Ask the Author: J.C. Patrick
Answered Questions (3)
J.C. Patrick
Number one - You CAN do this! Two - Start with an outline, but expect to modify it as you progress and find ways to make your story even better. Three - Spend some time envisioning/writing your main character summaries before you write your first chapter. Trust me, it will make your work later so much easier. Four - Writing a novel is an incredible amount of work, and few people may read your book, not even good friends or family. Write for the joy and satisfaction it brings YOU! Five - Write often and a lot, even with the knowledge that you may edit out much of your work in a later draft. What seems essential in a first draft, may seem a bit wordy after succesive reads. Six - Expect to write multiple drafts and read numerous times. It's true! Allow at least 3-5 (or more) drafts just for content. Proofing coming after this. Seven and most important - Be proud of your "creative genius" and give yourself a pat on the back!
J.C. Patrick
It depends on the day. Sometimes, it works to step away from the computer for awhile and take a walk or do something fun. But other times, I switch gears and work on another book project (I usually have more than one in progress). Most days, it's helpful just to push through and write something, even if it veers off a little from my intended outlines. I've turned out some of my best ideas and writing on days in which I struggled the most.
J.C. Patrick
I'm working to complete my next novel "How to Disappear." It's a mystery/suspense novel about a Hollywood gossip columnist working to find a missing movie star.
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