Ask the Author: Jodi L. Milner
Answered Questions (6)
Jodi L. Milner
Goodness! Goodreads hides the cool question window under a bunch of stuff and I'm just seeing this. I'm glad you liked it. I had a whole different story I wanted to write and found that there were these pieces that didn't want to fit even though I really liked the ideas. One of these pieces was the idea of having elemental spirits where one is the element of life. Another was that of how a family can pull together to help one of it's members even if it might be difficult. Some of my best ideas come from pieces of other fiction that combine together into a new idea.
Jodi L. Milner
I use two approaches - the first is to fight through and keep writing until things start flowing again and the other is to set the project aside for a while and work on something else. The first actually helps me finish projects so when it matters I use it. I have several shelved projects waiting for the right inspiration so they can be finished.
Jodi L. Milner
Always be willing to learn from those who have gone before. Their experience is golden and you don't have nearly enough time in your life to make all the mistakes yourself. Don't give up. Accept that your work will be criticized and learn from it. Be humble. Be daring. Write the story that you want to write.
Jodi L. Milner
The best inspiration is a great idea that's itching to be written about, then it's a matter of getting time to work on it. I get my best ideas watching my favorite TV shows like Doctor Who and Warehouse 13. Also I tend to be a very vivid dreamer and sometimes a bizarre but cool idea will come from that.
Jodi L. Milner
Being a writer means being observant and going around with this sort of hyper-awareness of everything going on, every sound, every smell, every touch. In a way it's like living more than one life at a time, you don't miss hardly anything and you get to explore all of these sensations at length at the keyboard.
Jodi L. Milner
I always have an idea or two for a short story here and there. Currently there's one that has the same vibe as "City of Ember" that I'm itching to get working on. Also, I'm making slow but steady progress on my first epic fantasy novel which I hope to complete sooner than later.
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