Randal Nerhus
I took over Marjorie Carter’s Red With Native Blood series in 2005, after she died of pneumonia in 2004.
Unlike most authors, I wasn’t inspired to finish Marjorie’s book. It was more like a duty that blossomed from an agreement between souls. This led me to title my company, “Soul Mission Publications.”
That said, the task of redacting and finishing the series required continuous inspiration. I believe it’s a misnomer to think that an author only needs inspiration in the early stages of writing. I found it quite the opposite.
When I was stuck bridging Marjorie’s writing, I needed to call upon my muse for a solution. Answers came from the oddest of places: a stray comment from a beta reader or an editor, something I’d read or heard, or from nature.
After exhausting all those options, and thinking I had it right, my muse would instruct me through a dream or speak to me in a kind voice with specifics: “The writing on page 87 works for the scene, but it conflicts with pages 233 & 347, which need to be solved.”
From my experience with inspiration, I’d say, push as hard as you can, then ask for help.
Unlike most authors, I wasn’t inspired to finish Marjorie’s book. It was more like a duty that blossomed from an agreement between souls. This led me to title my company, “Soul Mission Publications.”
That said, the task of redacting and finishing the series required continuous inspiration. I believe it’s a misnomer to think that an author only needs inspiration in the early stages of writing. I found it quite the opposite.
When I was stuck bridging Marjorie’s writing, I needed to call upon my muse for a solution. Answers came from the oddest of places: a stray comment from a beta reader or an editor, something I’d read or heard, or from nature.
After exhausting all those options, and thinking I had it right, my muse would instruct me through a dream or speak to me in a kind voice with specifics: “The writing on page 87 works for the scene, but it conflicts with pages 233 & 347, which need to be solved.”
From my experience with inspiration, I’d say, push as hard as you can, then ask for help.
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