Ask the Author: Elizabeth Van Zandt
Answered Questions (7)
Elizabeth Van Zandt
I don't think there is such a thing as an ideal word count. I wouldn't say that the length is irrelevant, but it shouldn't be considered as a major factor. I find it useful to keep tabs on my word counts, especially if I'm writing a series, because I like for second, third, fourth, etc... books to be roughly the same length or longer than the book before it. Even though I'm the writer, I still have to develop my own relationship with my characters, and as they grow, I find I have more to say about them.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
If I have general writer's block, I return to my greatest inspiration, music, and I let it direct me in my creativity. If I have a specific plot point I'm stuck on, I'll often grab a pen and a notebook and I'll make a crazy chart. I'll also often write out sentences, or even paragraphs, that highlight each direction I'm considering taking, and there is usually a pretty clear winner.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
Being able to create something unique. I love living in the worlds that other authors have created, and the ability to create a fresh, new place for other people to enjoy is the greatest feeling.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
Don't try to force words to come. It's okay to have writer's block sometimes. And if you begin writing, and it's not flowing the way you want, don't be shy about deleting the entire thing and starting over! That's what I do with almost every book I write.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
Starless, book 2 in the Stars Series.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
My own experiences with the world, in part. Music is my greatest inspiration. I can listen to a song, close my eyes, and imagine a character or an entire world.
Elizabeth Van Zandt
I began writing the Stars Series a few years ago. I was inspired to reimagine the entire series, starting with Ashes of the Stars while I was going through a really rough patch. I wrote down, "My mistakes and my anxiety are a part of me, but they are not the whole sum of my person. I will not let those things define me." I decided that Aili Renault was a good character to reflect that sentiment.
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