Ask the Author: Madeline Hunter
Answered Questions (7)
Madeline Hunter
I decided to do a heroes-centric trilogy, and decided to use brothers because I wanted them to have that deep history together--deeper than even friends might have. As for Gareth and His Wicked Reputation, a question posed itself: What if one of the sexiest men alive found himself attracted to a woman who was definitely not his type, and one who was unlikely to overlook his reputation?
Madeline Hunter
Published authors are asked this a lot, and I suspect our answers (which tend to be similar) are not very satisfactory. An aspiring writer needs to--wait for it---write! Not talk about writing, not surf the web for hours to learn about writing--she needs to actually write. You learn to write by writing. She also needs to read. A lot. In a wide-ranging way. Now, if that aspiring writer aspires to publication and a career, she needs to make a serious commitment to produce pages and stories on a regular basis. She needs to create and meet deadlines. Whether she aspires to traditional publishing or self-publishing, consistent and regular productivity will be crucial, so she may as well learn to do it now.
Madeline Hunter
By far the best thing is being able to get the stories out of my head. Ever since I was a child I made up stories, often ones with multiple episodes that went on and on. I would add to them before I went to sleep. It did not take me long to start writing them down. I discovered that was an exciting experience that brought me even deeper into the tales and characters. That excitement still exists, and it is a big reason why I am a writer.
Madeline Hunter
Hi, Martha!
I have always written when I can, morning or night. When I first started, it was always at night after my sons went to bed. However, I know it goes easier if I write in the morning. My brain is just fresher then. The one time it is never easy is between about 3 and 5 pm. Then it is like swimming through mud.
When I gave up the day job, I expected to be soooooo productive with that extra time. While it picked up, I did not become the writing dynamo I envisioned. I am still adjusting. I do think that I have better focus now. Setting aside the day job grief has energized me in new ways. It has affected my creativity more than my productivity, I think. I am playing with ideas and new projects in ways I never would have before.
I have always written when I can, morning or night. When I first started, it was always at night after my sons went to bed. However, I know it goes easier if I write in the morning. My brain is just fresher then. The one time it is never easy is between about 3 and 5 pm. Then it is like swimming through mud.
When I gave up the day job, I expected to be soooooo productive with that extra time. While it picked up, I did not become the writing dynamo I envisioned. I am still adjusting. I do think that I have better focus now. Setting aside the day job grief has energized me in new ways. It has affected my creativity more than my productivity, I think. I am playing with ideas and new projects in ways I never would have before.
Madeline Hunter
I have to tell you, I'm not sure I believe in writer's block. I guess it happens in rare occasions, perhaps when a writer has experienced some emotional trauma or medical problem. For most of us, what we call writers' block is really a serious case of procrastination that has fed on itself. The only cure is to place one's butt in the chair and start writing.
Madeline Hunter
If I waited for inspiration I might never write! However, there are certain things that do get my creative juices flowing. One is to read other novels. Another is to travel. A third is to go on a writing retreat at which I severely limit any online activities. But the old adage is true--- creativity is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Madeline Hunter
I am working on Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy, titled Tall, Dark and Wicked. It is due to be released in October.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more