Ask the Author: Cherry Shephard
Answered Questions (6)
Cherry Shephard
Make your characters do something. If you find that your characters have been written into a corner, throw a plot twist at them. It could be something really basic such as one of them leaving the room, or as elaborate as running away from a foe.
By forcing your characters to do something, your work can begin to flow once more. Remember: You will always edit later - for now you need to write freely.
By forcing your characters to do something, your work can begin to flow once more. Remember: You will always edit later - for now you need to write freely.
Cherry Shephard
Being able to create a world and bring people together with nothing more than a piece of paper and a pencil (or laptop).
Cherry Shephard
Keep writing. I know it sounds like the most cliché answer, but it's true. It's so easy to begin a manuscript, but when you find other story ideas pulling you away it's important to jot them down in a notebook and then put them aside.
Networking is just as important. I have made so many new author friends through avenues such as Facebook and Twitter. They have all helped me with tips and advice as I began my own writing journey.
Networking is just as important. I have made so many new author friends through avenues such as Facebook and Twitter. They have all helped me with tips and advice as I began my own writing journey.
Cherry Shephard
I currently have a few works in progress. I am writing a rocker romance, a new series and I am co-authoring a YA novella with my eldest daughter.
Cherry Shephard
More often than not, a new story idea will come to me when I'm listening to music. I find myself picturing different scenes based on songs I enjoy. For example: While I was writing Stranded, I had Zzyxz Rd. by Stone Sour on repeat. Corey Taylor has a way with lyrics that I can't begin to explain. It's one of the most soulful, passionate and desperate songs I have ever heard.
Cherry Shephard
The following question was posed to me: "If you could have just one thing on a deserted island, what would it be?" The first thing that came to mind was "a hot guy".
It got me thinking. What would happen if a man and a woman were stuck in the middle of nowhere for an entire weekend, with nothing other than each other to keep them occupied?
Then, just to make things more complicated - what if they knew each other in the 'real world'? What if they worked together?
Finally, I wondered what would happen once they returned to their own lives. What would the fallout be from their weekend together?
Answering all of these questions, I developed my new book "Stranded".
It got me thinking. What would happen if a man and a woman were stuck in the middle of nowhere for an entire weekend, with nothing other than each other to keep them occupied?
Then, just to make things more complicated - what if they knew each other in the 'real world'? What if they worked together?
Finally, I wondered what would happen once they returned to their own lives. What would the fallout be from their weekend together?
Answering all of these questions, I developed my new book "Stranded".
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