Ask the Author: S.P. Bagly
Answered Questions (6)
S.P. Bagly
I got the idea for using vices from darkly gifted criminals, to disorder the personality of another. I wanted to write a sort of Jekyl and Hyde type monster, but using personality traits, or vices to dredge up a persons inner demons. The idea being that, a person could take on these traits, which would make them more creative. But also separate them from their humanity and bring them to the brink of madness. The story revolves around this concept.
S.P. Bagly
Human nature mainly. Insanity specifically. I write about magic and creativity and how it resides on the brink of madness. I am inspired by people I feel were, or are, in touch with their demons. Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Alexander Mcqueen, Edith Sedgewick. I read the paper every day and covert traits from criminals, politicians, business people, then I use them for my own characterisations. I keep my ears open and listen to conversations and to music, read poetry, that sort of thing.
S.P. Bagly
I am currently working on the second novel in my young adult fantasy series. In Freddy and the Caretaker of Illusions, there is a love triangle between a seer named Lily who receives visions in the form of a temporary reality, premonitions of imminent tragedy. In the first novel she copes with her gift by pushing all of her feelings down, not wanting to feel at all. Until her friend Ingrid is killed by a soul hoarder, then Lily falls apart and feels it all. Including her feelings for Ingrid which she had been suppressing. Ted is a mind magician who can dampen her senses and make her gift less affecting. He needs Lily because he can only feel in the extremes. When Ted kills the soul hoarder and Ingrid revisits, Lily is forced to make a decision. She could risk being with the girl she loves, who makes her feel too much, and face the visions that are surely going to drag her deeper into madness. Or stay with Ted who she needs to keep her sane.
S.P. Bagly
I would advise them to start now. It takes a long time to write a novel. Write about what you love. I write about love, magic and madness, because I am fascinated by the creative and destructive nature of all three. I would say build up your characterisation by starting with common stereotypes, which you should really inflate. For example, make your rich, beautiful, pampered princess, just as she is expected to be, with all the anticipated traits, then amp the stereotype up. No one is ever just one thing, so you want to really add layers to her personality. And always keep a notepad with you.
S.P. Bagly
I love writing, I just love it, and I always have. I love writing characterisations the most. In Freddy and the Caretaker of Illusions there is a witch named Hubble who can see peoples faults, their sins and their vices. I sometimes think I can do the same thing. It may explain why so many of my characterisations are flawed. I really want the readers to be affected by them, to feel repulsed, or frustrated by their behaviour. I would love for readers to want to scream at the pages.
S.P. Bagly
I find every day to be different, some days ideas seem to pour in, other days are slower. I have, however, never experienced writer's block as such. I would think that the best thing to do, would be to focus on editing, or proof reading, organising notes. Something productive, without fixating on being blocked. Read lots, watch people who fascinate and try to relax.
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