Ask the Author: Bob Whitely
Answered Questions (4)
Bob Whitely
Okay first a less noble means of inspiration for me . . . Over the years I've seen a number of books, movies, roleplaying games and board games come out that included ideas I had long since came up with on my own but couldn't get to the market due to finances, time, etc. Each time it happened, it told me two things: I was on the right path and should have acted faster. That frustration has been one of my motivators, inspiring me to work harder.
When I was a kid I started dreaming up two universes that were linked in some ways (The Cosmoverse and Toonaria). Great comic books, movies and novels in the genres I love inspired me to further explore my own universes, and my enthusiasm hasn't waned after all these years. Absorb what you love and let it carry you and inspire you to bigger and better things!
When I was a kid I started dreaming up two universes that were linked in some ways (The Cosmoverse and Toonaria). Great comic books, movies and novels in the genres I love inspired me to further explore my own universes, and my enthusiasm hasn't waned after all these years. Absorb what you love and let it carry you and inspire you to bigger and better things!
Bob Whitely
Stop reading so many books on how to write and get out there and write your heart out! Sure, read a book or three on how to write if you feel it will help (there are some really good ones out there), but nothing beats reading a ton of books in the genres you want to write in, and practice like mad the actual craft of writing.
When writing, especially novels, but even shorter works, an outline is essential. If you think you can write a novel without an outline, that usually means you're just going to be doing a lot more rewrites than the rest of us who keep organized, or your book's going to be a mess.
Do you feel an outline is stifling your creativity? Contact me and let's talk. I'm pretty sure I can change your mind. The advantages far, far outweigh any disadvantages. When writing based on your outline, remember that it's not the law, just a guide, and you can change the outline. It's only stifling if you do it wrong. But if you just can't do it, it's not the end of the world.
Don't be so quick to put your book on the market. Get it professionally edited and proofread, regardless of the cost. If you believe you've got a great book on your hands, then the money you pay a pro editor is well worth it. If you think you can put out a great book without pro editing you're almost certainly wrong, and the readers will know it, and it will hurt future sales.
Writing the book is the easy part, building an audience, promoting, marketing and actually selling books is the hard part. Passion isn't enough. You have to roll up your sleeves, do your homework, and make a realistic battle plan. Don't give up if you believe you're on the right path. While you're at it, don't sacrifice the important things in life, or you'll regret it later. I'm a very driven person, but I'm not about to neglect family, sacrifice what's really important in life just to sell more books. Live a balanced life. Every day's a gift. Make 'em count!
When writing, especially novels, but even shorter works, an outline is essential. If you think you can write a novel without an outline, that usually means you're just going to be doing a lot more rewrites than the rest of us who keep organized, or your book's going to be a mess.
Do you feel an outline is stifling your creativity? Contact me and let's talk. I'm pretty sure I can change your mind. The advantages far, far outweigh any disadvantages. When writing based on your outline, remember that it's not the law, just a guide, and you can change the outline. It's only stifling if you do it wrong. But if you just can't do it, it's not the end of the world.
Don't be so quick to put your book on the market. Get it professionally edited and proofread, regardless of the cost. If you believe you've got a great book on your hands, then the money you pay a pro editor is well worth it. If you think you can put out a great book without pro editing you're almost certainly wrong, and the readers will know it, and it will hurt future sales.
Writing the book is the easy part, building an audience, promoting, marketing and actually selling books is the hard part. Passion isn't enough. You have to roll up your sleeves, do your homework, and make a realistic battle plan. Don't give up if you believe you're on the right path. While you're at it, don't sacrifice the important things in life, or you'll regret it later. I'm a very driven person, but I'm not about to neglect family, sacrifice what's really important in life just to sell more books. Live a balanced life. Every day's a gift. Make 'em count!
Bob Whitely
We're about to release The Shadow Reaper worldwide, so there's a ton of stuff to do for that. I'm also putting together a 40th Anniversary Kickstarter for Dice, art and Fiction (It's been nearly 41 years since I started writing stories and designing games about my Cosmoverse and Toonaria universes. I'm behind on celebrating!)
Next up is format Sea of Worms and updating the files for Arcane Synthesis so I can put those two books on Amazon and elsewhere. After that, it's back to writing The Book of Mysteries for Freeze Or Burn, a board game filled with adorable monsters and plenty of stories, all set within my Toonaria universe.
While Freeze or Burn is being playtested, I'll wrap up my Bobzilla chapter book and then dive into Echoes in the Storm, the sequel to my Voices novella. I have a pile of other stories and some games I'm itching to polish up and get out the door so I can share them with you.
Next up is format Sea of Worms and updating the files for Arcane Synthesis so I can put those two books on Amazon and elsewhere. After that, it's back to writing The Book of Mysteries for Freeze Or Burn, a board game filled with adorable monsters and plenty of stories, all set within my Toonaria universe.
While Freeze or Burn is being playtested, I'll wrap up my Bobzilla chapter book and then dive into Echoes in the Storm, the sequel to my Voices novella. I have a pile of other stories and some games I'm itching to polish up and get out the door so I can share them with you.
Bob Whitely
I've never had writer's block—that's not a boast—it's just that there are piles of novels and game designs in my head clawing their way out (makes it hard to sleep). I just came up with four more this week (there isn't enough time in write and publish them all, sadly). I'm more likely to obsess over the best way to handle a scene.
Sometimes merely taking a break and walking the dog is the smartest thing a writer can do. Ideas usually come when you're thinking about something else.
Sometimes merely taking a break and walking the dog is the smartest thing a writer can do. Ideas usually come when you're thinking about something else.
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