Ask the Author: Paul R. Mudgett
Answered Questions (6)
Paul R. Mudgett
I've hit this a few times and have even been spinning my wheels for weeks or months. I've found that opening up the "what if" notebook and asking questions helps to generate creativity. Make the questions outlandish, bizarre, out of this world, etc. Sooner or later you'll come to something that triggers an idea that blasts through the wall.
Paul R. Mudgett
For me it's about creating something from a glimmer of an idea. I'm fortunate that I'm in a position where I can write for fun and my own enjoyment rather than needing to put food on the table. There is just an unbelievable satisfaction that comes from writing a story and that's what I enjoy most.
Paul R. Mudgett
It's hard at times. I work full time and have a family that I love spending time with. There are always activities and events to attend. So, I try to etch out time when I can. I do like to write down "what if" questions and that tends to blossom into plot, characters, subplots, actions, etc. I start to get excited about those ideas and it drives me to the laptop to write.
Paul R. Mudgett
Just do it! Write something you enjoy and write the best story you possibly can understanding that at some point you just need to hit the "publish" button (if you are self-publishing). It's scary to put yourself out there and reviews can be very intimidating. Learn from reader reviews! I thought I'd be okay with a self-edit process the first time through. Nope. The second book will be visited by an editor. These are the lessons you learn if you are open to constructive criticism. I appreciate it more than my reviewers can possibly know.
Paul R. Mudgett
Opening online newspapers it doesn't take long before you come across some sort of data breach where personal records were stolen. I had the Ethan Deye character in mind for some time and wanted to place him into a breach that had greater consequences than just someone stealing data. I found myself asking about the motivation behind a breach and what would be bigger than what can be taken at the surface. Serpents Unwound allowed me to jump into that concept and play it out.
Paul R. Mudgett
I'm continuing revisions and it's taking a bit longer than I had planned. That's how these things go. A teaser is out on my website but essentially the story is about an information security consultant who uncovers an undocumented research program at a world renowned nanotechnology company. His discovery unleashes a course of events that creates unlikely allies fighting against those willing to do anything to protect their secret.
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