Ask the Author: Alexandra Penn
Answered Questions (6)
Alexandra Penn
I don't know, but it always seems to happen at 12:45 AM when I need to wake up at 5:00.
Alexandra Penn
Getting feedback from the kids who read my stories. I love hearing about their favorite characters, or how they relate. Makes my day.
Alexandra Penn
The Letter Mage is my first series: a Patreon serial with 32 planned installments that will be available in eight "Quarto" collections. It follows 14-year-old Aleph Worf-Sapir's slide into supervillainy as he tries to save his Lunar University from self-destruction.
Alexandra Penn
When I have writers' block, it usually means I'm trying to make the characters do something that isn't true to their nature--somehow I'm sending the story in the wrong direction.
I like to meditate on it. Get a cup of tea, put on some quiet (wordless) music, and try to figure out what exactly the sticking point is. Once I realize what needs to change, the words flow like water.
I like to meditate on it. Get a cup of tea, put on some quiet (wordless) music, and try to figure out what exactly the sticking point is. Once I realize what needs to change, the words flow like water.
Alexandra Penn
I spent about four months attempting to hold down a "normal" job about two years ago, and it was mind-numbing. While spending eight hours a day copy-pasting HTML, I developed the first magic system for The Letter Mage, came up with the basic plot, and started sketching characters.
Alexandra Penn
First, no one tells you how much pressure there is to give up. You'll have friends who get guilty and jealous, family members who don't quite get it, and colleagues who tell you you should have different priorities.
Don't listen to them: as long as you can support yourself, you're doing fine.
Second, there's a lot more to being a writer than just writing! Take some business classes and marketing classes, and make sure you know what you're getting into.
Third, remember that your fellow writers aren't your competition. You're looking to stand out among the crowd, sure, and you should always be cautious--but the more friends you make, the bigger your impact will be. Lift each other up.
Don't listen to them: as long as you can support yourself, you're doing fine.
Second, there's a lot more to being a writer than just writing! Take some business classes and marketing classes, and make sure you know what you're getting into.
Third, remember that your fellow writers aren't your competition. You're looking to stand out among the crowd, sure, and you should always be cautious--but the more friends you make, the bigger your impact will be. Lift each other up.
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