Ask the Author: Kirk Dougal
Answered Questions (6)
Kirk Dougal
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Kirk Dougal
My inspiration varies from novel to novel. In some cases, I start with a question and the book revolves around finding the answer. In others, I start with a character and I write about how they became what they are and what they will do about it in the future.
More interesting to me is what I "see" first about a new story. I have a five-book fantasy series that I began by visualizing the final scene in Book 5. For my YA novel, "Jacked," I saw a scene from the middle of the book with no dialog. The sequel for "Dreams of Ivory and Gold" began by watching a man in a shopping mall during the Christmas rush.
More interesting to me is what I "see" first about a new story. I have a five-book fantasy series that I began by visualizing the final scene in Book 5. For my YA novel, "Jacked," I saw a scene from the middle of the book with no dialog. The sequel for "Dreams of Ivory and Gold" began by watching a man in a shopping mall during the Christmas rush.
Kirk Dougal
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Kirk Dougal
Read, then read, then read some more. Write, then write, then write some more. Wash, rinse, and repeat every day. Most importantly, remember the vast percentage of authors did not have their first work published. When I first started out, I remember hearing an established author (Wolfe? King?) in an interview say an author is not worth a damn until they have written a million words. No matter how that sounds, it's true. You need to put in the time first.
Oh, and read Stephen King's "On Writing." It is required.
Oh, and read Stephen King's "On Writing." It is required.
Kirk Dougal
The best part about writing is telling a story that is completely yours and having others read it. The character development, plot, conflicts, twists, red herrings - they all live inside of me first and then I have the opportunity to spring them all on the reader.
Kirk Dougal
I have been very lucky with writer's block and never been completely shut down by it. There have, of course, been times when the words were not flowing as well and the writing was slower but it never stopped. During those lulls, usually a day away or reading something in a different genre is enough to kickstart my work-in-process
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