Ask the Author: B.J. Scott
Answered Questions (6)
B.J. Scott
Nothing, at present, but there will be a next book.
B.J. Scott
The only time I have writer's block is when I'm searching for a plot for my next book. Once I'm started, writer's block is never a problem for me. I can write in my head, any time, any place. So when I sit down to write, I'm just catching up with what's already in my head. I never sit and stare at blank piece of paper.
B.J. Scott
The best thing is being able to create a world tailored to your desires, and to feel the satisfaction of giving readers a good reading experience, to have them become enthusiastic about what you write. My favorite (and frequent) feedback?: "I couldn't put it down". To know you have affected other people to that degree is extremely satisfying.
B.J. Scott
Read a lot, especially in your field of interest. Keep writing, even if you feel your writing is not good enough for publication. You learn best by writing. Believe in yourself, but be willing to accept good advice. Strive to make each book you write better than the one before it. Take advantage of the new methods of self-publication to keep complete control of your finished product.
B.J. Scott
I set my mind to work on my favorite subjects—strong women, steam locomotives, and the Old West—and wait for a seductive scene to pop into my head. Sooner or later, it does, and I am off to the races.
B.J. Scott
My most recent book is entitled The Rail Queen. Like virtually all of my five books, it began with a scene in my head. This scene was born out of two things: my love for steam locomotives, and my love for writing "tales of strong women", which is how I describe my series of books. The entire book flowed form this scene, and almost literally evolved one paragraph at a time. I do not plan my books in advance beyond an opening scene. I do not do outlines or character studies in advance. This could be a recipe for chaos and a make-it-up-as-you-go result, but it has worked extremely well for me. The Rail Queen has so far this year garnered three awards.
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