Ask the Author: Nathan Bay
Answered Questions (10)
Nathan Bay
Five years ago, a group of trick-or-treaters was run down by a drunk driver. Every Halloween, we hear those children outside crying, but when we look out the window, nobody is there.
Nathan Bay
The first place that comes to mind is Bon Temps, Louisiana, from the Sookie Stackhouse books. From the quirky characters to the vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters, who wouldn't want to hang out there?
As far as what I would do: well, if we're traveling to fictional places, we might as well be fictional characters. I'd want to be one of the shape-shifters so I could blend in and observe.
As far as what I would do: well, if we're traveling to fictional places, we might as well be fictional characters. I'd want to be one of the shape-shifters so I could blend in and observe.
Nathan Bay
I have a feeling it's going to be a summer of erotic gay mysteries for me. I'm currently reading "Lay Your Sleeping Head" by Michael Nava, and I'm hooked. There are seven books in the series, so I think that's what's next for me.
Nathan Bay
Several times throughout my life, I've come across small silver guardian angel emblems. I never recall acquiring them, yet oddly enough, I find them in my possession. There was one in the cup holder of my car, one in my bedside table, and a third one that I don't even remember where I first discovered it.
These discoveries are spaced out over years and span multiple states I've lived in. I just seem to have them. I know the obvious answer is that it's probably a family member or loved one, but how and why? I've quit asking and just accepted that there is some grande symbolism to it all.
If this were a plot for a book, it would be a mystery that leads to a life-changing discovery. Maybe it already is. ;)
These discoveries are spaced out over years and span multiple states I've lived in. I just seem to have them. I know the obvious answer is that it's probably a family member or loved one, but how and why? I've quit asking and just accepted that there is some grande symbolism to it all.
If this were a plot for a book, it would be a mystery that leads to a life-changing discovery. Maybe it already is. ;)
Nathan Bay
"King of the Sea: started with a fleeting idea for a storyline I had in 2013. I pictured a man wandering around the Golden Gate Bridge at night, inebriated on an herbal substance, when he suddenly sees movement in the water. It appears to be a merman, but in his intoxicated state, he isn't certain. I wrote the idea on a note card and didn't develop it any further. It was buried in my desk for three years. Then I found it in 2016, when I was working on a different story, and suddenly all the pieces fit together. That's how "King of the Sea" came to life.
Nathan Bay
I'm working on promoting "King of the Sea" and adding the finishing touches to my next book, "The Invisible Plan," which will be available in summer 2017.
Nathan Bay
Do it. Write every day. Write everything that's causing noise in your head until you're too exhausted to think anymore. Write everything that's aching or spilling out from your heart until you feel completely numb.
Writers are sensitive people. They see the world differently. They notice the shades of crimson when other people simply see red. They sense the pain of a lonely man sitting at a table in the corner when other people just see some guy sipping coffee.
With all this intensity, it's easy to doubt yourself and wonder how you could ever be a writer. Take all that self-doubt and fear and make it into a person. Your inner critic, that mean old bastard. Put a face on him, give him a name, build him into a real person so you can visualize the one who holds you back. Then pack his bags and send him on a vacation for 30 days.
The book "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty inspired me to use this technique. That's a great book, by the way. He is the creator of NaNoWriMo and his book was what helped push me over the edge to start taking writing seriously.
By sending away your inner critic, you can then be free to write whatever you want. Write what's interesting to you. That's all that matters. The more you do it, the easier it will become to get your thoughts out there.
We all have stories to tell. Let's hear yours.
Writers are sensitive people. They see the world differently. They notice the shades of crimson when other people simply see red. They sense the pain of a lonely man sitting at a table in the corner when other people just see some guy sipping coffee.
With all this intensity, it's easy to doubt yourself and wonder how you could ever be a writer. Take all that self-doubt and fear and make it into a person. Your inner critic, that mean old bastard. Put a face on him, give him a name, build him into a real person so you can visualize the one who holds you back. Then pack his bags and send him on a vacation for 30 days.
The book "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty inspired me to use this technique. That's a great book, by the way. He is the creator of NaNoWriMo and his book was what helped push me over the edge to start taking writing seriously.
By sending away your inner critic, you can then be free to write whatever you want. Write what's interesting to you. That's all that matters. The more you do it, the easier it will become to get your thoughts out there.
We all have stories to tell. Let's hear yours.
Nathan Bay
I write down every idea I have, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time. It really could be something as simple as a conversation I overheard in a store, and suddenly an entire story comes to life in my head. I keep all my ideas in the "Notes" app on my phone and sync it with my computer. You never know where that idea will lead you. My first published book, KING OF THE SEA, came from an idea I had years before, and one day I rediscovered it and all the pieces fit together.
Nathan Bay
Writer's block is often simply a matter of your characters informing you that you're not telling their true story. When something isn't working out, I try to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What am I missing? What have I failed to recognize about what the character's thoughts or feelings? Am I trying to force them to turn left when they really want to turn right? When I really stop and listen, I can usually hear the answer.
Other times, it simply means the story wasn't meant to be, at least not at that time. Don't be afraid to put aside an idea that isn't working, but also don't completely throw it out. My first book came from an idea I'd had three years earlier. I found my notes buried in an old file and suddenly everything fit into place. Just because it doesn't work for you now doesn't mean it won't work later. Save all your notes and ideas, event he ones you think aren't any good.
Other times, it simply means the story wasn't meant to be, at least not at that time. Don't be afraid to put aside an idea that isn't working, but also don't completely throw it out. My first book came from an idea I'd had three years earlier. I found my notes buried in an old file and suddenly everything fit into place. Just because it doesn't work for you now doesn't mean it won't work later. Save all your notes and ideas, event he ones you think aren't any good.
Nathan Bay
Playing God. Writing allows you to build an entire universe with infinite possibilities. It takes some time to fully realize this power and get past the obstacles that hold you back. Once you do, the feeling is incredibly liberating and exciting. You can take your readers anywhere with your words.
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