Ask the Author: Nesly Clerge
Answered Questions (21)
Nesly Clerge
First order of business, thank you for reading my novel, The Anatomy of Cheating. I am delighted of the fact that you have enjoyed it thus far. Please accept my apologies for the delayed response. The Starks Trilogy is based on deception, betrayal, and the inevitable circumstances of infidelity. What I’ve learned as a novelist is this: What makes a novel enjoyable is solely based on the reader’s preference. And there are several factors one must consider. Is it your particular genre? Do you prefer likable characters? Do you prefer a plot driven or character driven prose? From my point of view, The Starks Trilogy, is an excellent read, but of course my views are biased since I’m the author. Most readers of the Anatomy of Cheating raved about the Starks Trilogy. Once again, it depends on the individual. As you can see from the reviews, some readers thought it was the worst book ever written, while the majority of readers expressed their enthusiasm and satisfaction. Unfortunately, my books are exclusive to Amazon, it is very unlikely that you’ll be able to purchase them from your town bookstore. Hopefully, I’ve answered your question, but please feel free to contact me should you have any other questions.
Nesly Clerge
I got the idea for The Anatomy of Cheating in part from The Starks Trilogy books. What got Frederick Starks into the mess he’s in started with infidelity—his and his wife’s. I found a familiar, as well as new characters calling to me, eager to tell their story about how their similar experiences affected them.
Nesly Clerge
Ideas for characters and stories are always floating around in my mind. The ones that speak to me the loudest are the ones that get my attention. Then I get started on the draft.
Nesly Clerge
I’m starting the third book of The Starks Trilogy. It’s been quite a ride for me and readers to get Starks landed in a maximum security prison, and go through all I’ve put him through. And I’m not done with him yet, poor guy.
Nesly Clerge
Read books in your genre, but don’t just read—pay attention to what the author did to keep you turning pages. Read books about the craft of writing, written by qualified authors and editors. Learn all you can about character and story development, writing dialogue, and so forth, and practice what you learn. Also--imperative, have an editor you trust as part of your team. Understand that your first book won’t be your best book, but strive to make each book better than the last one.
Nesly Clerge
Creating characters and a story that readers find compelling, as well as lead them to state they’re eager to read more books from me.
Nesly Clerge
I don’t experience writer’s block. I start with a theme that motivates me, and one or more characters, and write about them, until the draft story feels complete. If you know how you want your story to end, all you have to do is figure out what needs to happen to get you there. It helps to know all you can about your main and supporting characters, not that they won’t reveal things to you as you write about them. Story develops through the characters, their desires, their conflicts and deterrents, and how they deal with them, or don’t. No author needs to have writer’s block. If you feel stuck while working on the story, or before you start, develop a profile in a separate document, about one or more characters, as though you’re writing about them to a friend. The second best way to deal with writer’s block is work on a draft, get it done—no matter how unrefined it may be, and then revise it until it’s ready for readers. The very best way is to not believe in writer’s block. Fear of failure or success, maybe, but not a block that prevents you from putting something down.
Nesly Clerge
There’s no mystery in my life that would be interesting enough for a novel, but I did consider using my medical training to create a doctor who is a sociopath yet portrays himself as hyper-empathic. The idea was generated by how certain disease processes and mechanisms are able to hide their true natures. The idea would be personified into a character who was exceptional at doing the same.
Nesly Clerge
Thank you, Patricia, I truly appreciate the compliment. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the first two books of the Starks's trilogy. I'm currently working on my standalone novel, The Anatomy of Cheating, and once it's published I'll start the third book of the trilogy. Based on my calculations, the third book should be published later this year.
Nesly Clerge
Hello, Diane
I responded. Check your Goodreads inbox.
I responded. Check your Goodreads inbox.
Nesly Clerge
Sure. Check your Goodreads inbox.
Nesly Clerge
Thank you, Hillary. I sent you a link. Click it and you'll have access to the digital copy. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Nesly Clerge
Damonza designed my book cover. They're a bit expensive, but the quality speaks for itself.
Nesly Clerge
Your copy was mailed. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. I appreciate you as a reader.
Nesly Clerge
It's sent. Thank you in advance for reading.
Nesly Clerge
Absolutely. Sorry for the delayed response. You'll receive it in the morning.
Nesly Clerge
Thank you, Susan. I'll inform you once an audio version is available. It will probably be available in the summer of 2016, hopefully.
Nesly Clerge
I appreciate the request, Pamela. A copy was sent to the provided email address.
Nesly Clerge
Not a problem! I will send you a signed paperback copy. You should receive it in about two weeks.
Nesly Clerge
Absolutely, Angela. I'll send it to the provided address.
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