Ktharina
asked
Mark Allen Smith:
Hi. First of all but I am really glad I started to read your books.You became my favorite author and I really enjoy reading your works. My question is: How did you motivate yourself to start a book.I am playing with the idea to start on my own but the problem is I don't really trust myself to dare something like that.Perhaps you have any advice for me? Would be an honor to hear from you!
Mark Allen Smith
Ktharina...
First, let me thank you for your kind words. Whenever I hear that I have made a connection with a reader, it is a special and satisfying feeling.
To your question about writing...
I have been writing since I was six or seven years old, so it is something for me that has become a natural behavior - almost like breathing and sleeping. With THE INQUISITOR, I did have to make a leap of faith with the book, because of its difficult subject and because of Geiger's nature -- but I just took a deep breath and dove into it.
To your question about advice...
You used the word 'dare'... I think that is a wonderful choice of words. What do you have to worry about or fear?! Not a thing. Starting to write is like beginning a quest - exciting, thrilling, challenging. Everything about it is positive. So just go ahead and 'dare' to write. It's like starting an adventure - discovering things about yourself and your dreams and imagination. There will be no one looking over your shoulder, no one grading you or passing judgement. You can make as many starts and stops as you want. If you get stuck, then let things sit for a while and then jump back in.
Create a schedule for yourself, to help you get going and stay going. Pick a time of day, your 'writing time' - and sit down each day and see what happens. It may help if you try creating an 'outline' first - your story in simple 'beats' - so you get a sense of the shape of things. But as simplistic as it may sound, the only way to begin writing something---is to start writing. If you hit dead-ends, then you back up and try another direction. But the joys will outweigh the frustrations.
Good luck.
Mark
First, let me thank you for your kind words. Whenever I hear that I have made a connection with a reader, it is a special and satisfying feeling.
To your question about writing...
I have been writing since I was six or seven years old, so it is something for me that has become a natural behavior - almost like breathing and sleeping. With THE INQUISITOR, I did have to make a leap of faith with the book, because of its difficult subject and because of Geiger's nature -- but I just took a deep breath and dove into it.
To your question about advice...
You used the word 'dare'... I think that is a wonderful choice of words. What do you have to worry about or fear?! Not a thing. Starting to write is like beginning a quest - exciting, thrilling, challenging. Everything about it is positive. So just go ahead and 'dare' to write. It's like starting an adventure - discovering things about yourself and your dreams and imagination. There will be no one looking over your shoulder, no one grading you or passing judgement. You can make as many starts and stops as you want. If you get stuck, then let things sit for a while and then jump back in.
Create a schedule for yourself, to help you get going and stay going. Pick a time of day, your 'writing time' - and sit down each day and see what happens. It may help if you try creating an 'outline' first - your story in simple 'beats' - so you get a sense of the shape of things. But as simplistic as it may sound, the only way to begin writing something---is to start writing. If you hit dead-ends, then you back up and try another direction. But the joys will outweigh the frustrations.
Good luck.
Mark
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