Ask the Author: Eric Friedman
Answered Questions (6)
Eric Friedman
When I read books that really engage me I find myself coming up with my own story lines. However, I think it is kind of a misnomer that a person has to be inspired to write. I write because I love it and it is a release/escape from all the shit in the world. In somewhat of a paradox, I get inspired to write from the act of writing.
Eric Friedman
The only book I have published is "Ghosts of East Berlin" a memoir co-written with my mom about our experience living in East Berlin in 1988 one year before the Berlin Wall came down. It was at a point in my life where I needed to reflect on where I came from and where I am going, which happened to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall.
My current project also comes from life experience
My current project also comes from life experience
Eric Friedman
See my answer to the question about advice.
Eric Friedman
The best piece of advice I ever received has proved itself time and again. When you have a great idea and you are ready to write it, do not tell anyone about it. Once you tell someone the idea it's as if the energy is gone. Stories are meant to be told, you have the choice to write down or tell it verbally. Not both, at least not for me. I have lost many good ideas this way but I have also been able to write some stories my friends really enjoyed when I followed it.
Eric Friedman
The creative process itself. It is rather remarkable that what starts out as an idea in ones head grows and eventually moves from thought to paper. In that process, I have found that I learn about myself in the process. Its a true form of self discovery.
Eric Friedman
Sometimes the block is imagined. When writing gets tough and your slogging through it it is easy to say "I'm blocked!" It's just an excuse. There is always something else to do, some chore your putting off, or movie to watch, or mindlessly surfing the net.
However, there are occasions when nothing comes out on the page. I tend to go for a walk, listen to some of my favorite songs, or if its after the kids are asleep, pour myself a Manhattan and get out a pen and a pad of paper. The last two do wonders, either alone or together.
However, there are occasions when nothing comes out on the page. I tend to go for a walk, listen to some of my favorite songs, or if its after the kids are asleep, pour myself a Manhattan and get out a pen and a pad of paper. The last two do wonders, either alone or together.
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