Ask the Author: Matia ben Ephraim
Answered Questions (6)
Matia ben Ephraim
Inspiration can come from anywhere; you just have to be receptive to it. As for getting into the mood to write, a lot of it has to do with the headspace you're in. You have to immerse yourself in the world of your own book, and open your mind to it like it's a fun puzzle to be solved or an exciting new story to discover.
Matia ben Ephraim
If you're going to write something, make sure it's something worth writing. Either because it's good, original, significant, helpful, or a better take on a similiar idea - or any combination of the above. The world doesn't need another Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey. Be a writer, not a wronger!
If you're serious about writing, you have to stick with it doggedly - or kittenishly, as the case may be - and put in the time and effort; you have to treat it just like a real job, where you're expected to come in to work every single day.
You have to find your own style. Do what feels right, and comes naturally - write something you can be proud of, even years down the road. Thus you create something new, a combination of all your own tastes, a book that you love and that many others - who'd wished someone would write a book like that - will love too.
If you want to be a writer, you must already have some idea of how to do it. You know it's what you're meant to do when it comes easily and naturally to you, it's the thing you're best at, stories and words are your bread and butter, and you can't imagine your life without it - because no matter what you try, the ideas keep coming to you, inevitably, eventually, out of the blue, without even trying, and you can't resist the urge to jot them down. Creating is a way of life for you, and you're willing to persevere until your goals are reached.
If you're serious about writing, you have to stick with it doggedly - or kittenishly, as the case may be - and put in the time and effort; you have to treat it just like a real job, where you're expected to come in to work every single day.
You have to find your own style. Do what feels right, and comes naturally - write something you can be proud of, even years down the road. Thus you create something new, a combination of all your own tastes, a book that you love and that many others - who'd wished someone would write a book like that - will love too.
If you want to be a writer, you must already have some idea of how to do it. You know it's what you're meant to do when it comes easily and naturally to you, it's the thing you're best at, stories and words are your bread and butter, and you can't imagine your life without it - because no matter what you try, the ideas keep coming to you, inevitably, eventually, out of the blue, without even trying, and you can't resist the urge to jot them down. Creating is a way of life for you, and you're willing to persevere until your goals are reached.
Matia ben Ephraim
I write around it. That is, I work on later scenes, if the ideas for them come more easily. But there are many methods of confronting the great wordless void; you can just plow on through it anyway in writing, and edit it later. Rereading what I already wrote up to that point sometimes helps get me thinking along the same lines. Or trying to figure out the problem when you're not actually staring at it, like while you're doing the dishes or as you're going to sleep. You can go over several different possible scenarios in your head until you find one that works the best. Talking the dilemma over with a helpful friend can get the ideas flowing, too, with a little brainstorming - and maybe the lightning of inspiration will strike!
Matia ben Ephraim
Hi Grant! I'd love it if you would review my book! The Wizard of Kharathad is the first volume in the series, yes. If you send me a message with your email address, I can send you the PDF. (Just click the arrow beside my 'Follow Author' button, where you'll find a drop-down menu containing the 'Send Message' option.)
Matia ben Ephraim
Having those budding inspirations for scenes, when the characters come to life on their own, and their interactions lead to shocking new developments that even I didn't see coming!
Of course, actually finishing a book, and hearing that someone enjoyed reading it, is a splendid highlight as well.
Of course, actually finishing a book, and hearing that someone enjoyed reading it, is a splendid highlight as well.
Matia ben Ephraim
The sequel to The Wizard of Kharathad, scheduled to be released later this year. I'm also developing some book ideas for other genres in my spare time.
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