Ask the Author: David L. Gurnee
Answered Questions (6)
David L. Gurnee
I could tell you, but then I'd have to...
David L. Gurnee
When I'm "in the zone." That point when I discover who my characters are, what motivates them, and the agenda of each. At that point, they just keep giving me everything I need, and I'm completely in the moment, typing faster than I can get it down, writing on note cards or scraps of paper so I don't forget this part for earlier, or later, and I'm intrigued, crying, laughing, and mostly, praying, "God, don't let me die before someone else gets a chance to read this and laugh/cry their butt off too." That's the best part for me.
David L. Gurnee
Do something else completely unrelated to writing. Work in the garden, whatever. Most of my ideas come when I'm doing something else, anyway. And once I get a good idea, I can't get the words out fast enough.
David L. Gurnee
It only takes a spark to start a blazing fire, and you never know when or from where it will come. But I believe all great ideas are born of a question(s), and that "what if" is the father of inspiration.
I'm much better now at being able to see when an idea has real potential, or is just a dead end. I jot down all the ideas I feel are good, but it seems like when an idea has real potential for me, that I can't stop writing, and usually write a synopsis and outline for the whole story within a relatively short period of time.
I'm much better now at being able to see when an idea has real potential, or is just a dead end. I jot down all the ideas I feel are good, but it seems like when an idea has real potential for me, that I can't stop writing, and usually write a synopsis and outline for the whole story within a relatively short period of time.
David L. Gurnee
Don't try to be a writer. That is, don't try to use language that you think sounds profound, or "author" like, or like someone else you've read. It will come off cliché and pretentious, and will take the reader out of the story (like bad film acting takes the viewer out of the story). Just write about something you are passionate about, and say it the way you would if you were talking to a friend. The more "in the moment" you are when you are writing, the more your reader will be drawn into the story.
The only other advice I would offer is: I try to stay pretty organized while I'm writing. Once I have a good idea, I usually discover the inciting incident, main conflict, turning point, climax, and ending fairly soon (not always in that order). Within this structure, I am free to explore. And there are always many exciting discoveries along the way. Good luck.
The only other advice I would offer is: I try to stay pretty organized while I'm writing. Once I have a good idea, I usually discover the inciting incident, main conflict, turning point, climax, and ending fairly soon (not always in that order). Within this structure, I am free to explore. And there are always many exciting discoveries along the way. Good luck.
David L. Gurnee
Got an idea in the shower yesterday afternoon (a new stage play - comedy). Never had an idea come into concretion so quickly. Wrote from 2pm to about 10pm last night, and had the whole structure outline, knew exactly what each scene would be about, all characters, and had maybe 50% of dialog written by the time I quit last night. Now I get to have fun with the characters and story, discovering the details. I'm pumped, geeked, or whatever word people are using now days. I'm excited. I think one of the keys to writing comedy is: don't think about what you think will make people laugh, else it will be contrived. But if it really makes you laugh while you are writing, it will probably work for others too. I laughed my butt off, so I hope my approach is right. If not, I'm having a blast.
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