Ask the Author: M. Ocampo McIvor
Answered Questions (5)
M. Ocampo McIvor
A few years ago I came across a news article about a boy and his mother. I reacted with disdain and judged the mother harshly. At the same time, I read a similar news article except the roles were somewhat switched. My reaction to it wasn't as strong as my reaction to the first article; I simply rolled my eyes and dismissed the story as a common and sad statistic. Then I caught myself and reflected, why the differing reactions to essentially the same story? That was the spark that ignited my exploration and creation of Ugly Things We Hide.
M. Ocampo McIvor
I'm juggling so many ideas and projects right now, I need to prioritize! I'm working on my second novel, which I'm excited about, but there are always other things competing for my attention. It's a balancing act.
M. Ocampo McIvor
Inspiration could hit me at any moment and any place: while walking, hiking, showering, taking out the garbage, or through conversations with friends and strangers. But the "how" part... I guess it's a matter of being open to receive it, then acting on that inspiration. For me, the inspiration comes easily; it's the execution that needs work. Reminding myself that "Life is short, what have I done to contribute to the good of society?" is a trick that urges me to pick up my pen and get to it.
M. Ocampo McIvor
Here's what I tell myself: Just write. Write what's in your thoughts and in your heart. Write when you're moved to write, on pieces of paper, on a napkin, or on your phone. Record your thoughts then write them down when you're able. Maybe you'll end up throwing out those ideas anyway. It doesn't matter. It's all practice. And it starts with recording and writing down those ideas that might later expand into your creative masterpiece.
I would also advise having a process. Create good writing habits and be disciplined. It'll make everything easier, automatic. Writing is not simply creative. It's also technical, and if you don't layer any logic to it, the writing will be sub-par.
I would also advise having a process. Create good writing habits and be disciplined. It'll make everything easier, automatic. Writing is not simply creative. It's also technical, and if you don't layer any logic to it, the writing will be sub-par.
M. Ocampo McIvor
Good question for me to reflect on.
I've resisted calling myself a writer for so long and for many reasons. Notice I didn't say I've resisted "writing." I write, no problem, but I've become used to writing in bullet points in reports and work emails. The rest of the time I write in emojis and in simplified, colloquial grammar, in lowercase, in chats, texts, etc.. Also, I'm a data person who's worked in tech throughout most of my career, and so, have very little patience. (Five minutes in tech is like 5 YEARS in the publishing world. Drives me crazy!) Writing takes patience. Lots of it.
Writing is boring. Writing is lonely, especially for a social creature like myself. You think too much and live inside your head a lot of the time when writing. Laughing by yourself can be sad and lonely, and writing can sometimes feel like that.
Writing fiction is hard for me.
But... words are beautiful. Words are powerful. And stories can teach you, inspire you, and carry you away to new worlds and enable you to experience new perspectives. Stories help us understand each other, expanding our minds while bringing us closer together. I want to contribute to the world in this way. Being read and inspiring someone else, maybe even impacting someone's life for the better... that to me is the best thing about being a writer. And it's well worth it.
I've resisted calling myself a writer for so long and for many reasons. Notice I didn't say I've resisted "writing." I write, no problem, but I've become used to writing in bullet points in reports and work emails. The rest of the time I write in emojis and in simplified, colloquial grammar, in lowercase, in chats, texts, etc.. Also, I'm a data person who's worked in tech throughout most of my career, and so, have very little patience. (Five minutes in tech is like 5 YEARS in the publishing world. Drives me crazy!) Writing takes patience. Lots of it.
Writing is boring. Writing is lonely, especially for a social creature like myself. You think too much and live inside your head a lot of the time when writing. Laughing by yourself can be sad and lonely, and writing can sometimes feel like that.
Writing fiction is hard for me.
But... words are beautiful. Words are powerful. And stories can teach you, inspire you, and carry you away to new worlds and enable you to experience new perspectives. Stories help us understand each other, expanding our minds while bringing us closer together. I want to contribute to the world in this way. Being read and inspiring someone else, maybe even impacting someone's life for the better... that to me is the best thing about being a writer. And it's well worth it.
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