Ask the Author: Erndell Scott
Answered Questions (6)
Erndell Scott
Paper Boats grew out of my love for history and adventure. As a boy I spent my time exploring the woods and dashing across fields, playing games such as cowboys and Indians. I was drawn to WWII and knew I wanted to write a novel that took place during that event. I began writing my book, Paper Boats, with one of the characters named Otto, who only showed up during the first three chapters and then was written out. He played a small role and wasn't the main character. I consulted with my mother, an avid reader who is very well educated, to see what she thought and boy was I surprised! She read the first few chapters and told me it wasn't good! Ha! Why am I not surprised! However, she felt something for Otto and connected with him immediately. She wanted to know more about him. I thought long and hard about it and I decided to drop the original story in favor of focusing on Otto’s journey. But I still needed a purpose for Otto. There had to be a reason for my readers to want to follow him. Otto needed greater depth. He needed a life. Then I read Anne Franks diary and I finally found clarity. Anne was innocent, pure and loving. She was accepting, positive and good-natured and she became my new inspiration for my character, Otto. Beyond my gut telling me everything I wrote into Otto was right, I received my first review from a reader I didn’t know, and this reader told me she couldn’t put the book down because she didn’t want to leave Otto alone. Lesson learned: Ideas can come from anywhere! Be open to them!
Erndell Scott
I get inspired to write through observation and participation. There's nothing better than seeing the world, meeting people, trying new things and letting the rest happen. If you open your mind to everything then the world becomes your canvas and you'll never be empty of great ideas to write about. After many, many years in advertising I've learned to recognize the really unique ideas and how to capitalize on them which gives me an edge because I don't follow paths I know won't go anywhere. This keeps me constantly inspired because I spend the time on the ideas that can flourish.
Erndell Scott
I am writing the story of one of the character's from Paper Boats, my new breakout novel. The idea came to me from a reader who read Paper Boats and wanted to know what happened to one of the characters. I fancied the idea so off I went! What's interesting is that this character's story will shed some more light on the events of my characters in Paper Boats. The great thing too is that both books stand on their own, so you don't have to read them in order. Either way though no matter which one you read first, you'll be compelled to read the other!
Erndell Scott
Throw your TV set out the window and write very day. Do not stop. Do not follow trends. Do not get caught up with what agents think or what publishers think. Not one of them are of the same mind. Follow your heart and write about what you know and care about. The rest will follow. Trust me.
Erndell Scott
For me, the best part is the utter freedom. The freedom to come up with concepts and ideas without judgement and share them with the world is fascinating. Sure, this is a business, but my ideas are my ideas. They may not sell and maybe my audience won't like what I've written, but the work is still mine and still pure. If I'm proud of my work then that is all that matters. I find my audience respects and supports that.
Erndell Scott
I have never gotten writer's block. For me, I write every day no matter what. It's important to get words on paper. Now, that doesn't mean it's good! But it's on paper and I can go back and finesse later. Writing is a job and passion. I mean, it's not like a plumber wakes up and says he doesn't feel he has it in him to plumb today! You wake up and write. It's as simple as that.
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