Ask the Author: Ernest Russell
Answered Questions (9)
Ernest Russell
Variant: A Novel – Emby Quinn; Freebooters Hold – Jamie McFarlane; The Age of Lovecraft – Carl H. Sederholm and Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock; Carnacki, The Ghost Finder - William Hope Hodgson: Just to name a few.
Ernest Russell
Hmm, where would I go? Good question. I would love one with magic. Yet, I have medical issues, so I tend to lean toward an advanced technological society. There are several good ones. The one most likely would the world of Star Trek. I like TOS, but pre-Borg TNG appears to be the height of their civilization.
What would I do? That’s easy. Write Historical Fiction.
What would I do? That’s easy. Write Historical Fiction.
Ernest Russell
For myself, dealing with writers' block is a multi-pronged approach. In no particular order, I may try any or all the following: switch to a different project; do some editing; write a book review; take a few long walks; read for pleasure; watch a movie in the genre I am writing. Finally, get some sleep.
Ernest Russell
There was my daughter standing by the bed. Upon awakening, I clutched her teddy bear, the one we buried with her.
Ernest Russell
For me, it’s the endorphin rush. Seriously, my partner laughs. I can finish a writing session, and I am bouncing around the house. It might last hours or even a couple of days, so each writing session kind of bumps it. When the ideas start flowing, it is a feeling like nothing I have ever experienced.
Ernest Russell
Read. A lot. Multiple genres and make sure you read both fiction and non-fiction. Then write. Don’t stop. Keep writing. I am not one to say, “You must write every day.” But if you do not write, the page remains blank. Put anything down, even just a sentence. Words on a page can be edited, polished like a beautiful gem until it sparkles. A blank page is just dull. To sum up, read, write, edit, and do not judge your own work.
As to being published, expect rejection. Possibly a lot. Realize this; when a publisher accepts your work, it is no longer “your baby.” It is now a product.
As to being published, expect rejection. Possibly a lot. Realize this; when a publisher accepts your work, it is no longer “your baby.” It is now a product.
Ernest Russell
An original pulp character was just submitted. Not mine, but the publishers. There is another character I am writing under license. Trying my hand at something new – novelizing a movie script.
Ernest Russell
A variety of ways. Sometimes answering a call that catches my fancy. Bits of conversation which got me thinking. I have taken inspiration for more than one story from Archeology articles. Inspiration arrives from many sources. As a writer, our job is to be ready to welcome them.
Ernest Russell
So I answered a call for a book of weird tales. One of my favorite things to write. The central theme of each story needed to be Jazz.
Recently I had read a friend's story about a "guardian." The gist of the story was about a person who had to stay in a lighthouse, and whatever talent they possessed had to be used in keeping a portal to a nightmare dimension closed. Asked them about borrowing the Guardian idea. They were all for it.
My expansion on the theme is every major intersection of ley lines has a guardian because the veils between worlds are thinnest in these locations. New Orleans is such a place. Their character was a writer. Mine a Jazz saxophone player. Thus, The Guardian of Storyville was born. Once both are available for reprint, we have discussed a Guardian Anthology.
Recently I had read a friend's story about a "guardian." The gist of the story was about a person who had to stay in a lighthouse, and whatever talent they possessed had to be used in keeping a portal to a nightmare dimension closed. Asked them about borrowing the Guardian idea. They were all for it.
My expansion on the theme is every major intersection of ley lines has a guardian because the veils between worlds are thinnest in these locations. New Orleans is such a place. Their character was a writer. Mine a Jazz saxophone player. Thus, The Guardian of Storyville was born. Once both are available for reprint, we have discussed a Guardian Anthology.
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