Joseph Cognard
asked
Jonathan Dunne:
Fellow author here, never reached out to another on Goodreads author, but your books look freaking awesome. Hoping to win one of your giveaways. So when you start a book, is it more just a tiny little idea that builds or is it a grand concept already that you then try to detail?
Jonathan Dunne
Joseph, hello,
Thanks for the question.
It's the first option: a single idea that grows arms and legs (most importantly legs so it can stand on its own). The story never comes fully formed. Many times, I couldn't tell you where the overall idea comes from because that 'big idea' is an amalgam of little ideas...The origins of my stories are a series of dot-to-dots that I eventually join to get the big picture. I keep notes everywhere, my phone, laptop...whatever is the nearest. Sometimes, I can find a pattern in between those notes. Ideas normally come when I'm driving, if I read something that grabs my curiosity, or even misreading/misunderstanding something can give me an idea. For my latest book, I had 1 experience when my 4 year-old daughter was almost knocked down on the street. It got me thinking...and thinking and it has eventually become Hearts Anonymous which will be out in a few days.
Thanks Joseph ... up and up with your books.
Jon
Thanks for the question.
It's the first option: a single idea that grows arms and legs (most importantly legs so it can stand on its own). The story never comes fully formed. Many times, I couldn't tell you where the overall idea comes from because that 'big idea' is an amalgam of little ideas...The origins of my stories are a series of dot-to-dots that I eventually join to get the big picture. I keep notes everywhere, my phone, laptop...whatever is the nearest. Sometimes, I can find a pattern in between those notes. Ideas normally come when I'm driving, if I read something that grabs my curiosity, or even misreading/misunderstanding something can give me an idea. For my latest book, I had 1 experience when my 4 year-old daughter was almost knocked down on the street. It got me thinking...and thinking and it has eventually become Hearts Anonymous which will be out in a few days.
Thanks Joseph ... up and up with your books.
Jon
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