Ask the Author: T.J. Sedgwick
Answered Questions (6)
T.J. Sedgwick
'The First Exoplanet' is a book I've wanted to write for a very long time. I wanted to create a credible future world for the reader replete with technology that, with a few exceptions, has a grounding in real science. I feel that a tale's credibility is a prerequisite for any novel. The big story - about finding a second-Earth - is almost a genre in itself. However, I wanted to have multiple plot threads of different kinds: espionage / thriller, geopolitical dealings, space exploration, aliens, space battles and special forces direct action missions. So the big plot came first and the sub-plots came from thinking logically about how the world I'd created might react to the seminal event - observing the potential second-Earth 15 light-years away. It's a sweeping epic which readers of sci-fi and other closely-related genres will hopefully enjoy
T.J. Sedgwick
By creating plots and characters that I love writing about and know other sci-fi fans will love too.
T.J. Sedgwick
I am currently on Chapter Four of the sequel to 'The First Exoplanet' and hope to release it in mid-February. I'm really excited about the way the story is looking to turn out. It is not what you'll expect!
T.J. Sedgwick
I don't know if I am in much of a position to advise people having only completed my first book (of many I predict as I already addicted to writing the sequel!) But for what it's worth here's my take on it. I understand that one of the biggest issues is giving up prematurely. You need to construct a story plan otherwise you cannot seriously develop the threads of the plot properly. There are many ways to do this. Then you need to reserve at least an hour a day to write. When not writing you need to think about ideas for evolving your story. Your story plan can change with those ideas. Finally I believe that it is important to feed your ideas and internal writing voice with quality literature from others.
T.J. Sedgwick
The total freedom one has to create worlds, characters and story lines without boundaries.
T.J. Sedgwick
I don't start writing unless I am in the mood for it in the first place. Things that help are exercise, a good night's sleep and keeping the literary engine firing by reading the good quality works of others. I also find playing suitable focus music helps. It must be wordless though, otherwise my mind starts tuning into the song instead of the writing!
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