Ask the Author: Joshua Reid
Answered Questions (3)
Joshua Reid
My advice for aspiring writers is to not just read in the genre you want to write.
1). Read outside your genre. You'll be surprised by what you pick up from reading other genres (nonfiction, fantasy, sci-fi, etc...)
2). It's good to write short stories. It allows you to feel out a genre and see if it works for you. I have several short stories I've used as experiments in different genres (mainly sci-fi, Christian fantasy, historical fiction, etc...)
3). Write what pulls on your heart. What is that "thing" that you can't seem to speak in words. Perhaps try writing them as if they were a story.
4). Learn from other authors. Read their works. Don't emulate their writing style but see how they convey emotion, tension, etc...
5). Do research and ask people from a particular community, profession, religion, etc... that you aren't apart of. In the world we live in now, it's important that you do research on a subject. Just enough that you can convey it in the story. BUT, also ask people from that area you are researching and get their perspective.
5.5). A second point for number 5. Show people from the area you are researching samples of the work you've done. Let them critique it for what you did right and what you did wrong.
6). Allow for critique and criticism of work. I'm someone that took a while for criticism to sink in. It thickens your skin against obvious bad critique.
7). Don't be afraid to take a step back from writing for a time. Especially during CampNano (April and July) and NaNoWriMo (November). You'll get burned out before you realize it. It's okay to take a break and focus on other hobbies. The story will always be there.
8). SAVE YOUR WORK! Whether through OneDrive, Google Docs, or a flashdrive. ALWAYS save your work. You'll be thankful for it in the long run.
1). Read outside your genre. You'll be surprised by what you pick up from reading other genres (nonfiction, fantasy, sci-fi, etc...)
2). It's good to write short stories. It allows you to feel out a genre and see if it works for you. I have several short stories I've used as experiments in different genres (mainly sci-fi, Christian fantasy, historical fiction, etc...)
3). Write what pulls on your heart. What is that "thing" that you can't seem to speak in words. Perhaps try writing them as if they were a story.
4). Learn from other authors. Read their works. Don't emulate their writing style but see how they convey emotion, tension, etc...
5). Do research and ask people from a particular community, profession, religion, etc... that you aren't apart of. In the world we live in now, it's important that you do research on a subject. Just enough that you can convey it in the story. BUT, also ask people from that area you are researching and get their perspective.
5.5). A second point for number 5. Show people from the area you are researching samples of the work you've done. Let them critique it for what you did right and what you did wrong.
6). Allow for critique and criticism of work. I'm someone that took a while for criticism to sink in. It thickens your skin against obvious bad critique.
7). Don't be afraid to take a step back from writing for a time. Especially during CampNano (April and July) and NaNoWriMo (November). You'll get burned out before you realize it. It's okay to take a break and focus on other hobbies. The story will always be there.
8). SAVE YOUR WORK! Whether through OneDrive, Google Docs, or a flashdrive. ALWAYS save your work. You'll be thankful for it in the long run.
Joshua Reid
I get inspired to write through many different avenues; whether that be through a dream, a conversation I recently had, or even some time just observing the world around me and asking questions. For me, one of the best ways for me to get inspired to write is through trial and error. One of my most recent ventures into writing short stories is from an idea about the themes of warfare and suffering.
Joshua Reid
I am currently working on a Christian-Suspense novel tentatively titled Reflection. This is my main WIP but as I take some time away from the novel, I am also working on a series of short stories that are set within the same world.
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