Alma Katsu
Great question! Writing is an amazing release, a mental exercise, a personal challenge, and more. But it can seem daunting in the beginning. One approach is to jump right in. You have an idea, even if it's not fully formed. Start writing. Try to write every day. Take some time to think about what you've written, what scene comes next. Make sure you keep reading. Think about what challenges you in your writing and see how other writers handled it (I had to deal with time jumps in The Taker, and so I studied The Time Traveller's Wife, for instance). There are great books on writing; start building your reference shelf. Ursula LeGuin's Steering the Craft is great for the basics: POV, verb tenses, handling exposition. Eventually, join a writing group to get feedback on your work. Critiquing others' work is a great way to grow your editorial eye. Remember, this is a craft--no rush, commit to getting better every day. Good luck!
More Answered Questions
Richard Milleville
asked
Alma Katsu:
I've read accounts of that many times and people may have an opinion, but it doesn't mean squat until you're put into that position. This is not meant to be disrespectful but everyone has a breaking point. That point can change from year to year such as in the book, "The Red Badge of Courage." This is a thing that will drive a man crazy or he will be scorned to death. The question I must ask is what do you fear?
Adam
asked
Alma Katsu:
hi - Greetings from South Africa - i picked up a copy of your book - The Hunger - OMG !! I was automatically drawn to it !! how do you write factual events in a fiction environment ? i only started it last night - and i am almost halfway - the way you write - the descriptive way you describe the scene - makes you believe that you are actually there inside the book! looking forward to your new book . from Adam
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