Ask the Author: Gavin Atlas
Answered Questions (7)
Gavin Atlas
I have (or had) a great aunt Ruby who may have been a black widow. She was my uncle Willie's second wife. I remember she wore loud, tacky jewelry, and she was regularly rude to my mother. Uncle Willie apparently "left the car running in the garage" and asphyxiated. It's unclear why Aunt Ruby never called 911. Later her story became "oh, I fell asleep, too." I don't remember hearing of anyone asking her something akin to "then why are you alive?" Aunt Ruby quickly vanished with antique silverware that had belonged to my uncle's deceased first wife. Uncle Willie's bank accounts had also been cleared. My grandmother remembers hearing she'd remarried about a year later.
While I don't think I'd ever write about that incident, if I found ways to make her more nuanced, Aunt Ruby might make for a compelling villain.
While I don't think I'd ever write about that incident, if I found ways to make her more nuanced, Aunt Ruby might make for a compelling villain.
Gavin Atlas
The story "Long Time Coming" isn't really new, but it's never been released before (available Dec 30, 2018). Like the story, it's based on conversations I've had with one guy over a number of years. However, the events described in the story are entirely fictional. My life does not resemble my character's. :)
Gavin Atlas
If I'm given a theme and a deadline, that's mostly what will work for me. I've also been inspired by things people have said to me or events in my life. Sometimes visual images will help me form a story.
Gavin Atlas
I have an idea called "The Sidekick Gets Tied Up" which I may start working on. It's not that romantic, so right now I'm looking for ways to make it more of a romance. Alternatively I may wait for an idea I'm more comfortable with.
Gavin Atlas
This is not original to me, but one thing to do is to read "up." If you are reading books that make you say "I could do better than this" you need to stop reading. The best way to improve is to read writers who are better than you.
Gavin Atlas
Hmm. Creating lives I'll never get to lead is a lot of fun. Hearing from readers who enjoyed my writing is so incredibly wonderful. Probably hearing from readers. That makes my whole life better.
Gavin Atlas
Not well. I have a lot of trouble with writer's block. If I have a deadline, the best things for me to do are 1) walk on a treadmill and think about my plot 2) take a shower and think about my plot and 3) free write about my character. What motivates him. What would make him happy.
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