Ask the Author: Sally Altass
Answered Questions (10)
Sally Altass
The thick, humid air was rent asunder by the woman's scream. Panting, she looked down, to find that her water had broke.
Sally Altass
You know what? I'd go to Dewindabeth. The world my debut series The Moon Magic Chronicles is set in. It's a beautiful world, full of mountains, lakes, deserts, jungles and beautiful beaches. Yes, there are problems in that world, but it's far and away nicer than the world we live in right now.
Plus, it would mean I'd either be a Witch or a Higher, with Magic or Power at my fingertips. So, I'd be able Traverse to wherever I wanted. If it's too cold in the far north, I'd Traverse down towards the Star Peninsular, or to the Celestial Isles, and go for a dip in the warm, tropical sea. Heaven.
Plus, it would mean I'd either be a Witch or a Higher, with Magic or Power at my fingertips. So, I'd be able Traverse to wherever I wanted. If it's too cold in the far north, I'd Traverse down towards the Star Peninsular, or to the Celestial Isles, and go for a dip in the warm, tropical sea. Heaven.
Sally Altass
Um, probably the new Tamar Sloane releases, the new Marianne Keyes (I love the Walsh family). Maybe re-read the Curse of the Cyren Queen series by Helen Scheuerer, or the Oremere Chronicles. Also, the amazing series by Lisa Cassidy - A Tale of Stars and Shadow.
And then, probably reading some more books from Reedsy Discovery. Because there's some amazing books over there, too!
And then, probably reading some more books from Reedsy Discovery. Because there's some amazing books over there, too!
Sally Altass
I don't actually think there is one.
Sally Altass
I tend to read. A lot. I review the books I've read, and then I read some more.
Reading other people's words helps my own writers block, because I'm able to understand how a good (and bad) story works. How to build a world and tension. How to drop a twist that no one can see coming.
When I'm not reading, when I've got the dreaded writer's block, I world build. I work out my characters back stories. I build a picture of what they look like and who they are. I'll draft rules and regulations that my characters have to abide by. I'll draw maps, draft book covers. I'll still try to be as creative as possible, so that I'm still absorbed in the world I'm trying to write.
If none of those work, I'll take a step back. I'll watch TV, mainly detective programmes and comedy. I'll go for walks, go shopping, watch a movie. I'll give myself a deadline of a couple of weeks respite from my writing, and then get back to it, feeling refreshed. It's like taking a holiday - but whenever I need one, instead of whenever my boss says it's OK.
Reading other people's words helps my own writers block, because I'm able to understand how a good (and bad) story works. How to build a world and tension. How to drop a twist that no one can see coming.
When I'm not reading, when I've got the dreaded writer's block, I world build. I work out my characters back stories. I build a picture of what they look like and who they are. I'll draft rules and regulations that my characters have to abide by. I'll draw maps, draft book covers. I'll still try to be as creative as possible, so that I'm still absorbed in the world I'm trying to write.
If none of those work, I'll take a step back. I'll watch TV, mainly detective programmes and comedy. I'll go for walks, go shopping, watch a movie. I'll give myself a deadline of a couple of weeks respite from my writing, and then get back to it, feeling refreshed. It's like taking a holiday - but whenever I need one, instead of whenever my boss says it's OK.
Sally Altass
Being able to work from wherever I like, at what times I like. Having control over my own time instead of other people demanding I concentrate when they want me to.
I've worked numerous jobs; call centres, bars, warehouses, shops. I've been unemployed, I've been a freelance journalist. But not even being a freelance is the same freedom as writing what I want to write.
I've worked numerous jobs; call centres, bars, warehouses, shops. I've been unemployed, I've been a freelance journalist. But not even being a freelance is the same freedom as writing what I want to write.
Sally Altass
Um, this is hard, because I'd class myself as an aspiring writer, still. But I guess I'd advise anyone who has a story in them to just write. It sounds somewhat trite, but honestly, it works. Sit down with a blank piece of paper and a few pens, and write. Or, if you prefer, start typing on your laptop. Don't worry about the spelling or grammar on the first draft, just get the words down and build the story. Then, when you've finished the draft, you can start finessing it.
I'd also recommend doing some background work when you're not writing - or if you're having a bit of the dreaded writer's block. Get your characters backstories straight, get the world info down - the rules and regulations that shapes it. Maybe, draw some maps, build family tree's, draw your characters. That way, when you next work on your book, you have all of the information you need.
I'd also recommend doing some background work when you're not writing - or if you're having a bit of the dreaded writer's block. Get your characters backstories straight, get the world info down - the rules and regulations that shapes it. Maybe, draw some maps, build family tree's, draw your characters. That way, when you next work on your book, you have all of the information you need.
Sally Altass
I'm about half way through the second (as of now, untitled) book in The Moon Magic Chronicles series.
Sally Altass
I start to get something that I call itchy fingers. They're not really itchy, but I know that they're wanting to either hold a pen or start flying over a keyboard. It's weird. Because then, the itch moves to my brain. I can't settle until I'm sat down in front of my laptop and writing.
I'll listen to music (mainly 90's era indie music, sprinkled with some 00's and 10's) while I write, and I can almost disappear into the story.
I'll listen to music (mainly 90's era indie music, sprinkled with some 00's and 10's) while I write, and I can almost disappear into the story.
Sally Altass
I was on a walk with my husband and children at Wentworth Castle in Barnsley. The idea of a young girl breaking her leg came to me, and what would happen if her sister was suddenly able to heal to it.
From there, I started world building, and the full concept of The Moon Magic Chronicles was born.
From there, I started world building, and the full concept of The Moon Magic Chronicles was born.
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