Ask the Author: Phillip G. Berry
Answered Questions (6)
Phillip G. Berry
The best thing I've found for writer's block is reading. I find that a number of genres inspire me: philosophy, poetry, history, even articles of various sorts. Often, I'll reread things I've written previously to reconnect with a particular emotion or line of thinking. Because I write about things I observe and experience, the world is an incredibly fertile place for inspiration.
Phillip G. Berry
Writing is cathartic for me. Bogs, journals, poetry, hand-written notes, even emails (sometimes!) - I always feel better when I'm writing. I often get asked "where I find the time." I don't find time, I make time. I prioritize my writing because it is important to me. Then, upon occasion, someone tells me that something I wrote resonated with them. They tell me something I said made a difference or gave them comfort. Getting outside of myself with what I write and touching someone else is the best thing.
Phillip G. Berry
Just do it. Start a blog, test your ideas. Build an audience as you improve your craft. Put it out there. Don't expect to sell a bunch of books, become famous, or make any money. Write for joy. Write because you have something to say. Choose yourself. It will take you to unexpected places and give you the chance to touch people in unexpected ways - even if its only one person.
Phillip G. Berry
The process of completing Stones Across the River made me realize that the process can be a bit overwhelming and there are likely many artists/authors out there who may be looking for help "getting to market." I formed Cross Stone Creative/Cross Stone Press to hold my books and to help others. We are building out the business model and helping our first external author now. I plan to publish two additional books of my own in 2017: a follow up to Stones Across the River and my first collection of poetry.
Phillip G. Berry
My writing reflects my experiences in the world around me so I am diligent in writing ideas down as they present themselves. Then, I return to my idea list early in the morning, when it is quiet and dark. I find that mornings are more conducive to my writing and help think more clearly. Quite often, inspiration is not a steady friend so I just start writing and see where it goes. I find that inspiration often appears when I get a few lines in.
Phillip G. Berry
Initially, I wrote Stones Across the River to myself. It is a collection of "stones" I've identified to help me cross the raging rivers of entrepreneurship, relationships, adversity, and leadership. As I got further into it, I realized that others were likely challenged with many of the same obstacles and it seemed to make sense to share my thoughts. It is written in essay format to make it easy to read.
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