Susan Henderson
I like to circle a topic for a while before I figure out how to enter it. For example, THE FLICKER OF OLD DREAMS began with my alarm and obsession about the rage I saw everyday (on bumper stickers and on the news) between one American and another.
So first, I just started to notice and turn toward every example I stumbled upon during my ordinary day. Then I went to a small town and just listened. And that led me to following around the unemployed and to the empty buildings (including the abandoned grain elevator and buried train tracks) where they once worked.
Suddenly I wanted to know everything I could about grain elevators and the frustration of being unemployed and underemployed, and there was a lot more to write about (and learn about) than rage.
So, if you don't feel inspired to write, get out in the world and listen, and follow one interest and see what it's connected to, keep your ears and your mind open to whatever you might find!
So first, I just started to notice and turn toward every example I stumbled upon during my ordinary day. Then I went to a small town and just listened. And that led me to following around the unemployed and to the empty buildings (including the abandoned grain elevator and buried train tracks) where they once worked.
Suddenly I wanted to know everything I could about grain elevators and the frustration of being unemployed and underemployed, and there was a lot more to write about (and learn about) than rage.
So, if you don't feel inspired to write, get out in the world and listen, and follow one interest and see what it's connected to, keep your ears and your mind open to whatever you might find!
More Answered Questions
Shannon A
asked
Susan Henderson:
I just requested a ARC from my Publisher Rep. of your book The Flicker of Old Dreams because this was on Gina Sorell's Goodreads page. I loved her book and was so lucky to meet her! Your book looks like one I would Love. I just finished From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death and loved it so I am looking forward to reading your novel! (?)
Karl
asked
Susan Henderson:
Thank you for the new book! It was so good. The emotional intensity, the people, ... everything. I was curious about your choice to not mention the Internet? From my experience in rural Oregon, i imagine it would not be a big part of life (can't get the chores done or the roads plowed on the net), but still, it's ubiquitious ... just wondering. Thanks again for the great, great, book.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more