Ask the Author: Elisabeth Oweson
Answered Questions (5)
Elisabeth Oweson
I don't have writer's block... Mostly because I have been writing for ten years, and therefore have a few books waiting so I feel no pressure. When I write, I have a plan and since I know more or less what I need, I can start writing where ever in that book, it doesn't have to be the next chapter if I don't feel like it. If you don't feel like planning (and I didn't when I started out) the best way to deal with writer's block is just to start writing, not thinking about if it's part of your story or not. There's always one or two lines that are okay and as long as you get these on paper you're on the right track.
Elisabeth Oweson
There's a freestanding follow-up to Open Your Eyes, but also a much more personal story, both of which would appear in the coming year or so.
Elisabeth Oweson
This is a story that is completely fictional, but bits and pieces are in a way things I have heard from others - and it struck me that the suburbs of any town seem so quiet and satisfied, while there are families who are really suffering. I wanted to try to see it from their perspective and found it easier when I was not part of it anymore; we moved from Sweden 13 years ago and the distance gave me an opportunity to describe a situation well-known to many, but also take a closer look at the society I once was a part of.
Elisabeth Oweson
I eavesdrop... I'm not proud of it, but I can't help listening to what other people do, and can't help thinking about the background. I like to find explanations to why we react as we do, but I never know the correct answer...
But besides that, I find inspiration when I travel and in newspaper articles I read. Some stories are just too weird to be true and I find myself thinking "how did that happen?".
But besides that, I find inspiration when I travel and in newspaper articles I read. Some stories are just too weird to be true and I find myself thinking "how did that happen?".
Elisabeth Oweson
Should read a lot of Knausgård, it's my summer reading (since I have finished Ferrante...). I only just started on "Fall" and would like to read "Winter", "Spring" and "Summer" as well as the last book in his "Min kamp"-series. And then all the books I got for Christmas but haven't had time to touch. And I would also like to dive into one or two classics, maybe War & Peace? Or something of Ayn Rand. I want heavy books that last forever during summer...
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