Ask the Author: Roxane Beauclair Salonen
Answered Questions (6)
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
The most recent book I published came to me through a request: would you be interested in writing this story? I believed in the story and knew it would be compelling, so I prayed about it, and the answer that emerged was a resounding "yes." So sometimes story ideas come as a gift. Other times you must search for them, and often, the searching starts within yourself.
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
My father loved writing and telling stories to my sister and me when we were little girls, and through these fictional stories that bore a resemblance to real life -- our lives -- story came alive to me. I've always had a knack too for expressing myself best through the written word, so it seemed a natural place to gravitate toward. I've never regretted it! That's how I got inspired to write, but how I get inspired on a daily basis? By observing life in action, asking questions about it, pondering what I'm seeing and experiencing, and bringing those thoughts to light in written form. Life is a search for answers, never a final answer in this life. Curiosity and wonder and hope move us forward.
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
Every week I work on either a column or feature story for our local newspaper. I'm also helping write devotionals for a collaborative book, and have another book project in the works, but it's a secret! :)
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
I love "living twice" as a writer. We get to experience life, then experience it again when we write about it. We take more time to reflect and process and it makes for a more rich experience of living. And you get to meet amazing people, whether the people you interview who share their souls, or other writers, who are kindred spirits. It's a wonderful life!
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
Read a lot of the kinds of things you would like to write. Stay curious. Try to connect with other writers who can encourage you, then do the same for others. Expect rejection but plan for success. Page by page, you will get there!
Roxane Beauclair Salonen
I don't usually have it, but one way to combat it I think is to read a good book. The rhythms of words will inspire and propel you back to your writing space. For me, another thing that helps is that I have weekly deadlines, so I can't afford to have writers' block. If it's a book, though, finding quiet spaces to reflect and jotting down the thoughts that come can help. Staring at a computer screen won't help. Get out and live, and that will bring words to the page. And finally, see it in perspective. Daunted by writing a book? Start with just one page. And get that first icky draft out no matter what. You'll have plenty of chances to change it and improve on it later. Don't let fear rob you of what you need to say.
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