Ask the Author: Loren A. Olson
Answered Questions (3)
Loren A. Olson
Write SOMETHING!
I frequently hear from people who say, "I should write a book," but they haven't written anything. They write it over and over in their heads but commit nothing to paper.
I encourage people to write "stream of consciousness." Just put down all of your thoughts and let it flow. Don't edit. Don't censor.
Writing should come from a place of emotion. Editing is an analytical process that engages a different part of the brain.
After you have that "shitty first draft" you can begin to edit. In the process, you are learning to be a better writer. You learn the skills of writing. You can replace forms of "to be" with verbs that bring excitement and emotion. You can add descriptive words that will allow the reader to visualize what you've seen. But for me, all of that comes after I have something concrete that I can work with.
After I have the first revised draft, I often use the "Read aloud" function on MS Word. You hear the rhythm of our writing. You hear mistakes that you can no longer see. You can listen to the flow of the writing.
After that revision, I have someone else read it and comment.
I frequently hear from people who say, "I should write a book," but they haven't written anything. They write it over and over in their heads but commit nothing to paper.
I encourage people to write "stream of consciousness." Just put down all of your thoughts and let it flow. Don't edit. Don't censor.
Writing should come from a place of emotion. Editing is an analytical process that engages a different part of the brain.
After you have that "shitty first draft" you can begin to edit. In the process, you are learning to be a better writer. You learn the skills of writing. You can replace forms of "to be" with verbs that bring excitement and emotion. You can add descriptive words that will allow the reader to visualize what you've seen. But for me, all of that comes after I have something concrete that I can work with.
After I have the first revised draft, I often use the "Read aloud" function on MS Word. You hear the rhythm of our writing. You hear mistakes that you can no longer see. You can listen to the flow of the writing.
After that revision, I have someone else read it and comment.
Loren A. Olson
Often my inspiration comes from my readers who have made comments on things I've written or have questions.
First, I contact them and ask permission to use their comment as the jumping-off point for another essay. I promise to change information to protect their identity.
Then I write the essay as if I am answering them directly. I know that if someone had that question or made that comment, there are likely to be others who are having the same thoughts. It helps me focus my writing because I have a particular person in mind that I am responding to.
Much of my latest book, NO MORE NECKTIES (May 2022) was written in response to readers.
I find that nothing in writing is more rewarding than hearing from a reader who has been touched by my writing and wants to connect with me.
First, I contact them and ask permission to use their comment as the jumping-off point for another essay. I promise to change information to protect their identity.
Then I write the essay as if I am answering them directly. I know that if someone had that question or made that comment, there are likely to be others who are having the same thoughts. It helps me focus my writing because I have a particular person in mind that I am responding to.
Much of my latest book, NO MORE NECKTIES (May 2022) was written in response to readers.
I find that nothing in writing is more rewarding than hearing from a reader who has been touched by my writing and wants to connect with me.
Loren A. Olson
The best part of being a writer is hearing back from a reader who says, "I feel like you know me." So often, My readers believe that they come to my books for answers, but in fact, what they come for is to feel that they are not so alone. Pain envelopes them and they come for some hope.
I write with a conversational tone so that readers find it easier to related.
One of the best blurbs I've received for my new book, NO MORE NECKTIES:
Olson manages to tell his stories in a way that will help you see yourself and those around you with more compassion and care. Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of banana bread for what feels more like a conversation with an old friend than a book with a beginning and end.
----Carly Thomsen, Ph.D, Author of Visibility Interrupted: Rural Queer Life and the Politics of Unbecoming
I write with a conversational tone so that readers find it easier to related.
One of the best blurbs I've received for my new book, NO MORE NECKTIES:
Olson manages to tell his stories in a way that will help you see yourself and those around you with more compassion and care. Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of banana bread for what feels more like a conversation with an old friend than a book with a beginning and end.
----Carly Thomsen, Ph.D, Author of Visibility Interrupted: Rural Queer Life and the Politics of Unbecoming
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