Jo Baker
I've realised that stories come from a process, not one single spark of inspiration. It's like a chemical reaction. One element is acquired - a fact, an image, an idea - and can sit there inert for years. Then something else is added - a new experience or information - and it'll react with the first thing, and begin to fizz. I suppose I have to be open to that process.
I am quite an observant person (writers have to be, I think) and I am always wondering about people's motivations - I might encounter someone for just a moment then be wondering about their behaviour for days. I think observation - just noticing stuff - is a necessary part of the process.
On a practical level, I don't wait around. I just sit down, every day, with a pen and paper or a laptop, and write whatever I can write.
I am quite an observant person (writers have to be, I think) and I am always wondering about people's motivations - I might encounter someone for just a moment then be wondering about their behaviour for days. I think observation - just noticing stuff - is a necessary part of the process.
On a practical level, I don't wait around. I just sit down, every day, with a pen and paper or a laptop, and write whatever I can write.
More Answered Questions
Hélène
asked
Jo Baker:
Dear Jo, I've really enjoyed your book Longbourn. I've always liked books that show a different perspective of a well known story. This is why I was wondering if you'd ever consider doing another at one point? And maybe another question: what if you could choose any author to write the flipside story of any book. Which author and book would you choose and why? (Not necessarily the same author as the original)
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