Ask the Author: Jeff Wallach
Answered Questions (4)
Jeff Wallach
It's not so much a matter of inspiration-- as with any job, you have to show up as often as possible. Some days are inspired, others are a grind, but you still have to put in the hours. As Richard Bausch has said, "At the end of the day, one question: did I work? If the answer is yes, no other questions."
Jeff Wallach
When I was in my early fifties my own mother inadvertently referred to our Scottish ancestry—something we’d never heard mention of before. I took a DNA test and sure enough, Scottish ancestry. This interchange gave me an idea that expanded a bit like a supernova. But an Irish supernova.
Jeff Wallach
At the same time that you’re developing your craft learn everything you can about the business of publishing, which is another kind of skill entirely. And consider other genres than the one you most want to work in—making a living as even another kind of writer is better than most of the alternatives. Cultivate relationships with editors, readers, marketers, and others who may prove helpful to you. Never pass up an opportunity to help someone else in their writing career and always be kind but relentlessly honest. And don’t be a writer who thinks about writing all the time—actually sit down and write as often as you can stand it.
Jeff Wallach
Learning all the new, modern ways to promote Mr. Wizard, pursuing all connections and methods possible now and in the future, reaching out to friends and strangers alike who can be helpful, contacting reviewers, booksellers, and readers, and hoping for a lightning strike. After that, a new novel about old houses and what they can reveal.
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