Ask the Author: Cheri Scotch
Answered Questions (3)
Cheri Scotch
Chocolate. And SHERLOCK re-runs.
I just try to write through it, even if I can tell I'm writing really badly.
I just try to write through it, even if I can tell I'm writing really badly.
Cheri Scotch
This sounds dumb, but..."Writing is hard." There are so many people who want to discourage you, or dismiss your ambition. Sometimes those people include yourself. A lot of people will give you attitude: "Oh, right...YOU'RE writing a book?" Jerks. But if you believe in your story idea, and it excites you, just write it and let yourself get caught up in the story. At some point in the writing process, you completely forget what you're doing and the physical world around you.
It's best not to tell anyone what you're doing until the book -- or, at least, the first draft -- is finished. And resist letting anyone read it. That can take the excitement out of it, and you want to keep that excitement. Also, especially if you're a first-timer, you're super-sensitive to criticism. Unless that criticism is coming from a professional, ignore it. Even if it IS from a pro, take what you can use and disregard the rest.
Lots of writers say they hate revision. I don't know why. Doing a second draft can be way more enjoyable than doing the first draft, because you already have a complete book. Now you can fill in details, add characters, make situations more dire.
Keep in mind that your first book is going to teach you how to write. That's why most authors have a first book that they never show anybody. They look back on it after a few years, or after the second book, and can judge what's good and what's bad about it.
My advice is: if you love it, do it.
It's best not to tell anyone what you're doing until the book -- or, at least, the first draft -- is finished. And resist letting anyone read it. That can take the excitement out of it, and you want to keep that excitement. Also, especially if you're a first-timer, you're super-sensitive to criticism. Unless that criticism is coming from a professional, ignore it. Even if it IS from a pro, take what you can use and disregard the rest.
Lots of writers say they hate revision. I don't know why. Doing a second draft can be way more enjoyable than doing the first draft, because you already have a complete book. Now you can fill in details, add characters, make situations more dire.
Keep in mind that your first book is going to teach you how to write. That's why most authors have a first book that they never show anybody. They look back on it after a few years, or after the second book, and can judge what's good and what's bad about it.
My advice is: if you love it, do it.
Cheri Scotch
I'm embarrassed to say this, but I have no idea. Wait...I DO know where I got the idea for Werewolf's Kiss. I was in a glass-walled elevator at twilight, when the full moon was just visible. Out of nowhere, I thought "What if somebody in here was a werewolf?" And I kind of saw the hero, Achille Broussard.
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