Ask the Author: Justin Warren

“Ask me a question.” Justin Warren

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Justin Warren The book that I'm writing right now, THE NIGHT BELONGS TO HER, started with a real murder that happened in my hometown many years ago. I took that crime and twisted it into a mystery/thriller.
Justin Warren Each book starts with an idea. With my first book, DEAD GROUND, it was a simple as seeing an unusual road sign that gave me the idea for the story. Other times it can be a true crime that inspires you to take that event and turn it into a work of fiction. It doesn't really matter where the ideas come from. You always know when you have a good one.
Justin Warren I'd love to travel to LA and visit the world of Raymond Chandler and Michael Connelly, two of my favorite authors, and get a feel for where their books were set.
Justin Warren I take a break, listen to music, read someone else's work or watch part of a movie. I usually find this helps re-kindle my own creativity.

What I never do is stare idly at my computer trying to force myself to think of something.
Justin Warren The best part is you can make up anything you want. No-one is telling you what to do or how to do it. You are completely free to craft a story just the way you want it. I love the creative freedom of being a writer.
Justin Warren Read, read, read, and when you think you've read enough, read some more. Read as many successful authors as you can and take little bits of their method and incorporate it into your own writing. For me, I love Michael Connelly. The way that he uses the city LA, almost as another character is my favourite aspect of his method. I have tried to incorporate that into my work.

Then you need to get into a grove of writing regularly. Make a time each day to knock out some words. It doesn't have to be thousands, but you should keep at and you should enjoy it. Have fun crafting pictures in peoples minds using just your words.
Justin Warren I am currently working on my follow up novel, THE LEWIS PASS. It continues on with the main character from the first book, Dylan Harper, and follows him through a new investigation. It also ties up a few loose ends from THE FORGOTTEN LANDS. I plan to have it finished by August or September 2018.

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