Ask the Author: Judy Lawn
Answered Questions (6)
Judy Lawn
The best thing about being a writer for me is I get to invent characters, characters who seem so real to me I would actually like to meet them! I'm always thrilled when this happens.
For me writing is always about the reader. The reader will always see something in the story you might not have seen or thought of - and if you are really lucky they will tell you. It doesn't get any better than that!
For me writing is always about the reader. The reader will always see something in the story you might not have seen or thought of - and if you are really lucky they will tell you. It doesn't get any better than that!
Judy Lawn
The idea for 'The Giant Greglusam' (my latest children's story) came to me from a news item I read - can't actually recall where now.
I allowed the idea to 'gel' in my mind for a while before I actually began writing. Characters come to me before I begin the story - you have to begin with character. As I start the story the character's actions and motives for those actions become clear.
When I finish the first draft I go back over the manuscript many times, finding ways to improve the story and make it stronger. Even when I consider the story finished, I will often change something that I might have overlooked, like a time line, or dialogue that I wasn't completely happy with or a description or even a sentence that reads better with re-writing.
I allowed the idea to 'gel' in my mind for a while before I actually began writing. Characters come to me before I begin the story - you have to begin with character. As I start the story the character's actions and motives for those actions become clear.
When I finish the first draft I go back over the manuscript many times, finding ways to improve the story and make it stronger. Even when I consider the story finished, I will often change something that I might have overlooked, like a time line, or dialogue that I wasn't completely happy with or a description or even a sentence that reads better with re-writing.
Judy Lawn
I get most of my ideas while I am walking the beach, which I do most mornings. I work out ideas for scenes, or think about what my characters might say or act in certain situations.
Sometimes it's just a case of sitting down at the computer and beginning. Ideas come to me as I write - that is the most exciting thing for me about writing; beginning a writing session with a blank page and then going on to write whole scenes or even a complete story. I never wait around for inspiration. Writing is work; think of it in the same way you do your day job; you sit down at the computer and begin.
Sometimes it's just a case of sitting down at the computer and beginning. Ideas come to me as I write - that is the most exciting thing for me about writing; beginning a writing session with a blank page and then going on to write whole scenes or even a complete story. I never wait around for inspiration. Writing is work; think of it in the same way you do your day job; you sit down at the computer and begin.
Judy Lawn
I write across several genres so my current works are: two children's picture books, a non-fiction book, and I am re-working two novels, one a fantasy the other a historical romance. Whenever I get an idea for something else - usually another children's story - I write that down.
Judy Lawn
The best advice I can give aspiring writers is to keep on writing.
Read other writers, especially the genres you want to write in.
Keep writing, and honing that writing until it shines!
Don't be discouraged by rejections, rejections are a part of writing and most writers have received their fair share. (I certainly have!)
If you have a manuscript finished, get someone else (not a family member) to read your work and let you know what they think. Then seek professional editors help and advice.
Read other writers, especially the genres you want to write in.
Keep writing, and honing that writing until it shines!
Don't be discouraged by rejections, rejections are a part of writing and most writers have received their fair share. (I certainly have!)
If you have a manuscript finished, get someone else (not a family member) to read your work and let you know what they think. Then seek professional editors help and advice.
Judy Lawn
I once had writer's block very badly which lasted for a quite a while. The only thing to do is to wait for your enthusiasm for writing to return - which it does!
Look over what you have written/published and re-read the passages/chapters/books you are happy with. Try re-writing those passages you did not think were you best.
Hang in there! Do something else for a while and let your mind rest. I go for long walks along the beach/park. You muse will return eventually!
Look over what you have written/published and re-read the passages/chapters/books you are happy with. Try re-writing those passages you did not think were you best.
Hang in there! Do something else for a while and let your mind rest. I go for long walks along the beach/park. You muse will return eventually!
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