Ask the Author: James Duncan
Answered Questions (6)
James Duncan
'Serendipity' is a fictionalised version of experiences I have had, emotions I have felt; all the betrayal, rejection, penury, spiritual realisations I have encountered on my journey, are in there. I had something to say and 'Serendipity' allowed me to say it.
I'm inspired by people I meet, work settings, observations of society and the power structure. I have a sense of humour, so I like to inject comedy into my work. Inspiration surrounds me.
I'm inspired by people I meet, work settings, observations of society and the power structure. I have a sense of humour, so I like to inject comedy into my work. Inspiration surrounds me.
James Duncan
A black comedy thriller about miracles. It asks questions about society and the powers that be. Do they care about us? Or is profit and power all that motivates them? The book is a lot of fun to write. Will soon have a big research phase. Hope to finish it within 3 months.
James Duncan
Keep writing! My method of writing requires some discipline, I set a minimum of 1,000 words a day, getting there! Once you have that structure, you are free to be creative and try and write simply for the pure enjoyment of it. Find a theme and a plot and characters that you can live with comfortably for several months. Do your research, internet brilliant for this. I find obscure information which is vital for descriptions. Last night I couldn't think of the word of the 'things' you secure a nappy with. Found it, of course, you fasten the "tabs"! Doh! Get a little distance and then re-read your book, be as honest as you can and write another draft. Approach publishers and agents specialising in your genre, remembering rejection is more likely than acceptance. Then try self publishing if traditional publishing contract eludes you. I recommend Amazon Kindle, so many self-publishing outfits are pretty dodgy and will cause you heartache (personal experience!) Believe in yourself. It's a competitive world, with multitudes of author budding new writers trying to make it big. Develop a thick skin and be relentless with promotion. Good luck!
James Duncan
Creating a work that I am proud of. Creating a story and characters that I feel will be an entertaining read, is a great feeling.
James Duncan
The only way to overcome mild writer's block is to just keep writing. I find that very effectively deals with this problem. Sometimes, I have to abandon a project, because the theme, plot, characters just aren't gelling. I have had a time when I found it extremely hard to write, I was in a bad space. I had to wait for this period to pass before I could write again.
James Duncan
I got the idea for 'Serendipity' from recent recession, the end of a relationship which hurt, and the notion of just letting go and see what happens.
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