Ask the Author: Amanda Fleet
Answered Questions (5)
Amanda Fleet
I've just finished a first draft for a book and I'll be working on editing a different book while that one 'sits' for a bit. I'm also preparing for the launch of The Wrong Kind of Clouds so I'm doing quite a bit of publicity work too.
Amanda Fleet
The best thing for me is the freedom to work in a way that I want to. That's not always 9-5, Monday to Friday. I am more creative in the morning and late afternoon/early evening, so I don't always write after lunch, but do other things instead like go for a walk, do chores, read a book, browse online. Not many employers let you do that!
I suppose the other great aspect is that I'm doing what I love to do (most of the time) - creating characters, building worlds, solving puzzles... it's not work if you love what you're doing!
I suppose the other great aspect is that I'm doing what I love to do (most of the time) - creating characters, building worlds, solving puzzles... it's not work if you love what you're doing!
Amanda Fleet
I have a few tricks, though they don't always work! The first is not to keep pushing on a closed door. Do something different. I tend to go for a run or a long walk. Sometimes just a change of scenery or a break can do the trick.
Read. Read as much as you can and with variety. Read a genre you've never tried before or an author you've not read before. Even if it doesn't help with the writer's block, at least you've read something new.
Talk to people. Chat to people in bus queues or waiting rooms. Sit in cafes and people watch. Ask yourself questions about the people you see and imagine the answers. "Where is she going in such a hurry? Is she running away from, or towards something? What? Why?"
Brains are like the rest of our bodies - they need rest (breaks) and food (both physical and intellectual stimuli). Give them what they need.
Read. Read as much as you can and with variety. Read a genre you've never tried before or an author you've not read before. Even if it doesn't help with the writer's block, at least you've read something new.
Talk to people. Chat to people in bus queues or waiting rooms. Sit in cafes and people watch. Ask yourself questions about the people you see and imagine the answers. "Where is she going in such a hurry? Is she running away from, or towards something? What? Why?"
Brains are like the rest of our bodies - they need rest (breaks) and food (both physical and intellectual stimuli). Give them what they need.
Amanda Fleet
Don't give up. I know everyone says this and it can feel like a trite answer, but I mean it. If you are burning to write, then write.
I would also suggest trying to find another writer to have as a writing 'buddy' - someone you can bounce ideas off, share writing with and celebrate successes with. Another writer knows what you're going through better than many. They will cheer you on as well as cheer you up and offer practical advice.
I would also suggest trying to find another writer to have as a writing 'buddy' - someone you can bounce ideas off, share writing with and celebrate successes with. Another writer knows what you're going through better than many. They will cheer you on as well as cheer you up and offer practical advice.
Amanda Fleet
The idea for The Wrong Kind of Clouds grew out of thinking about how far you would go to help someone you didn't like. If they called you and their life was in danger, would you try to save them, even if things had ended badly between you? I also wanted to write about Malawi as it's a place that I love and few people have visited.
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