Ask the Author: Ruby Grandin
Answered Questions (3)
Ruby Grandin
It gives me an good excuse for all those weird things I already do.
"What am I doing? Oh, I'm researching for a new character. Yes, that's definitely what I'm doing!"
"What am I doing? Oh, I'm researching for a new character. Yes, that's definitely what I'm doing!"
Ruby Grandin
Outlines. And good deadlines. Writers block tends to come in the form of 'don't know what's going to happen next'. With a good outline you'll know what's supposed to happen and where the conversation is going so you're not groping blindly in the dark.
Even for my short stories I have at least a good page of outline for the ones that get finished. Don't hesitate to write down snippets of dialog as they come to you. That stuff is gold and you WILL forget it if you don't write it down.
Also have fun. If you're enjoying your story it's much easier. If you hate your story, that might mean it's time to take a critical look at it. If it's not compelling even to you as a writer, you've got something wrong in the story. Tear it apart and rebuild it. But save the good bones.
Even for my short stories I have at least a good page of outline for the ones that get finished. Don't hesitate to write down snippets of dialog as they come to you. That stuff is gold and you WILL forget it if you don't write it down.
Also have fun. If you're enjoying your story it's much easier. If you hate your story, that might mean it's time to take a critical look at it. If it's not compelling even to you as a writer, you've got something wrong in the story. Tear it apart and rebuild it. But save the good bones.
Ruby Grandin
For me it's mostly about thinking up a clever story and then letting the characters talk to me. I have to hear a good voice from the characters and then the stories just come pouring out!
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