Ask the Author: Traude Ailinger
Answered Questions (6)
Traude Ailinger
In a garden centre, having coffee with my husband...
Traude Ailinger
I am not inspired to write by an amazing person or fascinating event; writing is something I need to do to be truly happy. The only question is what exactly I am going to write about. I once waited for inspiration to strike, and three months later, I was still waiting, so now I am resigned to a rather laborious process of decision making. With writing a series of murder mysteries, at least the genre and main characters are given; the next step is to decide who kills whom and why and how, and from there the plot needs to be developed.
Traude Ailinger
For me, it is two things: the satisfaction of having created a good story and then to hear from complete strangers that they really enjoyed it.
Traude Ailinger
Firstly, watch videos of reputable agents and publishers on youtube. They explain very well what to look out for and what mistakes to avoid when you approach them.
Secondly, look for people who can give you constructive criticism before you submit your work. Don’t be precious about your work - it is unlikely to be a masterpiece and can be improved. Agents and publishers want authors who are prepared to change aspects of their writing.
Most importantly, don’t give up! There is a very long list of agents and publishers on duotrope.
Secondly, look for people who can give you constructive criticism before you submit your work. Don’t be precious about your work - it is unlikely to be a masterpiece and can be improved. Agents and publishers want authors who are prepared to change aspects of their writing.
Most importantly, don’t give up! There is a very long list of agents and publishers on duotrope.
Traude Ailinger
I’m currently working on the fourth novel in my series featuring DI McCord and journalist Amy Thornton. Novel number three us about to go through the editing process and will need some work done before publication.
Traude Ailinger
When I ‘get stuck’, it is always because the plot does not work or is not detailed enough. Once I’ve planned the next steps in the story carefully, the writing flows nicely again.
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