Ask the Author: Mark T. Arsenault
Answered Questions (6)
Mark T. Arsenault
I have so many ideas that appeal to me, if I get writer's block I will usually go to a source that inspires me, such as a film (I'm a very visual person) or a location (I love the woods). If that doesn't jog something loose I may switch to a completely different project altogether. It's not unheard of for me to put one project down for a week or four to pour myself into something different. Then, when inspiration strikes, I can go back to the previous one and (hopefully) finish it.
Mark T. Arsenault
Creating characters, creating worlds and stories incorporating the characters and worlds you create. That and being able to work on a book anywhere you may find yourself. I can write on my back patio, on a plane, on vacation... literally anywhere I can plug in my laptop. Nowadays, you can even use your smartphone to write, in a pinch!
Mark T. Arsenault
I cared for a foster daughter for almost two years, and I have provided respite care for other foster care providers, so I have the experience of dealing with children who come from very troubled backgrounds and are (hopefully) healing. Some of those experiences inspired me to create the story of "Jen-Jen." She's such an interesting character because she's so smart and resilient and yet broken and desperately in need of help at the same time.
Mark T. Arsenault
I'm a very visual person. In fact, I once aspired to be a filmmaker. So my ideas tend to come to me visually. I imagine scenes and hear dialogue and music in my mind. When I get excited about the scene I'm imagining, I get inspired to write it. I think, anymore, almost everything I write is with the idea that "this could be a very cool movie!"
Mark T. Arsenault
I just finished the second book in the Jen-Jen Chronicles series. I've been very inspired to write those but I'm considering returning to a crime fiction short novel I started last year or starting a new young adult adventure story I have in mind.
Mark T. Arsenault
Write for yourself. I hear of many artists who get frustrated because they're trying to create for that evasive "fan who buys my work." Chasing fans is futile. It's like chasing butterflies. They're elusive and fickle. I always encourage people to write what they're passionate about. If they stay true to themselves and write for themselves, their true fans will find them. And those are the kind of loyal fans a writer wants.
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