Ask the Author: Norma Budden
Answered Questions (6)
Norma Budden
The most recent published book (The Promise) was merely a continuation of a story which started with An Affair to Remember back in September, 2011. Granted, I was introduced to a character I didn't expect to meet, and was surprised by almost all of the details which took place in the book.
The most recent book which hasn't been published yet (The Pop Star) arose from looking at a cover at Self Pub Book Covers. As soon as I saw the photo of the pop star, it pulled at me. I didn't purchase the cover immediately - deciding to let it germinate in the back of my mind. A few weeks later, I went back to the site and, when I noticed it was still available for purchase, that it still tugged at me, I purchased it. I'm hoping to have it released by the end of December, 2016.
The most recent book which hasn't been published yet (The Pop Star) arose from looking at a cover at Self Pub Book Covers. As soon as I saw the photo of the pop star, it pulled at me. I didn't purchase the cover immediately - deciding to let it germinate in the back of my mind. A few weeks later, I went back to the site and, when I noticed it was still available for purchase, that it still tugged at me, I purchased it. I'm hoping to have it released by the end of December, 2016.
Norma Budden
Inspirations comes in unusual ways sometimes. It could be a phrase I hear or think about, a title which comes to mind (making me wonder about a potential storyline) or it could be a feeling I have, an event which transpires or even a headline in a news article. Other times, it feels as if my spirit is urging me to sit and write, yet I have no idea what will come forth during a writing session.
Norma Budden
I'm not actually working on anything at the moment because I just published the fifth book of my Freedom in Love Series (The Promise) on August 16, 2016. Now I am debating whether to write a novella or resume working on a book I had set aside a few months ago when trying to prepare The Promise for publication.
Norma Budden
I have never suffered from writer's block. I have the opposite problem: wishing the ideas would slow down long enough for me to write them. It's the worst part about having a day job which isn't associated with writing.
Norma Budden
Keep at it. You might not feel you have much time to devote to writing, but even a few words here and there add up to fictional tales or other works of art.
Personally, my biggest drawback to writing is wishing I could carve out several hours so I can immerse myself deeply in a book to the point I forget about everything else, but reality prevents that from happening. As such, I've learned to truly focus on my writing, accepting that there are time constraints, and I've learned that I can still write effectively.
One other suggestion is to not be overly concerned with the details when you are writing your story/article. If the ideas are flowing, keep writing until the ideas begin to fade, or until the clock dictates that you must stop writing. The editing can be done later. Even so, I will admit to trying to have as close to a perfect first draft as possible but, even then, by the time I've finished with the story and have it ready for publication, it has changed significantly.
Personally, my biggest drawback to writing is wishing I could carve out several hours so I can immerse myself deeply in a book to the point I forget about everything else, but reality prevents that from happening. As such, I've learned to truly focus on my writing, accepting that there are time constraints, and I've learned that I can still write effectively.
One other suggestion is to not be overly concerned with the details when you are writing your story/article. If the ideas are flowing, keep writing until the ideas begin to fade, or until the clock dictates that you must stop writing. The editing can be done later. Even so, I will admit to trying to have as close to a perfect first draft as possible but, even then, by the time I've finished with the story and have it ready for publication, it has changed significantly.
Norma Budden
There are so many wonderful aspects about being a writer; trying to narrow it down to just one "best" aspect is almost impossible so I will narrow it down to two.
#1. I get to communicate with characters (who have their own voices, thoughts and feelings) without people thinking I've lost my mind.
#2. I get to know some fantastic people along the way (my created characters and real people who often become friends) so the experience is definitely rewarding.
#1. I get to communicate with characters (who have their own voices, thoughts and feelings) without people thinking I've lost my mind.
#2. I get to know some fantastic people along the way (my created characters and real people who often become friends) so the experience is definitely rewarding.
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