Ask the Author: Mark Boutros
Answered Questions (8)
Mark Boutros
One morning in 2016, the people of the world woke up and wondered why the sky was blood red and the wind cried. They turned on their televisions and learned that Donald Trump was President.
Mark Boutros
Misery by Stephen King. I read that at least once a year as an example of gripping, brilliantly crafted fiction.
Mark Boutros
This is difficult. I went to a school reunion recently and there was an old classmate missing. He was someone none of us really knew and he went on a ski-trip once and was very much known, unfortunately, as the weird kid. When we spoke about him someone pointed out that I made fun of him based on a story he told us, and I realised I was an ass. It made me want to find him to apologise but he had no online footprint, and it inspired an idea about someone trying to track down an old school friend to apologise for something they did and the events surrounding it and what it makes that character learn about their own life.
Mark Boutros
The freedom to create something from start to finish. You are the one responsible for every element before it gets to an editor. You see an idea through from a question or a moment and let it develop. I love the process of writing and feel a bit low when a story has finished and a journey has ended.
Mark Boutros
Writer's block is a myth. It's resistance and fear. You're scared you don't have the answer to crack your story. Calling it writer's block just gives it a label. The only way to get through a problem in the story is to write and rewrite. Also find the processes that work for you, as everyone has different ones. I find going for a walk when I'm trying to solve a problem in a story helps. Others find doing something routine like ironing helps. Find yours.
Mark Boutros
Write. It sounds obvious but keep writing. Also, don't make excuses. You can think of a 1,000 excuses to not do something, but your desire to write and tell your story should outweigh that. Don't fear criticism either. You're in an industry where taste is a huge factor. Someone will always not like what you do, but there will be those who love what you do, and most importantly, if you enjoy it then keep going.
Mark Boutros
I'm finishing a horror novel, and then working on a self-help book about giving up drinking. I'm also working on a sitcom that was optioned by Happy Tramp.
Mark Boutros
It's what I love doing so I don't need to get motivated. I just wake up and get on with it because the more I write, the better I get at it. Hopefully... Inspiration from stories can come from anywhere. I wish there was a formula but ideas just hit you when you're in the practice of writing.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more