Tullaia
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hello! It's been a while since I last asked you a question. But I'm back with some more! How do you stay motivated? <- Sorry, I know you probably get this a lot. When writing books, do you start with the story or create the characters first? Also, where do you get these amazing character and country names?
Jennifer A. Nielsen
Hey there - figure out why it is you lose motivation. Is it:
- You got another bright, shiny new idea? Okay, then write it down and set it aside. It will still be there when you come back.
- You're stuck in your current project. Give your character a new problem, a big one, and see if that helps.
- You're at a place where writing feels like work. Yup, sometimes it does. Write anyway, push through it.
- The total project seems overwhelming. Break it down into smaller parts. Just do a paragraph or two then something else, then come back and do another couple of paragraphs.
- You don't think your draft is very good. Nope, it isn't. Because nobody's first draft is any good, so don't stress that. Write at the top; of the page, "This is the worst version this story will ever be," and keep writing.
I stay motivated because I think of my characters as real, and if I get them into a ton of trouble, I feel obligated to get them out of trouble, to finish their story.
Second question: I start with the hook - the general concept, then I look for my main character and my antagonist, and once I have them, I start to build the plot around them.
Original names; For me, it's just about combining the sounds of letters unit it feels like a name I like. If this doesn't work for you, try starting with a familiar name and changing it one letter at a time, or adding and subtracting. For example:
EMMY -> EMRY -> EMRYA ->IMRYA
A unique name in four steps. Good luck with your writing!
- You got another bright, shiny new idea? Okay, then write it down and set it aside. It will still be there when you come back.
- You're stuck in your current project. Give your character a new problem, a big one, and see if that helps.
- You're at a place where writing feels like work. Yup, sometimes it does. Write anyway, push through it.
- The total project seems overwhelming. Break it down into smaller parts. Just do a paragraph or two then something else, then come back and do another couple of paragraphs.
- You don't think your draft is very good. Nope, it isn't. Because nobody's first draft is any good, so don't stress that. Write at the top; of the page, "This is the worst version this story will ever be," and keep writing.
I stay motivated because I think of my characters as real, and if I get them into a ton of trouble, I feel obligated to get them out of trouble, to finish their story.
Second question: I start with the hook - the general concept, then I look for my main character and my antagonist, and once I have them, I start to build the plot around them.
Original names; For me, it's just about combining the sounds of letters unit it feels like a name I like. If this doesn't work for you, try starting with a familiar name and changing it one letter at a time, or adding and subtracting. For example:
EMMY -> EMRY -> EMRYA ->IMRYA
A unique name in four steps. Good luck with your writing!
More Answered Questions
Cecilia
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
How do you deal with writer's block??? Any tips for getting back on track?
Olivia B
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
First I just wanted to thank you for answering my other question, it made my day! I love how you answer questions from fans; it's so kind of you! I was wondering if you might be going on a book tour any time soon. I don't know how Utah is doing when it comes to COVID, but here we're doing pretty good. Is there any chance of a tour any time soon?
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