FAQ
This evening I'd like to answer five of your frequently asked writing-related questions!
1. Do you set goals of certain number of words a week or just when inspiration strikes?I try not to set myself a word count because I then feel pressured to write anything (even if it's poor) just to meet it. I like to sit and consider what the story needs - what should logically happen next according to my road map/ outline? Then, I write that scene and if I still feel able to continue, I move on to the next. If not, I call it a day. I find I'm more productive that way, and what I write is relevant to the story.2. How did you get connected with so many authors for your interviews?I've joined a lot of writing groups where writers share promotional tips and tricks. I like to offer interviews to authors in those groups because new/ struggling writers need a voice in the publishing industry too. Who better to interview about the stresses of indie publishing than those currently doing it? The interviews are free, so people aren't put off by a fee. The interviews are short and easy to submit, so people aren't put off by boring, lengthy questions. Plus, they can advertise their book and talk about it to someone who is genuinely interested.3. Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns?I know when to let my characters take over and when to tighten my hold. Sometimes characters need to express themselves and it feels right to free/ speed write certain parts. However, most of the time I try to slow my excitement when such moments get the better of me and consider if what that character wants to say is ideal for the story at that time. If not, I make note and use it later if it fits.4. Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?I don't base my characters off people I know. I may use particular traits I have seen in strangers or a name I really like, but that's about as far as I take it. I do like to study people and I think it helps when creating a believable character, but I like to be as unique with them as I can. Despite all this I've been told Arriette Monroe (Finding Pandora) is just like me, so I guess I am subconsciously basing them on myself!5. What genre do you consider your books to be? Have you considered writing in another genre?I write high fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction (which falls under sci-fi). I consider them to be these genres due to the number of characters, the themes, the plot etc, but there is always wriggle room when it comes to sub-genres. I love to try different ones because it's fun to learn a new skill. I wrote a romance short story and novel in my teens (women's fiction), and I hope one day to try my hand at horror.That's it for today's FAQ but I'll be sure to do another five in the near future. If you have a question to ask, you can email me or catch me on social media. Thanks!E. Rachael Hardcastle
1. Do you set goals of certain number of words a week or just when inspiration strikes?I try not to set myself a word count because I then feel pressured to write anything (even if it's poor) just to meet it. I like to sit and consider what the story needs - what should logically happen next according to my road map/ outline? Then, I write that scene and if I still feel able to continue, I move on to the next. If not, I call it a day. I find I'm more productive that way, and what I write is relevant to the story.2. How did you get connected with so many authors for your interviews?I've joined a lot of writing groups where writers share promotional tips and tricks. I like to offer interviews to authors in those groups because new/ struggling writers need a voice in the publishing industry too. Who better to interview about the stresses of indie publishing than those currently doing it? The interviews are free, so people aren't put off by a fee. The interviews are short and easy to submit, so people aren't put off by boring, lengthy questions. Plus, they can advertise their book and talk about it to someone who is genuinely interested.3. Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns?I know when to let my characters take over and when to tighten my hold. Sometimes characters need to express themselves and it feels right to free/ speed write certain parts. However, most of the time I try to slow my excitement when such moments get the better of me and consider if what that character wants to say is ideal for the story at that time. If not, I make note and use it later if it fits.4. Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?I don't base my characters off people I know. I may use particular traits I have seen in strangers or a name I really like, but that's about as far as I take it. I do like to study people and I think it helps when creating a believable character, but I like to be as unique with them as I can. Despite all this I've been told Arriette Monroe (Finding Pandora) is just like me, so I guess I am subconsciously basing them on myself!5. What genre do you consider your books to be? Have you considered writing in another genre?I write high fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction (which falls under sci-fi). I consider them to be these genres due to the number of characters, the themes, the plot etc, but there is always wriggle room when it comes to sub-genres. I love to try different ones because it's fun to learn a new skill. I wrote a romance short story and novel in my teens (women's fiction), and I hope one day to try my hand at horror.That's it for today's FAQ but I'll be sure to do another five in the near future. If you have a question to ask, you can email me or catch me on social media. Thanks!E. Rachael Hardcastle
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