Ask the Author: S.R. Savell
Answered Questions (6)
S.R. Savell
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this novel is much more personal. I took to heart the criticisms about PAPER HEARTS and am actively working to correct these mistakes. This novel will be more authentic to the high school experience, I feel, and in many ways will appeal to a wider audience. All in all, I'm very optimistic, and proud of what I've accomplished thus far.
S.R. Savell
My ideas are often very character centric, and my second novel is no exception. Before I knew where I was going, I wanted to know who I'd be going with. After months of voyaging the recesses of my brain, I fell in love with Benny, my protagonist, and around him the story unfolded. Equally as important to my writing is the message. First and foremost, I want my writing to matter, to address prevailing sociological and psychological issues within our society, and ultimately, to stand for more than the contents of its pages. This and more has helped to shape my current novel and has given me renewed enthusiasm for writing.
S.R. Savell
I don't. Not well anyways. I'm easily dissuaded from writing, especially after having my work systematically destroyed by reviewers. Because of this, I go through periods of stasis where I just can't write. Which would probably be alright if I were a successful, eccentric writer who is afforded such levity. Honestly, my process goes something like this: I find a focal point, usually a particular character, and I think them to death in a very jigsaw puzzlish way. I go over and over every insignificant and random detail in my head, then form the individual pieces into something resembling an idea. And when I've talked myself back into writing, I sit down with my thoughts and let them lead me. Not very efficient and not in line with my other advice (just lost all credibility, I did) but it's just how I function.
If you're truly desperate to overcome writer's block, I suggest opening a document at your computer, closing your eyes, and typing like a nut. Don't look at it, don't stop to correct typos, and don't think about it. The goal is to free your mind of all the clutter that's stopping your creativity. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If it does nothing for your idea pool, at least know nothing you could ever write will be as terrible as what you've just written. Unless you're really, really drunk. Or you know, you do the exercise again.
If you're truly desperate to overcome writer's block, I suggest opening a document at your computer, closing your eyes, and typing like a nut. Don't look at it, don't stop to correct typos, and don't think about it. The goal is to free your mind of all the clutter that's stopping your creativity. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If it does nothing for your idea pool, at least know nothing you could ever write will be as terrible as what you've just written. Unless you're really, really drunk. Or you know, you do the exercise again.
S.R. Savell
You know, inspiration is a fickle mistress. She comes and goes as she pleases and you never quite know when she'll return. Sometimes you think she's gone for good . . . and then a song will come on the radio that makes you just need to write. Or you have a terrible day, and that assbutt from work ends up as the murder vic in your newest short story. I myself try to find inspiration in the quiet moments, like right before bed when my brain is unwinding from the day or in the bathroom as I serenade the shower head. You have to find what moves you, and if that fails, tell yourself you're a terrible person and force yourself to write something, anything, to reclaim your authorial honor.
S.R. Savell
I've had to accept that I will never feel "good enough." I've met many writers who feel the very same. It's perfectly alright to feel inadequate and unsure about your writing. Just keep working at it. Writing is a skill and can be improved by writing and writing often. Oh, and never underestimate the power of edits, rewrites, and Beta readers: all are invaluable and make easier the entire process.
S.R. Savell
Nietzsche believed art to be a sort of coping mechanism to deal with the terribleness that is life: in a way, I agree with this. For me, writing is both cathartic and therapeutic-it helps me work through my issues from a safe, empowering place. I feel the very best part of being a writer, however, is the wish fulfillment aspect. In writing, there is so much freedom to explore, to create, to forge connections and breathe life into your wants and dreams. With words, I can make real all I ever wanted for, and that in itself is a special sort of magic.
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