Ask the Author: Mara Lynn Johnstone
Answered Questions (6)
Mara Lynn Johnstone
By encountering a Cool New Idea and following the train of thought that says "And if this happens, then that could happen, which means..."
Mara Lynn Johnstone
I have a written conversation with myself! If I can't figure out a plot point, I'll talk it over, writing down every vague thought I've had about what would work and what wouldn't. This way I end up with a record of those thoughts to go back over for ideas, and by the time I say everything I have to say on the subject, I've usually discovered something that will work. This works well for me; I recommend it!
Mara Lynn Johnstone
Seeing the vague ideas come to life, and getting to be the first to read the great new stories.
Mara Lynn Johnstone
Write a lot! Write things that don't have to be good, just for fun and practice. Write the stories that you want to read, and enjoy them!
Mara Lynn Johnstone
A science fiction novel with a sign language gorilla, an accountant alien who really wants to punch a smuggler in the face, and a human main character who loves being the exotic one. Smugglers crash a shipful of Earth animals near an alien city. Shenanigans ensue. (May open with the human veterinarian tackling a herd of rogue bunnies.)
Mara Lynn Johnstone
It was inspired by the song Viva La Vida, by Coldplay. My thoughts on first hearing the lyrics were "This is probably about a breakup, but if you take it literally, it makes for a really interesting story!" I got to explore the idea in a writing challenge with some friends -- I ended up with a handful of scenes that I worked into the eventual novel as flashbacks. The whole process was a lot of fun.
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