Ask the Author: R.J. Connor
Answered Questions (8)
R.J. Connor
Dunstan by Conn Iggulden and Sons of the Blood by Robyn Young.
R.J. Connor
I am indeed Jim. It's nice to hear from you. Sorry about the delay in response but I've been out of the game for a while. Hope all is well on your side of the pond. RJC
R.J. Connor
Well Mercenary, the idea came to me when I was visiting a Guadalest Castle in Spain. It seemed to good an undiscovered gem, not to write about. But for Heretic, it was actually conceived when I was doing research for Mercenary. I discovered there was once a royal palace a few miles from my house and that was all the inspiration I needed.
R.J. Connor
It's not always easy, some times it's extremely difficult to get motivated. But as a lover of books and films, it's easy to find inspiration in those, particularly when it comes to my favoured genre. But if ever I'm seriously lacking, a visit to a monastery or castle tend to get the juices flowing!
R.J. Connor
I am currently working on Heretic, it is a prequel to my first book Mercenary. Set some hundred years before the first, it follows the lives of my protagonists ancestors. I am really pleased with how things are going and very excited with the progression of the story. Exciting things are ahead and after several months conducting research and visiting some lovely local sites around Hertfordshire, I am well under way with the writing.
R.J. Connor
Easy. Desire. You've got to want it and be willing to put the hard graft in to make sure you succeed. When I started out, I registered at University for a writing degree because I knew I wasn't ready to go it alone. The three years I spent there were priceless and set me up to pursue my career. You have to be willing to do what it takes but never give up, even when things seem bad.
R.J. Connor
For me, writing is fun, but it's not for everyone. Like most jobs it's not an easy ride, even if it may seem that way. Yes I get to work from home and choose my own hours but it's extremely hard work. As a Historical Fiction author, I have to conduct loads of research too, which often extends the projected time scale of my books. But it has it's plus sides, for me, the research is one of the greatest perks of the job.
R.J. Connor
Personally, I believe there is no such thing. Yes authors have sticky patches, where motivation is lacking, or you are so overwhelmed with ideas that it is hard to convey them on the page. But with writing it's about working hard, keeping relaxed and enjoying the experience. Let the words flow.
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