Ask the Author: Anthony Lowe
Answered Questions (3)
Anthony Lowe
I set a goal for myself a few years ago, that I'd write and self-publish a trilogy of books through Kindle, regardless of content. This was to learn the ins-and-outs of writing, editing, and publishing -- and in general get myself over the fear of the whole process.
The "Lore of the Reluctant" series is what I clicked with. It's a humorous sword and sorcery series that follows a trio of adventurers from our world and their MISadventures in a trope-filled fantasy world. I wanted it to feel like fantasy purgatory for these characters, to the point where even they can see how the story is going to develop and are none too thrilled.
I've already completed the first novella, THE OUTCASTS OF VAMPIRE FLATS, as a trial run. The second book, which is a full-length novel, has already been completed and is nearly ready for publication. Just gotta get the cover art finalized!
The "Lore of the Reluctant" series is what I clicked with. It's a humorous sword and sorcery series that follows a trio of adventurers from our world and their MISadventures in a trope-filled fantasy world. I wanted it to feel like fantasy purgatory for these characters, to the point where even they can see how the story is going to develop and are none too thrilled.
I've already completed the first novella, THE OUTCASTS OF VAMPIRE FLATS, as a trial run. The second book, which is a full-length novel, has already been completed and is nearly ready for publication. Just gotta get the cover art finalized!
Anthony Lowe
That story you've been working on: finish it.
Even if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted, even if you think it's the worst thing anyone in the history of the planet has written. Keep going. It can be fixed later. The biggest barrier I see getting between good writers and publication is that unfinished product.
A finished product brings confidence. It solidifies that notion of what it takes to create a beginning, middle, and end. By the time that next project rolls around, those barriers won't be nearly as crippling.
Even if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted, even if you think it's the worst thing anyone in the history of the planet has written. Keep going. It can be fixed later. The biggest barrier I see getting between good writers and publication is that unfinished product.
A finished product brings confidence. It solidifies that notion of what it takes to create a beginning, middle, and end. By the time that next project rolls around, those barriers won't be nearly as crippling.
Anthony Lowe
Goodreads question! I subscribe to Matthew Stover's way of thinking, that there really is no such thing as writer's block. There's confidence and a crippling lack thereof. Anyone can write anything they want if they have enough confidence, which is how some authors can put out a book annually and why some have a hard time seeing a story to completion.
Sometimes it just takes time to shake off; approach the story from a different direction, figure out why it was important in the first place. Or just adopt that "screw it" mentality and soldier forth, even if it's a sentence or a word at a time, even if you're pretty sure whatever you're writing isn't up to par. That's the great thing about writing: unless it's already being printed, everything can be fixed to your satisfaction in post.
Sometimes it just takes time to shake off; approach the story from a different direction, figure out why it was important in the first place. Or just adopt that "screw it" mentality and soldier forth, even if it's a sentence or a word at a time, even if you're pretty sure whatever you're writing isn't up to par. That's the great thing about writing: unless it's already being printed, everything can be fixed to your satisfaction in post.
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