Ask the Author: Phillip Strang
Answered Questions (6)
Phillip Strang
I had the main character from a previous book. Interestingly, the idea came from an event widely reported in Brazil - a notorious murder. However, I've set it in England and it's taken off in another direction. If someone can tell me at 90K words into the book what the end will be or who is responsible for the murders - when it is published - then they're doing better than me. I'm still unsure of the ending and I'm interested to get back to the writing as soon as possible to find out what happens.
Phillip Strang
I see a news article, remember an occurence, a character in the myriad of countries I've been to over the years. I see the story mulling in my mind for a few weeks, and then the opening page forms clearly and then I sit down to write.
Phillip Strang
Beta readers are reading through my latest novel. It's darker, more sombre than previous. I've also written 90K words on another novel, but neither dark nor sombre. As usual, a few deaths though.
Phillip Strang
Keep writing! I am number five on books written and I only now believe that I am getting it right. It's an endless cycle of long hours, solitude with just the writer and his laptop and his imagination. That's where the passion comes in. Without it, it's just not possible to stay focused for year in, year out.
Phillip Strang
Passion and focus, and hopefully some critical acclaim and a financial return. Although, it is the passion, the need to take the story from my mind, to put it on paper, and ultimately to meld it in to a readable novel.
Phillip Strang
It does not seem to be a problem. Certainly, there are days when I cannot get the focus required, but that is invariably due to the surroundings not being conducive. I need a quiet space, and a total detachment from the world around me and then I'm fine. If that is not possible, then there is still editing and marketing to look into.
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