Goodreads asked Randall Sharpe:

How do you get inspired to write?

Randall Sharpe I pick a name for my main character first. I aim for something unique, but not overtly Mary Sueish. Inevitably I end up using slightly altered names of prominent psychics/conspiracy theorists, or something ridiculous like "Clover Fields" though. After I've done that, I designate a paranormal phenomenon, creature feature, or some other issue for the story to revolve around. If necessary, I may write a page or two of setting notes for whatever planet or picket dimension I'm using. From there, I'll get a stack of papers and start writing until my wrist hurts too much to go on. If I've gotten to the third chapter, I'll keep the story, otherwise I'll either scrap it or put it on a shelf until I can revisit the concept, then start from scratch.

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