Ask the Author: Beth Abbott
Answered Questions (6)
Beth Abbott
Thankfully, I've never had prolonged writer's block, but like all writers, I've reached points where I'll use any excuse to walk away from my laptop! You know what I mean? Those moments when it becomes absolutely essential that you clean the bathroom, shave your legs, or walk the goldfish? They usually coincide with me getting to a tricky place in the plot, where I can't quite figure out how to approach a certain scene, especially when it has to be written from various perspectives. Sometimes they last an hour, or I might have a couple of days when the writing is really slow going. But then I'll figure out a sentence or a paragraph that gets me back on track, and it's full steam ahead.
Beth Abbott
I guess the best thing is when you get feedback - any feedback. Sure, it's lovely when it's positive and encouraging, as it gives you a boost when you're looking for that extra bit of energy to finish the next chapter. But sometimes the best feedback is when someone gives you constructive criticism, or even lets you know about a typo! It shows that the readers care enough about your book to want you to make it perfect. Like most authors, I love to talk to people about my books, and especially my characters, which is why I give out my real e-mail address and encourage people to let me know what they think. Sometimes I think people get in touch only half believing they'll get a response, or thinking that if I reply, it'll be something copied and pasted and generic. Nope! You e-mail me, you get an e-mail back! That's how it works in my world! It may take me up to a day to get back to you, or it may take just an hour, but that's because I absolutely hate replying from my phone, and always wait until I can get to my laptop, and let you have something meaningful. That's usually evenings (UK time) or weekends.
Beth Abbott
Just go for it! That's my best advice!
I stopped writing for such a long time because I allowed everything else to get in the way. Family, work, excuses! I allowed my joy of reading replace my enjoyment in writing, and even though I loved (almost) every book I read, I regret that I didn't have the courage to get back to writing a long time ago. The scariest thing I ever did was publish my books on Amazon Kindle, because I think of them as "just my stories". I was petrified that people would hate them and leave awful reviews, and similarly I was convinced that people would think I was a fraud! Not a "real" writer at all! (I still have trouble describing myself as an "author"!)So far, at least, nobody has posted a one star review, or come back and said they hate my books, although I try and stay ready and braced for the day someone does. I keep reminding myself that not everyone likes the same books. But if I let my insecurities get the better of me, I might as well stop writing, and that would be heart-breaking for me now.
So be brave, and go for it! And if you get half way through a book and don't seem to be able to finish it? Start a different one, until the inspiration comes back to you! Write for pleasure rather than profit, and you'll get a lot more enjoyment from it.
I stopped writing for such a long time because I allowed everything else to get in the way. Family, work, excuses! I allowed my joy of reading replace my enjoyment in writing, and even though I loved (almost) every book I read, I regret that I didn't have the courage to get back to writing a long time ago. The scariest thing I ever did was publish my books on Amazon Kindle, because I think of them as "just my stories". I was petrified that people would hate them and leave awful reviews, and similarly I was convinced that people would think I was a fraud! Not a "real" writer at all! (I still have trouble describing myself as an "author"!)So far, at least, nobody has posted a one star review, or come back and said they hate my books, although I try and stay ready and braced for the day someone does. I keep reminding myself that not everyone likes the same books. But if I let my insecurities get the better of me, I might as well stop writing, and that would be heart-breaking for me now.
So be brave, and go for it! And if you get half way through a book and don't seem to be able to finish it? Start a different one, until the inspiration comes back to you! Write for pleasure rather than profit, and you'll get a lot more enjoyment from it.
Beth Abbott
I'm currently working on Shattered, Book 2 in the Stalwart Security Series (Book 8 overall). It's Sam's story, (who first appears in Relentless, Book 1, SSS) but we've jumped about nine months from where Relentless finished, so we see plenty more of the Stalwart family, and see how life is shaping up for them. (Sorry for not being more detailed, but I didn't want to have to add a "Spoiler alert"!)
Beth Abbott
It might sound corny, but my characters inspire me, as they've been floating around my head for so long, I just love to tell their stories. I also find that when something odd or funny happens in my "normal life" that would work for one of my characters, I can't wait to get the chance to use it, even if it takes two books to get there!
Beth Abbott
My two series actually follow on from each other, so by the time I finish one book, I at least know who the lead male character will be in the next book. Sometimes I've already had a "lightbulb" moment before I've finished the previous book, but other times the story unfolds as I'm trying to flesh out who my new leading lady will be. Once or twice, I've had the story in my head for quite a while and have just been waiting to get to that character's book to write it. (CJ's story comes to mind here.)
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