Ask the Author: Don Weston
Answered Questions (4)
Don Weston
I don't really believe in writer's block. The only block is when you don't sit down and start writing. If I can make myself do this. ideas usually come to me. If not, then I have to spend some time developing the plot. I do a very simple outline because I tend to change things on the fly. But if I get stuck, I go back to the outline and see where I wanted to go or what I need to develop.
But sometimes a book wasn't meant to be. I have about three or four false starts--books I have gotten two thirds of the way through and discarded. They might have been able to be salvaged, but I doubt it.
I also recommend doing a page for each major character, what they look like, what motivates them, their feelings, personality, and role in the book. I do the same for minor characters if I feel they need it but limit it to half a page or less. This helps me know them and transfer their personality into the book.
But sometimes a book wasn't meant to be. I have about three or four false starts--books I have gotten two thirds of the way through and discarded. They might have been able to be salvaged, but I doubt it.
I also recommend doing a page for each major character, what they look like, what motivates them, their feelings, personality, and role in the book. I do the same for minor characters if I feel they need it but limit it to half a page or less. This helps me know them and transfer their personality into the book.
Don Weston
Take any class or workshop you can get free or otherwise. Writing organizations are best for putting on low cost or free workshops. Conferences often offer multiple workshops which make it hard to choose the ones you need in a short time period.
Join a critique group to get feedback on your work and don’t be afraid to receive criticism. Most good groups accentuate the positive to encourage you and the things you don’t want to hear, sometimes must be heard.
I would also suggest you find writer’s groups in your area. Meetups are a last resort, in my opinion, because they are not well attended and people drift in and out, but if you find a good one... I belong to Oregon Writer’s Colony and Willamette Writers. They have regular well attended meetings, often with speakers who can help you hone your skills.
Join a critique group to get feedback on your work and don’t be afraid to receive criticism. Most good groups accentuate the positive to encourage you and the things you don’t want to hear, sometimes must be heard.
I would also suggest you find writer’s groups in your area. Meetups are a last resort, in my opinion, because they are not well attended and people drift in and out, but if you find a good one... I belong to Oregon Writer’s Colony and Willamette Writers. They have regular well attended meetings, often with speakers who can help you hone your skills.
Don Weston
I was walking with my wife last September and saw a crow in a tree. I asked my wife if she knew what a group of crows was called. She suggested a Clan. I told her it was called a Murder. Before we got home I decided to write a short story called a Murder of Crows. But once I introduced my characters and put them in place, they suggested this could be a book. Eighty thousand words later I had finished "Murder of Crows." Yes, I know the title has been used several times before, but in this book the crows are actually murdered (hence the title) and they also become characters in the book, by helping solve the crime. None of the other titles are actually about crows.
Don Weston
I'm working on a new Noir series, really early in development so the names could change. Currently it revolves around Joe Law, an no nonsense, good vs. evil character, with a moral code. It's set in 1960s Portland, where prostitution, gambling and payoffs to cops and city commissioners were the norm. Although I grew up in Portland during the era, I was still in school, so I have much research to do. I've always wanted to do a tough guy vs. corrupt rough and tumble thugs in an era close or similar to Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler or John MacDonald.
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