Ask the Author: Stéphanie Desnoyer
Answered Questions (6)
Stéphanie Desnoyer
I enjoyed writing Nude so much that I toyed with the ending for a while to make sure I could write some more. I'd fallen in love with those characters. The ending became more final and drastic yet the finality of the story was the opening door to the story for Starlight.
Stéphanie Desnoyer
That's a funny one and there are only a handful of people who know where Nude came from. And unless someone has genuine interest, I won't tell. I don't know hat anyone has ever used that method to dream up a story.
Starlight was a little different but the methodology in some way related.
Starlight was a little different but the methodology in some way related.
Stéphanie Desnoyer
Starlight of course. I started it after finishing to write Nude but before publishing it. That was mistake as I had to devote a lot of time to that and the lack of immediate success blew my bubble. In hindsight - I knew it before but I've grown to recognise it now - I'm French and I wrote a novel in English. I haven't had a lot of feedback or reviews but those I got (online or otherwise, have all been good (You know who you are 'WTF' although I have no idea who you are or why you felt this way). I know it's not perfect but I did it all myself. I should be proud and I am.
Stéphanie Desnoyer
Just write. let some friends read it without expecting to much of them, and pick them well to know they'll be at least half honest. Or better, join a writing group, there are loads online that will be happy to give you some feedback. If you don't get an outstanding, then you can do better. The best way to improve is to read a wide range of styles and genres. I'd been trying to write Nude for close to 10 years on and off, in French then in English, and it pains to admit it but it's when I read Twilight (not usual kind of books), that the a lightbulb went on in my head and out it came.
Stéphanie Desnoyer
Amazing yourself with turns of phrase and with plot lines miraculously forming themselves into your head. Any compliment from strangers is also quite rewarding.
Stéphanie Desnoyer
The short answer is routine. but when it really heats me, well... I don't. I have a pretty busy life and writing Starlight, which some people are still waiting for before they read Nude, the story took on a turn that I had not expected. I left the book for a couple of years distracted by life. One morning a few months ago, it just clicked and I started to spend some time every morning with my first coffee, reading through what I'd read. You see, I know how the story ends so I really want to get there. Anyway, I've made it a routine: week or weekend, my morning coffee is spent writing, whether it's 20 minutes so I'm not late for work, or 2 hours if I have the time. By the way, you can totally read Nude now as it has an end. If you don't want the cliff-hanger, just don't read the first chapter of Starlight at the end. I'm actually thinking of re-publishing the book without it.
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