Ask the Author: Graham Clews
Answered Questions (4)
Graham Clews
Learn how to handle disappointment well, because it's a rare exception not to experience it, often in abundance as a writer. However, if writing is important to you, then you'll ride it out. Other than
that, I'd say don't go to friends for help in critiquing your work. They won't tell you the truth. You've got to hire a good editor for that, and she/he will not only tell you where you're going wrong, they'll help you get around it if you have the talent to do so.
As for getting published, it's no different than trying to break into Hollywood. First and foremost, it's who you are and who you know. If you don't fit into either of those two categories, then buy a bunch of horseshoes, because it then takes a lot of luck. If you don't go 'Indie', then you can spend years and years collecting rejects for very good stuff. In a way, it can be like the lottery: you don't make it part of your retirement plans. Nonetheless, there are people who do get published, so perseverance runs a close second to talent.
that, I'd say don't go to friends for help in critiquing your work. They won't tell you the truth. You've got to hire a good editor for that, and she/he will not only tell you where you're going wrong, they'll help you get around it if you have the talent to do so.
As for getting published, it's no different than trying to break into Hollywood. First and foremost, it's who you are and who you know. If you don't fit into either of those two categories, then buy a bunch of horseshoes, because it then takes a lot of luck. If you don't go 'Indie', then you can spend years and years collecting rejects for very good stuff. In a way, it can be like the lottery: you don't make it part of your retirement plans. Nonetheless, there are people who do get published, so perseverance runs a close second to talent.
Graham Clews
The unique satisfaction of creating something that did not previously exist, AND that someone else likes and has been entertained by. Without the latter, the former would soon lose its luster.
Graham Clews
I do crosswords, but that doesn't help it a bit, it just gives me something to do. I also write poetry, which does help get me back in writing mode. The trouble with poetry though, is that you have
to be in the mood---which if you have writer’s block, you usually are not.
I certainly don't go to the extent of Victor Hugo, who had his servant lock him naked in his room, so he had no choice but to remain there and write. The only solid thing I can say is that you have to force yourself, mentally, to sit down and work. The only 'gimmick' I use is that my computer doesn't have any
distractions on it, such as games etc. It does, alas, have the internet, which is a compromise because I need it to do any research that it is current with what I'm writing.
to be in the mood---which if you have writer’s block, you usually are not.
I certainly don't go to the extent of Victor Hugo, who had his servant lock him naked in his room, so he had no choice but to remain there and write. The only solid thing I can say is that you have to force yourself, mentally, to sit down and work. The only 'gimmick' I use is that my computer doesn't have any
distractions on it, such as games etc. It does, alas, have the internet, which is a compromise because I need it to do any research that it is current with what I'm writing.
Graham Clews
After writing seven books I'm taking a year off, so to speak, in order to sell the damned things. However, I don't expect to be doing that all the time. As such, I think I'll extend the Eboracum series to a second period, which is the beginning of the second century. It will focus on the Emperor Severus and his two sons (could have been called Cain and Abel), who took York onto it's first revival and upgrade to a major centre. He actually died there in 207 AD, the first of two emperors to do so. (The second one was Constantius, the father of Constantine, almost exactly a hundred years later).
Though history doesn't record it as such, it might be an idea to hint of murder by one of his boys. (One did actually kill the other later in life after Severus divided the throne between them). There will be a hint of Cethen's and Elena's later progeny in there too, but it would be a bit of stretch to have Gaius's as well. We'll have to see. Usual stuff as background, different legion, but trouble to the north, so the variances will have to be personal.
Though history doesn't record it as such, it might be an idea to hint of murder by one of his boys. (One did actually kill the other later in life after Severus divided the throne between them). There will be a hint of Cethen's and Elena's later progeny in there too, but it would be a bit of stretch to have Gaius's as well. We'll have to see. Usual stuff as background, different legion, but trouble to the north, so the variances will have to be personal.
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