Ask the Author: Todd Strader
Answered Questions (4)
Todd Strader
Here I go back to my method. Centering prayer tends to open the flood gates. Beyond this there are some techniques I find helpful. Much of what I write has context that needs research. Snow Bloom required a lot of research on life in the middle ages, the customs of 10c. Bohemia, etc. This research prompted a good bit of the story itself. The other big means to break writer's block seems overly simple is the truest measure to move forward... write. Write even if you know you will not use the content. You would be surprised what surfaces when you just get words on the page. One of my greatest discoveries was learning about the Zero Draft. Write your whole book out. Not sure of a name or the details or research is needed? Just make a note like [insert name] and keep moving. A zero draft is a great foundation for a first draft.
Todd Strader
I'm usually working on multiple projects, in various stages of development at any given time. As of this writing, I am working on Snow Bloom a tenth century Christmas tale involving Good King Wenceslas and an orphan. The writing is complete and Anne Yvonne Gilbert is illustrating. I am currently looking for a publisher to pick it up. Rabbits Snow Day is written and illustrated. Currently Danny Nanos is doing the design work. I am presently writing Little Red and Ryding Hood. It is a twist on the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale wherein a wolf pup is the protagonist and the young girl assumes the role traditionally ascribed to the wolf.
Todd Strader
Well that's a bit esoteric. A fundamental part of my process is a form of centering (meditative) prayer.
Todd Strader
When she was very young my daughter had a little set of bedtime books. They came in a moon shaped music box. The illustrations and overall design were so warm and inviting. I had it in mind to some day do something like that. When I wrote the title poem, Spirits At Night, I realized I had the basis for such a book. My aim for this work is to bring a sense of comfort and wonder to the bedtime ritual.
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