Ask the Author: Kristoffer Law
Answered Questions (7)
Kristoffer Law
When the young man awoke in the middle of the night, he presumed it was because his wife had stroked his cheek gently in her sleep. It wasn't until he saw his face reflected in monstrous glittering eyes and felt hot, sour breath on his skin that he remembered he'd failed to lock the front door before going to bed.
Kristoffer Law
I research something which interests me. I go for a walk. I take a nap. I take a break. I read. Sometimes I will even leave the work for a time and move onto something else. If you're working on a novel, switch to writing a poem or two. You'd be surprised at how little is really needed to break up the logjam inside your head by doing any one or more of these things.
The most important thing is to not get hung up on the fact that you're blocked. Every writer gets blocked at some point. Yes, even the bestsellers who have been doing it for decades. Stephen King tells a good story in his book About Writing, how he got blocked while writing The Stand, and how he managed to break his way free and finally finish the book.
Blocks happen. They're a part of a writer's life, and every writer has their own way of dealing with and moving past them. Find what works for you and don't dwell negatively on why you might be blocked.
The most important thing is to not get hung up on the fact that you're blocked. Every writer gets blocked at some point. Yes, even the bestsellers who have been doing it for decades. Stephen King tells a good story in his book About Writing, how he got blocked while writing The Stand, and how he managed to break his way free and finally finish the book.
Blocks happen. They're a part of a writer's life, and every writer has their own way of dealing with and moving past them. Find what works for you and don't dwell negatively on why you might be blocked.
Kristoffer Law
For me, it's the knowledge that, when I've exhausted all the titles on my shelves, I can dive into a world of my own creation. That's really the best part of writing, to be able to write what I'd most like to read.
Also, I really like that those who have read my work REALLY love the stories. We all need that little hit of dopamine sometimes, especially when the process gets sticky.
Also, I really like that those who have read my work REALLY love the stories. We all need that little hit of dopamine sometimes, especially when the process gets sticky.
Kristoffer Law
Write! Read! Write some more! Follow a decent podcast or two on writing! I personally recommend Writing Excuses, as they break down virtually every conceivable aspect of the creative process of writing: world-building, plotting, and character development (for example) to the business side: how to find an agent, how to format a manuscript, and who and where to pitch your story ideas to.
Also, if you have a decent understanding of the genre (types of stories) you like to write in, that's fantastic! Read published authors who also write similar types of stories.
For example, I write horror/thriller/mystery stories, so I'm an avid reader of Stephen King, Paul Tremblay, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. However, in terms of reading, don't limit yourself. Read the greats (of any genre): find out WHY they're great. Read the hacks: find out WHY they're hacks. You can learn just as much about how to write (and conversely, how NOT to write) by reading bad writing too.
One last thing: while it might seem trendy to talk down about a particular book (or books), it's a better idea not to. Remember, someone who hasn't read a book since high school, picks up a book about sparkly vampires in their 30s and re-discovers a love for reading might end up becoming a fan of YOUR work. Too many people don't read, and it's our job as writers to not only encourage people into a love of reading, but to nurture that love however we can.
Also, if you have a decent understanding of the genre (types of stories) you like to write in, that's fantastic! Read published authors who also write similar types of stories.
For example, I write horror/thriller/mystery stories, so I'm an avid reader of Stephen King, Paul Tremblay, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. However, in terms of reading, don't limit yourself. Read the greats (of any genre): find out WHY they're great. Read the hacks: find out WHY they're hacks. You can learn just as much about how to write (and conversely, how NOT to write) by reading bad writing too.
One last thing: while it might seem trendy to talk down about a particular book (or books), it's a better idea not to. Remember, someone who hasn't read a book since high school, picks up a book about sparkly vampires in their 30s and re-discovers a love for reading might end up becoming a fan of YOUR work. Too many people don't read, and it's our job as writers to not only encourage people into a love of reading, but to nurture that love however we can.
Kristoffer Law
My second novel, The 4th Wall, is currently in the hands of some trusted beta-readers. It's the direct sequel to my debut novel, The Jagged Tree. More mystery, more suspense, more thrills...and a little dash of the supernatural for flavor.
Kristoffer Law
Writing is as much a habitual force as it is a creative one. In my case, I consider my previous projects and challenge myself to make the next story better. If I can't find a good enough jumping-off point, I will research something that interests me. If I'm not doing THAT, I'm usually reading a new (or old) book. The point is, I'm always doing SOMETHING related to writing. I find all aspects of writing, be it the creative side or the business side, fascinating.
Also, a tip: turn off your television and look out your window sometimes. Consider the world around you. Inspiration is everywhere, if you care to look and open your door to it.
Also, a tip: turn off your television and look out your window sometimes. Consider the world around you. Inspiration is everywhere, if you care to look and open your door to it.
Kristoffer Law
Without going into too much detail, I will say that I found my first book, The Jagged Tree, left a few questions unanswered. I attempted to find those answers within the pages of my new book (which has yet to find a publisher). I explore the nature of grief, of loss, of greed, and of trying to find a sense of normality in a world which insists on stripping normality away.
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