in mind. As a teacher I can tell what kinds of elements they like in a book. I know fantasy is popular with middle grade and up, but I need to be more specific and put in my fantasy what they would like, humor and such. I also make sure the language is appropriate and no graphic violence, and so forth.

Lenita wrote: "Stephan wrote: "Hello,

I do have a question for authors. It's a general question: when you write, do you have a particular kind of reader in mind. If so, do you adapt your writing to what you exp..."

I write, under a pen name, for me. In other words, what I'd like to read. If I tried to write for someone else, the story would be stale.

I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?

Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Are you kidding? It's no trouble finding inspiration, it's more of a problem having too many ideas. We call ourselves "writers" so the people in the white coats don't lock us up for hearing voices.

lol thanks stan

Stan wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Are you kidding? It's no trouble finding inspiration, it's more of a problem having too many ideas. We call our..."

Yep - me too. I have five story ideas pending right now!

Stan's so right. One of my books seemed more like a matter of me taking dictation than writing. I couldn't wait to see what my characters were going to tell me next.

Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

I usually have with a scene or a character in mind and just I start writing. Sometimes, I get ideas from dreams. With some, I ask a what if question like what if there was a world where money didn't exist.

Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

I guess I'm just blessed with a huge imagination. I just "make up stuff." It comes from having a wonderful childhood growing up in the Alaskan woods. Also, I've always been a dreamer.

I would agree with Stan.

Stan is right.Imaginary people talk to us when we're awake. We watch people and note what they say, in fact we steal their behavior sometimes shamelessly, (the bank robbery scene in "Mags and the AARP Gang" was absolutely stolen from real life until Melvin's gun went off) and sometimes we act out scenes when we're home alone.

Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Nicole, I think it's more a matter of wanting to write a book and you think of an idea and then sit down and start writing anything, no matter how badly it may come out on paper because you will be revising your book several times.

Writer get ideas from everyday life, or from the newspaper, or the ideas are in your head and from many other places. The idea to write my mystery, The Ginseng Conspiracy just popped into my head after a conversation with a couple we met on a trip. But the setting, background, characters came from everyday life and personal experiences.

I hope this helps.
Susan Bernhardt

Since I write action adventure sci-fi, I get ideas from the Science channel, the history channel, discovery channel, and a few others. My inspiration comes when I watch an interesting topic and wonder, what if? I then start listing the possibilities. If I feel I can make it into an interesting story line, I start writing.

Al wrote: "Lenita wrote: "Stephan wrote: "Hello,

I do have a question for authors. It's a general question: when you write, do you have a particular kind of reader in mind. If so, do you adapt your writing ..."

I am writing a Middle Grades novel and keep that age group in mind. I do ask readers of this age to read my drafts for their feedback--keeps me up to date!

Nicole wrote: "I'm wondering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Mine comes from the news. Doha 12 is based on a real incident; the near-future world of South is an extension of events and trends going on now; and my WIP revolves around art theft and organized crime. Working with and around real events helps keep my novels attached in some tenuous way to reality.

Stan wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Are you kidding? It's no trouble finding inspiration, it's more of a problem having too many ideas. We call our..."

lol

Yeah, it's more of a challenge to decide which idea to write, because anything can be an inspiration.

I'm usually inspired by an idea that I want to share.

For example, I was wondering one day what would it really, truly be like if you saw a nuclear explosion in the near distance. Aside from what movies and books show us, how do you think people would react in real life?

I imagine that some people would just totally lose it. It would be too much for them to deal with. Others who had a hard life might fare better because it would just be another really bad thing, and not something that was ruining their perfect life. Some might even welcome it, having been restricted from acting out on the bad things they'd always kept themselves from doing.

With those thoughts, I wrote In The End, and I had the characters isolated in a remote community so the focus is on people and the things they do, rather than the politics or national impact, etc.

So, I guess the short answer is, writers often find inspiration from just daydreaming and asking themselves, "What if..."

I hope that helps, Nicole.

I find inspiration in newspaper stories. When I read a story I begin to wonder. For example I based my first mystery on a newspaper article about a child that was born with a brain impairment and the father refused to take him hme from the hospital. Since the article didn't say, I immediately asked myself what happened to the child, where was the mother in all this.

I began making notes. the notes turned into paragraphs and the paragraphs into chapters and a novel was born.

Richard Brawer
www.silklegacy.com

There are two ways to think about this. Stan is right of course, that ideas are everywhere. No problem.
The other true truth, however, is that you do have to work. To just sit and wait for overwhelming inspiration to sweep you away will not do. To get ideas into written form, you have to write. Write every day, if you can manage it. Set yourself a nut, a minimum, even if it's a sentence or two.

Most of my writing follows two courses. It is either about ordinary humans set in extraordinary situations or extraordinary creatures set in ordinary situations.
These two ideas form the basis of my inspiration.

Inspiration? That's something I never have to worry about. I have a vivid, dynamic imagination with no off-switch. My genre, paranormal thriller is about a half notch away from horror, scary stuff, but there's nothing quite as scary as my imagination without an outlet.

Ed wrote: "Stan wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I'm wandering how does the author find inspiration to write books?"

Are you kidding? It's no trouble finding inspiration, it's more of a problem having too many ideas...."

That's pretty much me as well. My biggest problem is filtering out all the terrible ideas to get to the good ones!

The mind is like a garden. If you shovel enough crap into it, something's bound to grow.

Creativity and inspiration for me seems to come from a free association between concepts and scenarios already in my head. They can come from the news or from ideas in books, magazine articles, drunken discussions with friends (late night boxed wine sessions out on the back porch staring up at the sky tend to be really good), from movies or dreams, things you see and hear all around you.

The source of ideas, though, isn't what's important. What's important is how your mind grabs disparate ideas and makes links between them.

I'll give you an example from an unpublished work of mine (that needs huge revisions if it's ever to see the light of day): I was sitting around musing about vampires. I dislike vampire stories as a rule. But then I thought, well what about a vampire that feeds off your soul? At the same time I thought, what if there was an alien that required someone else's soul in order to reproduce? A spiritual vampire who feeds off someone's soul in order to spawn the next generation...I married that idea to a chapter in a psychology book I had from college which demonstrated the symptomatic connections between shamanic religious experiences and psychotic episodes from schizophrenia and other personality disorders. Throw in a dash of Joseph Campbell's Journey of the Hero ideas and other insights gleaned from his comparative mythology and I had the underpinnings of a galaxy-spanning space opera.

Or, from another work of mine, a story idea that came from musing about the two great problems with traveling at very fast speed (as in FTL or very near light speed travel): massive G-forces when you try to do fast course corrections; and the actual physical time of space travel. Both of those could be solved if you can transfer the minds of people into computers, and then place them back into cloned bodies. But then as a joke to myself, I thought what if a male's mind was actually placed into the cloned body of a lesbian? (A switch on the old "lesbian trapped in a man's body" thing). Boom there you go.

However, no idea for a story will ever transform into a full written work (at least for me) unless I also figure out what happens at the end. Given the start, the premise and the end of a story, the middle tends to work itself out...EVENTUALLY. As Brenda said, it still involves work. Inspiration only gets you so far.

C. wrote: "Inspiration? That's something I never have to worry about. I have a vivid, dynamic imagination with no off-switch. My genre, paranormal thriller is about a half notch away from horror, scary stuff,..."

That sounds so arrogant.