Ask the Author: Sage Nestler
Answered Questions (19)
Sage Nestler
I'm so sorry I just saw this! I will absolutely message you.
Sage Nestler
My favorite fictional couple is probably Hazel and Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars. It might sound cliche, but I loved how they complimented each other and helped each other see the world differently.
Sage Nestler
Hi Ardyce :)
I would be happy to review your novel, I do love historically based books. If you can send me the .mobi format to peachykeenreviews@gmail.com I would be happy to review it for you.
I would be happy to review your novel, I do love historically based books. If you can send me the .mobi format to peachykeenreviews@gmail.com I would be happy to review it for you.
Sage Nestler
The special edition works that I am going to be releasing will have updated versions of the novels as well as bonus content such as character profiles, setting analysis, and statements from me about how I conceptualized the stories. I just wanted to update the stories based on further ideas that I came up with after the release of the books, and I wanted to also introduce new covers. I just realized that I wanted to connect to my readers better by giving them further content on the novels, and to help them get the most out of the stories.
Sage Nestler
This is a great question. I am such an old soul, so I never feel my age and forget how young people do see me as! My writing has evolved tremendously within the last three years the most. I have been writing all of my life, but when I started working with publishers and other professionals at age seventeen, my art really took off. For the most part, I have evolved by developing better description methods that are not too lengthy and unnecessary. I have also mastered the art of similes and metaphors, which are my favorite writing tools to use in a novel. I think that this aspect about my writing has changed the most, because my early writing did sound juvenile in terms of the similes and metaphors, but I have learned to make them sound sharper and more artistic. I am always evolving, and as I am going over my first two novels and releasing the special editions, I am using my new description methods to make the novels sound sharper. I am my own worst critic, and I think that this helps me evolve. When I think about my writing, I understand that it will never be completed. There is room for change all of the time.
Sage Nestler
I absolutely do not think that prologues and epilogues should be passe. I use them in just about every single one of my novels, and I feel that they are a great tool. Prologues are a great way to either give a snapshot of the future or the past to the reader without it being too lengthy and boring, while epilogues allow you to wrap up your characters and story in an efficient manner, or make room for the rest of the series. When I read books, the prologues and epilogues tend to be my favorite part of the novel, and they are my favorite parts to write as an author. My only tip for this, however, is that if you are using prologues and epilogues, make sure that they are powerful. If they aren't, then they shouldn't be included in your novel.
Sage Nestler
Yes, I do this all of the time with my novels. In fact, the main purpose of my writing is to generally insert a moral/message that the reader can pick up subconsciously. I do this by hiding the moral in every character and scene, so that all characters and scenes are connected by this moral. I think that writing is the ultimate tool to have your voice heard, as well as your views. I can almost bet that if you go through your favorite novel you will see that the author did this as well. Most authors insert messages into their stories, and the best authors don't make it as obvious.
Sage Nestler
Ooh, this is a very good question. Now that I think about it, when I am writing a novel in the first person point of view I tend to only have the main character talk to one person at a time. Even if they are in a situation where multiple characters are involved, I make sure the character talks directly to the characters one at a time. I avoid having any of the other characters talk to one another in a scene without the main character, because then the first person POV would be lost. The thing to remember is that if you have a main character who is voicing the POV in your story, make sure that you don't write scenes where the main character wouldn't physically be able to witness what is going on. For example, after writing dialogue don't say ..." she said, lying through her teeth." if the POV of the character you are writing from doesn't know that the other person is lying. Only write what your main character knows or witnesses and make sure that you don't lose your POV by having other characters talk without the main character involved.
Sage Nestler
I am a multi-genre author so I am used to writing in different genres. However, I would most likely choose the genre of horror to play with. I want to get better as a writer in this genre and I think it would be fun to try something out of my comfort zone.
Sage Nestler
I love using subplots. However, when I do use subplots I make sure that they are all properly outlined before I begin writing the novel. I think that subplots add zest to a novel and will make sure there aren't any dull moments in a novel. However, I try to stick to three plots, including subplots, tops. Otherwise I think that they will begin to confuse the reader. If you are going to use subplots, make sure that you have them all planned out and ready to go beforehand; and most of all, don't forget to solve each plot. Never leave one hanging. This will only make your story amateur.
Sage Nestler
Oh yes, I do this all of the time. When I go back to edit my novel, I start off by writing an extensive outline as I reread the book. That way I can get all of my scenes in order. Then I go back and rearrange the scenes or dispose of some of them so that I can make the plot stronger. Outlining is the best tool a writer can use.
Sage Nestler
Honestly, everything inspires me. However, music and the outdoors help me the most. I like going out in the world and experiencing things because my experiences help me to keep a real touch on what I am writing about. I also get inspired by talking to other authors about their passions. Being connected to other creators who think in the same way helps to keep me flourishing as an author.
Sage Nestler
I always used to write in first person. I liked being able to convey the emotions of the character that I was speaking from. However, I now write mostly in third person because I feel that I can talk about aspects of other characters that I wouldn't have been able to before. When you write in first person you are kind of stuck with one character's mind unless you switch between characters. However, I do prefer first person if my novel is mostly about one character's experience. I think first person is a good alternative to using inner dialogue in a third person narrative. This might help you to write in a way that doesn't force the character to get lost in their own mind. My own personal rule is: use first person for in depth writing on one character or third person for in depth writing on multiple characters.
Sage Nestler
I have not had anyone tell me this about my personal writing, but I have noticed that this seems to be a common problem with authors. Sometimes authors get so involved with their characters that they focus too much on them and not enough time with the story. My best advice would be to not include too much inner dialogue, because you don't want to give everything away about your characters. There has to be a mysterious element to your characters in order to keep the reader interested. I think that inner dialogue is great, but think of it this way: would you go around voicing everything that you think? Because this is the way that too much inner dialogue in novels can come off as.
If your novel is not a psychological thriller and doesn't revolve around the mind of a character, make sure you cut off some of the inner dialogue and focus on the bigger picture of the plot.
If your novel is not a psychological thriller and doesn't revolve around the mind of a character, make sure you cut off some of the inner dialogue and focus on the bigger picture of the plot.
Sage Nestler
I have not had anyone tell me this about my personal writing, but I have noticed that this seems to be a common problem with authors. Sometimes authors get so involved with their characters that they focus too much on them and not enough time with the story. My best advice would be to not include too much inner dialogue, because you don't want to give everything away about your characters. There has to be a mysterious element to your characters in order to keep the reader interested. I think that inner dialogue is great, but think of it this way: would you go around voicing everything that you think? Because this is the way that too much inner dialogue in novels can come off as.
If your novel is not a psychological thriller and doesn't revolve around the mind of a character, make sure you cut off some of the inner dialogue and focus on the bigger picture of the plot.
If your novel is not a psychological thriller and doesn't revolve around the mind of a character, make sure you cut off some of the inner dialogue and focus on the bigger picture of the plot.
Sage Nestler
I do love using internal dialogue in my novels. I think that it is important for the reader to fully grasp the internal feelings and motivations of characters and this form of dialogue works wonderfully. Many times characters can seem two dimensional if they aren't fully developed. By understanding the inner workings of characters they tend to develop better.
Sage Nestler
Write. Write everyday, even if you are only able to write a little bit. It doesn't matter what you write about but you have to write. Also, read. I am a strong believer that you can't be a great writer if you hate to read. If you don't want to read what you are going to write, then how do you expect others to want to read it?
Sage Nestler
I deal with writer's block by not beating myself up for not writing. I take some time to read books, lots of book, and try to get inspired again. I find that listening to music and watching movies helps me get inspired. Experiencing other peoples' creations tends to fire me up to make my own.
Sage Nestler
The absolute best thing about being a writer is being able to escape in your own mind. It is as though I have created these little worlds in my head where I can escape and invent. I can also write anywhere and I find myself writing in my head a lot of the times. It feels like a super power in a way, even though that sounds cheesy, and I love being able to do it.
Sage Nestler
The novel I am working on now is a novel that I have been grappling with for a few years now. It is contemporary young adult novel that involves a school shooting, but in a very unique way. I don't want to reveal anything yet, but I originally wanted to write this novel in order to bring a message to the world about bullying and shootings in general. Since there have been so many shootings and tragedies in the world lately I wanted to bring to light a novel with a peaceful message. It is my proudest novel to date and I am excited to have it published soon.
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