Ask the Author: Dan Gray
Answered Questions (6)
Dan Gray
I back away from it, and do something else. As mentioned, wood working is another source for me. If I can't write, I'll physically make something. A lot of times while that process is going on, so is my subconscious. When I sit back down at the computer, a lot of times, I've already moved past the block.
Dan Gray
Creativity! Seeing your first short story in print. I also work in wood turning, and the sense of creativity is the same. When I'm standing in front of my wood lathe and the wood shavings are piling up on my hands, it's the same feeling as when the words are flowing.
Dan Gray
Write. Rewrite. Keep writing. Don't write it if it doesn't touch something within you. And most importantly, write only for yourself. That being said, rejection is part of the game. Learn to deal with that, and take lessons from it. I don't think anyone ever sat down and wrote their first story and it was perfect. Criticism is invaluable. So is the choice whether to accept it, or not.
Dan Gray
I'm currently at work on another novel. I originally wrote it as a short story, then turned it into a screenplay, then decided it was probably better as a novel. I've just started it, now that I've finished with Beast. I'm also thinking about putting together some of my short stories into a book. Hope to finish that before the end of the year.
Dan Gray
Some days are better than others. If I'm having a difficult time, I'll go back and edit what I've already written and that seems to help with the process. Other times, my fingers can't move fast enough on the keyboard to keep up with the flow. I'm sometimes amazed at how much time has passed while I've written.
Dan Gray
Usually, I can't begin to explain this, but in the instance of Beast, I clearly remember the moment. I have property that I was having developed for a vacation home. It was just after sunset, and I was sitting on a small knoll enjoying the view. The fog had moved in so that I was isolated above the fog, and the idea for Beast came to me, based on that experience. You'll find that moment as a necessary theme to the book.
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