Ask the Author: Jessica Kirby
Answered Questions (5)
Jessica Kirby
Read, read more and read even more. Read as many genres as you can. Read news, research, magazines. Google. Wikipedia. Nothing beats seeing how others bring characters to life, build a plot and spin a yarn. Go to local writing classes. They're often free or very low cost. Finally write without any suggestion that you're creating a finished work. You won't be. You'll edit it at least 3 times; share it with trusted friends who'll make suggestions so more edits; get critique from publishers so even more edits. Your final book will be most likely entirely different from the first draft so don't stress about writing what you think is rubbish. You can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear with the right editing and rewriting.
Jessica Kirby
I just write, nonsense most likely, but within a 1000 words of nonsense, you'll maybe get 100 good work post edit. Also once I'm typing away, I find my brain eventually kicks into gear. Also if you can't write then read. Reading is very important to a writer. A single phrase can definitely spark a whole story.
Jessica Kirby
Sometimes it is just a particular situation sparks a thought, an idea in my head. Sometimes reading other books and making new connections based on your own experiences. Other times it is a completely random thought that does just pop in there. Maybe ideas are invisible things floating around just looking for a receptive imagination
Jessica Kirby
Several of my short stories have set off ideas to extend and turn into novels. The White Envelope, The First Time and The Lost Soul. I'm currently working on a full blown historical fiction novel which follows Daniella Jäger's adventures on her return
Jessica Kirby
The idea for The Lost Soul has been running around inside my head for about 25 years. I've drafted it at least twice before but never got to the point of editing and publishing until now. The actual inspiration is probably a combination of H.G.Wells whom I read fervently in my youth and various Witch Trial documents particularly around Salem where I've set this.
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