Ask the Author: John Judge
Answered Questions (6)
John Judge
I play a lot of video games. Probably one of the most profound experiences I've had was in 2012 when I stumbled across a mod for a popular PC game called Arma II (a military simulator set in a huge fictional Russian state)
Somebody had modded the game into a open-world zombie survival sim, called DayZ.
The objective was simple, survive as long as you can.
The mod took the PC community by storm and was one of the best games of 2012. The emergent play style prompted me to start keeping small journals of my time in the game which eventually formed the basis of Revenance, the first book in The Dead Hand Series.
Somebody had modded the game into a open-world zombie survival sim, called DayZ.
The objective was simple, survive as long as you can.
The mod took the PC community by storm and was one of the best games of 2012. The emergent play style prompted me to start keeping small journals of my time in the game which eventually formed the basis of Revenance, the first book in The Dead Hand Series.
John Judge
As before, take lots of walks. Even if they're only around the block. When you're walking, you're not focusing on anything in particular, your mind can wander along with your feet. Take your phone and plug your headphones in. Record yourself talking out loud (people will think you're on a call) and play it back when you get home. Have a conversation with yourself, explain your story as if you're talking to your best friend. You'll be amazed at what you will discover.
John Judge
Book 2 in The Dead Hand Series, currently titled "Resistance".
It was due out in Spring 2015, but I was waylaid by career changes and the arrival of my son. I'm hoping to get a working draft in place within the next few weeks and look to expand upon the story I started writing back in 2012.
It was due out in Spring 2015, but I was waylaid by career changes and the arrival of my son. I'm hoping to get a working draft in place within the next few weeks and look to expand upon the story I started writing back in 2012.
John Judge
Write what you know.
You may have lofty ideals about writing a high fantasy series, or a space opera, but as a new writer you will be much more productive if you keep your stories humble and within your sphere of knowledge.
There are interesting stories happening around you all the time. Capture them, document them, then twist and turn them in unexpected directions to see what outcomes you can achieve. Above all, try to finish everything you start, even if you don't like it. Finishing stories is key. The most important part of any tale is the ending.
You may have lofty ideals about writing a high fantasy series, or a space opera, but as a new writer you will be much more productive if you keep your stories humble and within your sphere of knowledge.
There are interesting stories happening around you all the time. Capture them, document them, then twist and turn them in unexpected directions to see what outcomes you can achieve. Above all, try to finish everything you start, even if you don't like it. Finishing stories is key. The most important part of any tale is the ending.
John Judge
There are no rules.
Sure, there are rules when it comes to grammar and punctuation, but aside from that, you're free to write what you want, when you want, where you want. That can be a blessing as well as a curse, but being able to bring your inner thoughts to life on the screen in front of you is the best feeling in the world.
Sure, there are rules when it comes to grammar and punctuation, but aside from that, you're free to write what you want, when you want, where you want. That can be a blessing as well as a curse, but being able to bring your inner thoughts to life on the screen in front of you is the best feeling in the world.
John Judge
Walking; get away from your keyboard and just walk. Doesn't matter where to, just the simple act of ambulation will change your mindset and allow thoughts to flow freely. Pretty much all flashes of inspiration happen when I'm strolling to work.
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