Ask the Author: Stephen B. Seager
Answered Questions (6)
Stephen B. Seager
Here's a foolproof method. Turn on your computer and open a clean manuscript page then pretend you are telling someone you really like about what happened to you during the day. Speak slowly and don't leave anything out. Works every time.
Stephen B. Seager
People who are writers, write because they have to. If you are thinking about becoming a writer, go to medical school or become an attorney. You'll enjoy it and make a lot of money...Good, now that those people are gone. Being a writer is a gift from God. It's hard work and only occasionally, very occasionally, will you be financially rewarded. But ask anyone who has poured their soul into a manuscript, what it's like to see the finished product in the window of Barnes and Noble. They'll tell you the best thing about being a writer. You get to have your say in a meaningful way. That doesn't come along very often...
Stephen B. Seager
I have two piece of advice for all aspiring writers. #1) Write every day. I don't care how you feel or how busy you are or how many kids you have (see J.K. Rowling) or anything. Just do it. #2) See number one. And one final thing. When you do get an agent and you do - God willing - sell your book, it is the greatest thing you can ever imagine. It is worth all the time and sacrifice and whatever, and then some, and then some more. It's truly a magnificent achievement. Do not give up. Ever.
Stephen B. Seager
I'm working on a sequel to my book, "Behind the Gates of Gomorrah, living with the criminally insane." It's called (tentatively) "God of Gomorrah." Gomorrah is a name I've the hospital at which I work because as one character says, It's Gomorrah like in the Bible, as in "Sodom and...' Everybody know the place is bad but they're not sure exactly why. No one really knows the bad stuff that goes on in there." That's what I'm working on.
Stephen B. Seager
Writers write everyday. If you wait for inspiration you will wait a long time. Here's how you become a writer. 1) Buy a notebook, 2) Buy a pen. 3) Sit down and write. 4) repeat this everyday and one day - in a year or two or three or more - a book will appear...
Stephen B. Seager
I wrote about a year in my life at work. I work at Napa State Hospital one of the largest forensic state mental hospitals in the country. I wrote about how dangerous it is for the staff but more importantly for the patients. People don't know how dangerous it is inside that big tall fence. My book tells you what it's like to live and work there. It also tells you the stories about the people, the tragic stuff and the funny stuff. You don't specifically have to write about what you know but it really helps. I do that.
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