Ask the Author: J.E.S. Hays
Answered Questions (9)
J.E.S. Hays
Sorry, I don't do horror. My idea of a horror story would be having to write a horror story.
J.E.S. Hays
If I could travel to a fictional world, I'd probably pick the Star Trek universe because they have mastered their economy and you only have to work at what you really want to do instead of whatever will pay the bills.
J.E.S. Hays
This summer I'm reading a lot of nonfiction because I'm editing. I've been reading Story Trumps Structure and Story Engineering and am going to hit How to Write a Novel in 6 Months and Mastering Suspense, Structure and Plot next.
J.E.S. Hays
I don't really get writer's block. I get writer's lethargy, where I don't WANT to write, but I see that as a different animal. I can always find something to work on, whether it's a nonfiction article, a short story, or another novel.
I do have to remind myself periodically that I CHOSE this profession, but that it IS a profession like any other. I have to report to work and put in my time if I want to get paid.
I do have to remind myself periodically that I CHOSE this profession, but that it IS a profession like any other. I have to report to work and put in my time if I want to get paid.
J.E.S. Hays
You get paid for telling stories!
J.E.S. Hays
Keep on keeping on! Writing is a skill and a craft, and the more you practice, the better you become. Whatever you write helps you to improve, even if you end up tossing it into the trash. Finish your projects and start editing them - it's the only way to get them to sales quality.
J.E.S. Hays
The next project for Devon Day and the Sweetwater Kid will be a novel, OUTLAW SECURITY. They've come of age and reached their goals. They're two of the most successful outlaws West of the Mississippi, and their aliases are San Francisco's darlings, never to be suspected of being those two reprobates. They've got everything they could ever want ... until Federal Agent "Stone" Kirkham catches up to them, that is.
J.E.S. Hays
I have two answers. 1. Don't wait to be "inspired" - go out and slog away at the thing until it's finished. And 2. I get story ideas constantly, and have the urge to jot down a scene or bit of dialogue based on something I've just seen or heard or imagined.
J.E.S. Hays
I've loved Westerns since I was a child, but only recently began writing about a pair of Old West outlaws. I got the inspiration from all those "Robin Hood" types like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I started wondering what would have happened if they'd decided to retire and go straight instead of going out in a blaze of glory. OUTLAW SECURITY will be the story of Devon Day and the Sweetwater Kid's "retirement" ... not that they'll suddenly become model citizens, of course.
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