Ask the Author: Jamie Yourdon
Answered Questions (4)
Jamie Yourdon
This question is difficult for me to answer, because I don't wait for inspiration to strike. I write from 5:40–6:40 every morning. Weekends, holidays -- it's a chunk of time when I'd otherwise be asleep, so there's nothing to compete for my attention. I usually sit down with a goal in mind: 350 words a particular scene I'd like to start, finish, or revise. Even if I don't produce anything it's still part of my day I devoted to writing and nothing else.
Jamie Yourdon
I'm a reader, first and foremost. Bearing that in mind, writing is my way of participating in a larger conversation, one that's been on-going for millennia. I may not have much new to say, but I'm humbled to add my voice.
Jamie Yourdon
I've got no shortage of advice for aspiring writers. Read constantly -- it doesn't matter what. Write as often as you can. Build a community. Most of all, never lose faith in yourself.
Jamie Yourdon
I tend to write "short" books, in the range of 50-55K words. With my next novel, POOR HENRY, I wanted to reach 80K words, so I thought, "How can I structure a novel to ensure its length? What if the first chapter were 40K words, the second chapter were 20K words, the third chapter were 10K words, etc.?"
Once I had that idea, everything fell into place. Something pivotal had to occur at the midway point. I'd have to abandon the traditional three-act structure. Why (plot-wise) were the chapters getting shorter and shorter? Writing POOR HENRY was a unique challenge, one I've really enjoyed.
Once I had that idea, everything fell into place. Something pivotal had to occur at the midway point. I'd have to abandon the traditional three-act structure. Why (plot-wise) were the chapters getting shorter and shorter? Writing POOR HENRY was a unique challenge, one I've really enjoyed.
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