Ask the Author: Jen Porter
Answered Questions (6)
Jen Porter
I find that usually I have "writer's block" when I am dreading pushing through a tough or important spot in the plot. Usually I start by praying, journaling, and trying to pinpoint what [fear] is stopping me. Then, I get re-started in writing (or editing) by going back a few sections from where I left off, and reading forward to re-immerse myself (and edit).
Usually, I'm good to go after that! But if not, I refer back to my original plot plan, and either rework it more carefully so I can more clearly see where to go next; or I pick a new scene to work on for a while; or I let it rest, do something active, and come back to it later.
Usually, I'm good to go after that! But if not, I refer back to my original plot plan, and either rework it more carefully so I can more clearly see where to go next; or I pick a new scene to work on for a while; or I let it rest, do something active, and come back to it later.
Jen Porter
The ability to affect people's hearts and minds, and make them think deeply. And also watching people scream or cry or laugh out loud when they read my book (or hearing later that it affected them deeply in some way).
Jen Porter
Develop a routine that primes your brain and helps it "shift" into writing mode. Your brain won't necessarily go from "being normal" to "being creative" every time you sit down at a journal or computer, so it's helpful to give it some physical cues.
For me, that is usually exercising, then getting coffee and heading to my office, deck, or table by the pond for some Bible study, journaling, and prayer -- followed by writing, sometimes with an appropriate playlist of wordless music (like related movie soundtracks).
For me, that is usually exercising, then getting coffee and heading to my office, deck, or table by the pond for some Bible study, journaling, and prayer -- followed by writing, sometimes with an appropriate playlist of wordless music (like related movie soundtracks).
Jen Porter
1) Living life & interacting with people
2) Observing life & collecting mental "moments," "conversations," and "scenes" I don't want to lose or forget
3) Thinking about life
4) Reading
5) What iffing
2) Observing life & collecting mental "moments," "conversations," and "scenes" I don't want to lose or forget
3) Thinking about life
4) Reading
5) What iffing
Jen Porter
It was a combo of a high school "fan fic" I wrote in 1994, after reading Wolfwalker by Tara K Harper, and 20 years later experiencing the uniqueness and inner greatness of every autistic kid I worked with (who were also gravely underestimated or harshly judged by the world around them) -- and simultaneously seeing my home church fall apart because of the lack of understanding of the purpose of the church (and Biblical illiteracy and misteachings). My fanfic had nowhere to go, no theme, no purpose...until then.
Jen Porter
I'm working on a prequel short story as well as Book 2 of the Xianova Chronicles trilogy.
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