Ask the Author: A.F.E. Smith
Answered Questions (3)
A.F.E. Smith
I don't. We are locked in a relentless struggle that will last until one of us dies.
Sometimes I manage to sneak up on it and get in a few hundred words while its back is turned. Sometimes I think it's gone and then it grabs my ankle as I sit down at my computer.
Unfortunately, rather like Ged of Earthsea fame, I carry my nemesis within me and it will not be vanquished until I accept it as the shadow-half of myself.
Sometimes I manage to sneak up on it and get in a few hundred words while its back is turned. Sometimes I think it's gone and then it grabs my ankle as I sit down at my computer.
Unfortunately, rather like Ged of Earthsea fame, I carry my nemesis within me and it will not be vanquished until I accept it as the shadow-half of myself.
A.F.E. Smith
For a long time the answer would have been a dragon, because really, who DOESN'T like dragons? I grew up reading Anne McCaffrey and one of my greatest ambitions was to Impress a dragon. (I should probably add that this ambition was similar to the one I had to go to Hogwarts: I knew it wasn't going to happen, for obvious reasons, but that didn't stop me wanting it A LOT.)
But these days, my answer tends to be a phoenix. I guess I like what they represent: rebirth, renewal, a brand new start arising from disaster. I find it an inspiring way to view the world, in general – if something goes terribly wrong, it's simply preparing me for a new stage in my life. It's always a comfort to believe that good things can come out of bad.
And, of course, since writing Darkhaven I also have a soft spot for unicorns, particularly the winged variety :-)
But these days, my answer tends to be a phoenix. I guess I like what they represent: rebirth, renewal, a brand new start arising from disaster. I find it an inspiring way to view the world, in general – if something goes terribly wrong, it's simply preparing me for a new stage in my life. It's always a comfort to believe that good things can come out of bad.
And, of course, since writing Darkhaven I also have a soft spot for unicorns, particularly the winged variety :-)
A.F.E. Smith
Why, thank you for asking, Goodreads automatic question-poser. I would have to say the never-ending feeling of self-doubt and crushing inadequacy.
Seriously, though, aside from consistently worrying you’re not good enough – which, let’s face it, isn’t a problem restricted to those of us who aspire to authordom – being a writer is pretty great. You get to spend time with your imaginary friends without being called weird (at least to your face). You get to explore and play with ideas and words and the ‘what if’. Most importantly, you get to add a touch of enjoyment to other people’s lives.
You know … there are books that I love, that I feel privileged to have read, that changed my life; and there are a whole lot more books that didn’t have the same shattering impact but nevertheless were a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If my own writing can fall into the second category for a handful of people – or even, dare I say it, into the first category for one or two – then I will have done my job. And that’s the best thing about being a writer: the possibility that someone might lose themselves in one of my books and feel all the better for it.
Plus, I have a good excuse to eat lots of snacks. Because chocolate helps me think better. Really.
Seriously, though, aside from consistently worrying you’re not good enough – which, let’s face it, isn’t a problem restricted to those of us who aspire to authordom – being a writer is pretty great. You get to spend time with your imaginary friends without being called weird (at least to your face). You get to explore and play with ideas and words and the ‘what if’. Most importantly, you get to add a touch of enjoyment to other people’s lives.
You know … there are books that I love, that I feel privileged to have read, that changed my life; and there are a whole lot more books that didn’t have the same shattering impact but nevertheless were a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If my own writing can fall into the second category for a handful of people – or even, dare I say it, into the first category for one or two – then I will have done my job. And that’s the best thing about being a writer: the possibility that someone might lose themselves in one of my books and feel all the better for it.
Plus, I have a good excuse to eat lots of snacks. Because chocolate helps me think better. Really.
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