Ask the Author: Jess D. Astra
Answered Questions (6)
Jess D. Astra
Step one would be to read something else. I usually nab up Stephen King or Harry Harrison because they're super easy for me to digest, or grab an anthology I've got lying around and check out a quick short story. I know this sounds dangerous because you might "steal" someone else's work, but whatever gets you started is what you have to do. You can make alterations to the writing to distinguish it later =)
Step two would be to uncork that $9.99 bottle of red wine you got from down the street.
Step three is to drink the whole bottle and mash the keyboard like a furious monkey...
I'm joking of course, but a little imbibing never hurt the creativity ^_^
Step two would be to uncork that $9.99 bottle of red wine you got from down the street.
Step three is to drink the whole bottle and mash the keyboard like a furious monkey...
I'm joking of course, but a little imbibing never hurt the creativity ^_^
Jess D. Astra
Having someone tell you your book inspired them, changed them, helped them, entertained them, ANYTHING. Having your words mean something to someone else is the greatest reward you could ever ask for, and having fun telling stories along the way is the bee's knees ^_^
Jess D. Astra
It doesn't come easy for any of us. Those you see with a fair amount of success had to work their butts off for it. Be prepared to lose your butt, miss out on date night, not see that really cool band that's coming to town, and piss off your mom, especially if you're self publishing. You're the author, the first line of defence editor (though I highly recommend getting a few professionals, so... bring on the ramen noodles, beans, and rice, because you can't afford anything else), the marketer, the promoter, the reviewer seeker, the everything. If you're fortunate, you've got a few friends, a significant other, or a family member totally into what you're doing who will help you out, but at the end of the day, you are the only one you can rely on.
Man, I made that sound dark. It's not so bad as it seems, and when the book is in your hands for the first time, you'll get sweaty palms like when asking your crush on a date, butterflies in your stomach. You'll know it's all been so worth it, because you're holding a piece of your heart and soul.
My last bit of advice is don't let bad reviews rip up your heart and soul. Don't get defensive, don't get angry. Your art is subjective, and everyone has the right to their own opinion (even if it's wrong ;P). My very first review was a scathing 1 star. I cried a bit, but you've gotta pick yourself up and keep going.
Man, I made that sound dark. It's not so bad as it seems, and when the book is in your hands for the first time, you'll get sweaty palms like when asking your crush on a date, butterflies in your stomach. You'll know it's all been so worth it, because you're holding a piece of your heart and soul.
My last bit of advice is don't let bad reviews rip up your heart and soul. Don't get defensive, don't get angry. Your art is subjective, and everyone has the right to their own opinion (even if it's wrong ;P). My very first review was a scathing 1 star. I cried a bit, but you've gotta pick yourself up and keep going.
Jess D. Astra
A video game script! I'm stoked for it. But as for books, I'm working on a few short stories now, an epic sci-fi saga I dip into once every few weeks, and I'm getting ready to start Earth's Peril vol.2 (the Sway's Demise story).
Jess D. Astra
Typically I tell myself it's time to write and then listen to a lot of music that has the same atmosphere and story to tell as the one I'm diving into. If that doesn't get me started, I'll take a long walk, or a drive (still with music) and start rambling out loud about possibilities.
I always have a large backlog of stories with moderately fleshed out premises, so when I'm wanting something to write, I just review those. Almost all of the stories in the backlog have come from dreams, or "what-if" daydreams. My subconscious is the creative one ^_^
I always have a large backlog of stories with moderately fleshed out premises, so when I'm wanting something to write, I just review those. Almost all of the stories in the backlog have come from dreams, or "what-if" daydreams. My subconscious is the creative one ^_^
Jess D. Astra
It spawned from the first in the series! The Mill inspired me to continue Hopper's story, since she was such a cool character with very little face time.
Revolt has been inspired by music from the project Scandroid, movies like Ex Machina, and lots of indian food ^_^
Revolt has been inspired by music from the project Scandroid, movies like Ex Machina, and lots of indian food ^_^
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