Ask the Author: Ashleigh Gauch
Answered Questions (5)
Ashleigh Gauch
Everything inspires me. I keep a notebook, a Strikethru journal (like a Bullet Journal, but more organised) and all throughout the day when a story idea or concept hooks me I'll write it down. When I'm done with my current WIP, I'll look through this idea bank and see what grabs me the hardest. The more excited I am about an idea, the more enthusiastic and engaged I'll be when I write it, and the rough draft writes itself. I am somewhere in the middle between a pantser and a plotter - I blueprint major scenes in a beat sheet, then fill in the rest as I write the "connective tissue."
Ashleigh Gauch
A transgressive sci-fi short piece called Ground Floor, and a longer term horror/sci-fi novel called Covenant of the Hollow.
Ashleigh Gauch
Write from prompts every day, read a TON of work in the genres you like, both contemporary and classic, and join a critique group with an open mind. Listen closely to criticism. Often the critique you resist is the most on-point.
Shape your voice through practice. Don't try to imitate the greats, but study what you can from their techniques. Trust yourself. Don't listen to the inner voice that tells you no, you can't, that idea is stupid. There's always the second, fourth, tenth, hundredth draft.
Study story structure. Really. It makes a difference.
Love your craft with all you are. Disappear into it until the all the pains and naysaying of the world vanishes into a puff of smoke, until it's just you and your story. Listen to the whispers of your characters. Revel in their stories, their worlds. Let go of your ego in service of true Art.
Shape your voice through practice. Don't try to imitate the greats, but study what you can from their techniques. Trust yourself. Don't listen to the inner voice that tells you no, you can't, that idea is stupid. There's always the second, fourth, tenth, hundredth draft.
Study story structure. Really. It makes a difference.
Love your craft with all you are. Disappear into it until the all the pains and naysaying of the world vanishes into a puff of smoke, until it's just you and your story. Listen to the whispers of your characters. Revel in their stories, their worlds. Let go of your ego in service of true Art.
Ashleigh Gauch
EVERYTHING!
...
Oh, you wanted a real answer? The community, to start with. There's nothing better than sharing craft with a passionate group of serious writers. My critique group is wonderful, as are the teachers I've worked with in workshops and classes. It's worth every minute to invest in community.
Bringing the worlds in my head to life is the other wondrous thing. To watch the raw stuff fro my brain take shape on the page, then sculpt it into something readable, enchanting, intriguing, creepy, beautiful - it lights my soul on fire.
...
Oh, you wanted a real answer? The community, to start with. There's nothing better than sharing craft with a passionate group of serious writers. My critique group is wonderful, as are the teachers I've worked with in workshops and classes. It's worth every minute to invest in community.
Bringing the worlds in my head to life is the other wondrous thing. To watch the raw stuff fro my brain take shape on the page, then sculpt it into something readable, enchanting, intriguing, creepy, beautiful - it lights my soul on fire.
Ashleigh Gauch
I make myself sit down and start writing a few words, any words. Usually, if I'm having a hard time with my Work in Progress, I'll find a prompt and write at least 500 words in response to it. If the creative juices aren't flowing by then, at least I know I practiced my craft for the day, worked on a skill. Usually I'll end up chomping at the bit to get back to my WIP though.
My other favourite thing to do is put on an album like Transmissions from Starset, or almost anything from Nox Arcana that fits in the genre I'm writing. That gets the words going just as well.
My other favourite thing to do is put on an album like Transmissions from Starset, or almost anything from Nox Arcana that fits in the genre I'm writing. That gets the words going just as well.
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
Learn more