Ask the Author: Don Simkovich
Answered Questions (9)
Don Simkovich
Our writing as co-authors evolved. First, we knew each other from having worked on a spec project where we staged a sitcom 20 plus yrs ago. Lon asked me to "novelize" a detective script of his at the end of 2014 since I had been writing fiction.
So I began the laborious and joyous process of writing away and keeping him updated but then he wanted to be more involved. We started as more of a writer - editor relationship with him editing the first draft of Nitty Gritty Christmas and making comments but by the time we were creating Tom Stone: Sweltering Summer Nights, it was much more collaborative where I wrote the 1st 5 chapters, he made notes and we outlined and discussed the story frequently by phone and in person.
This made the "first" full draft of Sweltering very in-depth and it felt quite alive. While going through the final portions, there was a time when I was out of state and we'd write line-by-line. He'd make a suggestion and I'd say "okay, hold on" and write out a paragraph or two. It worked very well and we kept moving in the same direction together. We both agreed on the flow of the story and the characters.
To make it work, you have to be able to express your ideas, respect what will or may not work and understand what each of you bring to the collaboration.
So I began the laborious and joyous process of writing away and keeping him updated but then he wanted to be more involved. We started as more of a writer - editor relationship with him editing the first draft of Nitty Gritty Christmas and making comments but by the time we were creating Tom Stone: Sweltering Summer Nights, it was much more collaborative where I wrote the 1st 5 chapters, he made notes and we outlined and discussed the story frequently by phone and in person.
This made the "first" full draft of Sweltering very in-depth and it felt quite alive. While going through the final portions, there was a time when I was out of state and we'd write line-by-line. He'd make a suggestion and I'd say "okay, hold on" and write out a paragraph or two. It worked very well and we kept moving in the same direction together. We both agreed on the flow of the story and the characters.
To make it work, you have to be able to express your ideas, respect what will or may not work and understand what each of you bring to the collaboration.
Don Simkovich
Unguarded Hearts -- an historical romance novel; more Lee Child (I'll pick 1 or 2) and I'll poke around for a memoir or two.
Don Simkovich
Many of my story ideas revolve around my kids who were adopted out of foster care and who came from tough backgrounds to put it mildly. I think of a detective coming to question a child about what he or she saw and the foster-adoptive family being put into the middle of a mystery or crime needing solved.
Don Simkovich
My problem is the opposite of writer's block -- usually more like writer's flood. I have enough ideas to write out for the next few decades. So, mentally, it's controlling the flood of ideas so my works-in-progress don't get interrupted. I'm beginning to use Evernote for writing down ideas and organizing or else beginning work in a doc and then simply saving it and forgetting about it.
I'm not against using hard copy files, either, and I find that cheap notebooks are useful, too.
I'm not against using hard copy files, either, and I find that cheap notebooks are useful, too.
Don Simkovich
Learning to use words to stir emotions and engage readers in an idea is wonderfully satisfying. I find it amazing how letters combine into words that represent thoughts.
Don Simkovich
Aspiring writers need to write, create their stories, read with a critical eye, and then listen to feedback. Writing non-fiction or fiction isn't just like learning how to drive a car that has a few different steps to it. It's more like playing golf, lots of little things can throw off your aim.
After my first novel that never got accepted, I wondered how authors showed their characters moving from one location to another. I found out. Sometimes it was detailed but other times it was within a few words -- "they got in the car and the traffic was light enough so they reached the store in minutes."
And, of course, listen to those critiquing your stories. Don't get defensive. but listen to constructive feedback. And do the process over and over.
After my first novel that never got accepted, I wondered how authors showed their characters moving from one location to another. I found out. Sometimes it was detailed but other times it was within a few words -- "they got in the car and the traffic was light enough so they reached the store in minutes."
And, of course, listen to those critiquing your stories. Don't get defensive. but listen to constructive feedback. And do the process over and over.
Don Simkovich
I'm getting ready to publish Tom Stone Sweltering Summer Nights, the second book in a trilogy and follow-up to Tom Stone Nitty Gritty Christmas.
My writing partner, Lon Casler Bixby, and I are a few chapters into Tom Stone Day of the Dead.
My writing partner, Lon Casler Bixby, and I are a few chapters into Tom Stone Day of the Dead.
Don Simkovich
I know the story well and care about the characters. I sometimes choose to write briefly so I don't feel pressure if I can't write too many words at once. I figure a brief time frame is better than no time frame. That way, I don't get pensive but look for ways to move the story forward. I also get inspired as I see the characters and storyline take shape.
Don Simkovich
My writing partner's movie script Stone Cold is the basis for the first three Tom Stone Detective Series: Nitty Gritty Christmas (available now), Sweltering Summer Nights (April 2017 release) and Day of the Dead (Summer 2017).
I had to morph into the story and character and brought in elements of my experience as a dad who's adopted out of foster care and has navigated group homes and the legal system.
That's how the opening came to me of Stone and his partner Jake going to a group home on Christmas Eve to distribute presents to boys in a group home in the San Fernando Valley.
I had to morph into the story and character and brought in elements of my experience as a dad who's adopted out of foster care and has navigated group homes and the legal system.
That's how the opening came to me of Stone and his partner Jake going to a group home on Christmas Eve to distribute presents to boys in a group home in the San Fernando Valley.
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