Big Books of 2026

Ask the Author: Marcia Butler

“Hi, friends,

I'll be answering questions about THE SKIN ABOVE MY KNEE this week. Ask. Me. Anything! I look forward to talking to you!

Love,
Marcia” Marcia Butler

Answered Questions (7)

Sort By:
Loading big
An error occurred while sorting questions for author Marcia Butler.
What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Marcia Butler Hi! Sorry that I just saw this. I think my scenes from music school would be a good fiction book. Set in the 1970's. This could be the germ of the novel and then fleshed out from there. Thanks for the question. Marcia
flag
Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Marcia Butler My current book out is a memoir, so this question is not exactly right. But for the memoir The Skin Above My Knee, I was interested in exploring identity through my history and how I divided my life in two parts for many years.
flag
How do you get inspired to write?
Marcia Butler I look at art. I go to a concert. I take a walk. These activities are not specifically tunneled into my writing, but I am aware that the more there is inside my brain, the more fertile the words will be. Life inspires: just live it as fully as you can.
flag
What are you currently working on?
Marcia Butler I am just finishing a novel set in current NYC.
flag
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Marcia Butler Try to write 5 days a week. If only for a short time each day. The creative process needs that engine. It needs consistency. You have to write TONS of words to get to the right ones, so there are no wasted hours, even it you toss it all out. If you don't Do it, you won't LIKE it.
flag
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Marcia Butler The best part is that I am in control of everything. I am only limited by my brain and use of language and imagination. So it's all on ME. And that is a good thing.
flag
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Marcia Butler I am usually not worried about writer's block because I don't believe in it. I think that if the brain needs a rest from writing, it will take it. And we as humans see this a something bad or wrong. If you take that aspect out of the equation, I simply "know" that I'll get back to it sooner than later. That said, I happen to be very disciplined and am able to write for many hours a day. But, in general, don't worry about being empty, but try to make sure it is not procrastination.
flag
Marcia Butler
80 followers
To ask Marcia Butler a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more