Ask the Author: Steven Hayward
Answered Questions (5)
Steven Hayward
Thanks for your question, Maretha. I absolutely agree. Interruptions are at best a double-edged sword for writers, especially difficult given the need to remain active in our networks and sustain our marketing efforts. Setting aside quality time, and in sufficient quantity, can be difficult. One of my frequent references as a writer is the importance of achieving and maintaining momentum. Whether that's whilst writing a first draft or editing, getting into a "zone" that can sustain a level of creativity and focus for days (if not weeks) at a time, I find vital, not only to achieve the goal but also in how the journey feels. All of that said, it's good to be able to focus on something completely different from time to time. For me, a long dog-walk or time spent gardening are my distractions of choice. OK, now back to that editing!
Steven Hayward
Hi Heather, thanks for your question. Where to start? Well, there it is, in that word; you've got to start! Get into a habit and get some words written. That sounds a bit obvious I know and everyone always says "Writers write", but writing has to become a habit, and make sure it's one you enjoy and isn't a chore because it's a long and lonely road to write a novel. In terms of how to start on a particular book, there are plotters and then there are authors who fly by the seat of their pants. There's nothing wrong with the latter (Stephen King's been doing it for years) but one of the pitfalls for a newbie is that you think you have a story that will sustain you for 85k words or more until you get to 10k and realise all you really have is an idea. I started writing Mickey Take with an idea but by the time I'd written those first 10k words, I felt I had some interesting characters and an increasingly growing plot that in the end, I hope, dwarfed the original idea! Second time around, I've spent a lot more time planning and as a result, I wrote the first draft in a month and felt a lot more in control. There are lots of other things you can be doing further along, e.g. I found local creative writing classes very useful in getting things started and a way to meet like-minded people. From the ones I attended 7 and 8 years ago, I made lifelong friendships and have two small writing groups that still meet regularly today. Good luck with your writing and let me know how you get on.
Steven Hayward
The sequel to Mickey Take will bring the story of some of the peripheral characters up to date. This time I'm committed to having a clearer plan in place for the various plot lines before putting down more than a few sentences. So right now I'm taking the time to nail down the plot for MT2!
Steven Hayward
The opening premise of my recently published book was the dilemma of finding an exposed film and not knowing what might be on it. What would you do with it? What might it reveal? And where might that lead you? I have to thank one of my creative writing tutors who first used props to help prompt short story ideas. Of course, once I took the idea forward there was a lot of work to do to develop it into the novel that became Mickey Take.
Steven Hayward
I tend to avoid the term because I think once you give that particular state of mind a label you are just finding something external to blame and by focusing on it you generate the stress that it then thrives on. Better to go for a long walk with the dog! On a practical level, if I'm at a crossroads and procrastination starts kicking in I would take one of my characters to one side and "interview them" to get more insight into what makes them tick.
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