Ask the Author: Chris Ord
Answered Questions (10)
Chris Ord
I love searching for new ideas and scenarios. I always carry a notebook and am forever jotting things down. I never storyboard before writing, I start with a scenario and the main characters and let the story unfold. This makes the writing process more exciting for me as each day I come to it with fresh ideas. There are also no expectations about what I must write which I would find intimidating. While I’m writing I become obsessed with that story and spend all my time thinking about what might happen next. Sometimes this approach leads me down dead ends, hence I need to be brutal and honest with myself. If something isn’t working I have to let it go, and I cull a lot of sections in my first drafts. This approach works for me, at least for now. I’ve tried lots of others over the years which haven’t. It’s true that there is no right or wrong way to write, only your way.
My least favourite part of writing is easy - I hate editing my own work.
My least favourite part of writing is easy - I hate editing my own work.
Chris Ord
Discipline is the most important quality I bring to the writing process. I try to write as much as I can and when I’m working on a novel I set daily word targets. I record everything on a spreadsheet and give myself rewards when I hit key milestones. I approach each piece of writing as I would a project. The momentum this discipline brings means I can get a first draft completed relatively quickly. These drafts are raw and need a lot of subsequent work, but the energy and drive comes through in the writing. For me this momentum is vital.
In terms of hinderance, self doubt is the most crippling part of the creative process. This and the fear that someday you may have to share your work with readers. We all have these anxieties and every writer I have met talks about this. At the beginning of every session I write on a post it note ‘No-one needs to read this.’ I place it on the desk next to me. Once I remind myself I am writing for me then I feel liberated from the fear and doubt. If other people enjoy what I write it’s a bonus, the main thing is that I enjoy the process and all the challenges it brings.
Chris Ord
I'm planning on reading 'The Handmaid's Tale' again. It's been a long time since I read it, and I have more than a passing interest in dystopian fiction at the moment. The new TV series is tremendous. I'm only two episodes in, but am hooked. Did anyone spot the shadowy cameo by Margaret Atwood in episode one?
Chris Ord
It's a good question and a tricky one! Heathcliff and Cathy from 'Wuthering Heights' would be strong contenders. It is one of the most powerful and enduring love stories. However, I will go Tess and Angel from 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles.' It's one of my favourite stories, and perhaps the greatest tragedy. I love Hardy's descriptive language and his ability to capture a place.
Chris Ord
Ideas are everything in writing. I think all writers are always on the lookout for the next great idea. I'm always jotting things down. They may be random thoughts, something I hear or read, a line from a song that inspires a story. Ideas can come from anywhere.
The book I have just finished is inspired by a true event. It's quite a well known story locally. It struck me that it would make the basis of a great novel, but it wasn't enough in itself. I had another idea of a fairy story based on a local folk tale. I decided to merge the two and create something darker and more mysterious.
The book I have just finished is inspired by a true event. It's quite a well known story locally. It struck me that it would make the basis of a great novel, but it wasn't enough in itself. I had another idea of a fairy story based on a local folk tale. I decided to merge the two and create something darker and more mysterious.
Chris Ord
If I am working on a novel the story is always floating around in my head. When I'm out running or walking ideas are always being tossed around. I try different scenarios and plot twists. I never plan or storyboard a book from the start. I begin with a scenario and let the story unfold. I find that more exciting and the inspiration becomes an ongoing process. For me if there was a story planned already that I had to get down onto paper it would feel more like a task than a creative process. Everybody is different though. As a writer you have to find what works best for you.
Chris Ord
I am currently editing a mystery set in nineteenth century Northumberland. I hope to have that ready to publish sometime in 2017.
I am also working on the follow up to 'Becoming.' The working title is 'Awakening.' I always intended that 'Becoming' would be the first in a series of books. When I reached the end I realised there was more to tell with these characters so that is my next big piece of work.
I am also working on the follow up to 'Becoming.' The working title is 'Awakening.' I always intended that 'Becoming' would be the first in a series of books. When I reached the end I realised there was more to tell with these characters so that is my next big piece of work.
Chris Ord
What have I learned from my journey so far? Here are a few of my thoughts, I’m sure they will echo with many writers. Hopefully, they will reassure and encourage those that aspire to write, but have hit one of the many barriers we all face.
1. Don’t try to write the next Booker prize or the classic British novel. You probably won’t. If you approach writing with your ego you’ll be crippled by the blank page. Of course, it isn’t the page that’s being brutal, you’re punishing yourself. Free yourself from the staring eyes of others and simply write the best story that you can at that moment. What more can anyone ask?
2. Write about something you love. If you love something the chances are it'll show and you never know someone else might love it too.
3. Write with a person in mind. I have written my first book for my eldest son Jake. I wanted to write a story that captures the struggle of growing up, making the difficult and scary transition into the adult world. I hope what I have done inspires him to find and do what he loves. Like everyone, I guess I'd like my kids to follow their hearts and realise their dreams. We influence our kids in more ways than we, or they will probably ever know.
4. Everyone has a story to tell, and I always tell people to find their story and have the courage to tell it. Don't be daunted by the mountain. Think of it as a series of stages. Reaching each stage is an achievement in itself and will spur you to the summit. One word at a time, that is all. You can do it.
1. Don’t try to write the next Booker prize or the classic British novel. You probably won’t. If you approach writing with your ego you’ll be crippled by the blank page. Of course, it isn’t the page that’s being brutal, you’re punishing yourself. Free yourself from the staring eyes of others and simply write the best story that you can at that moment. What more can anyone ask?
2. Write about something you love. If you love something the chances are it'll show and you never know someone else might love it too.
3. Write with a person in mind. I have written my first book for my eldest son Jake. I wanted to write a story that captures the struggle of growing up, making the difficult and scary transition into the adult world. I hope what I have done inspires him to find and do what he loves. Like everyone, I guess I'd like my kids to follow their hearts and realise their dreams. We influence our kids in more ways than we, or they will probably ever know.
4. Everyone has a story to tell, and I always tell people to find their story and have the courage to tell it. Don't be daunted by the mountain. Think of it as a series of stages. Reaching each stage is an achievement in itself and will spur you to the summit. One word at a time, that is all. You can do it.
Chris Ord
You get to create your own worlds every day. There's something exciting about sitting in front of a blank screen and facing endless opportunities. I hear many writers speak of the tyranny of the blank page. I prefer to think of its possibilities.
Chris Ord
I try and write something every day. If I'm not working on a novel or short story then I will write a blog or Facebook post. As long as I'm writing that is the important thing. When I'm working on something longer I try to be very disciplined. I set myself a daily word target and try to stick to it. One of the best bits of advice I read was to concentrate on the story and not the sentence. I think we can be drawn into being overly analytical and trying to write the perfect sentence all the time. You have to try and free yourself from unrealistic expectations and enjoy the process.
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