Ask the Author: Patrick Rizio
Answered Questions (6)
Patrick Rizio
It seems to me that the more one writes, the easier the inspiration comes. How does that adage go - do something 20 days in a row and it becomes a habit, (or something like that)? Having a thing turn into a habit certainly helps. As far as pure inspiration, I think that experiencing other authors is most beneficial. Basically read read read. That might sound a bit corny, but think about it. A musician needs to hear other players to get new ideas, as does a painter, scientist...anyone really. We can all build on what has come before us, hopefully picking up new tools along the way. As long as we make it our own. No plagiarism allowed (LOL).
That being said, I think we are all intrinsically storytellers. Every artist of every human endeavor is telling a story. Try to keep yourself in writer mode throughout your day. Be it a movie, a train ride, a walk in the park...everywhere you look you might find a great idea for a scene. Or maybe an entire book!
That being said, I think we are all intrinsically storytellers. Every artist of every human endeavor is telling a story. Try to keep yourself in writer mode throughout your day. Be it a movie, a train ride, a walk in the park...everywhere you look you might find a great idea for a scene. Or maybe an entire book!
Patrick Rizio
The book I'm working on now is part 2 of a trilogy that I had in mind when I wrote the first book. As far as Ideas, I think the best thing is to always have one's mind open. Whether it be the general idea for a book or something smaller, (like how to end a chapter), I think trying to always be in "writer mode" helps a lot. You never know when a situation that is just an everyday thing could be used to move along your story.
Patrick Rizio
Right now I'm reading Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku. After it I am going to read a biography of Ben Franklin by Walter Isaacson. His biography's are very in depth. After that-who knows? So many books so little time, (lol).
Patrick Rizio
I think the best thing is that, on a good day, a writer can comment or make an observation about the human condition that has some real relevance. The more we all get to a place where we are being intellectually honest when we think about things, the closer we come to taking the right path. It may be never ending, because we humans aren't perfect, (at least not yet), but hey-the fun is in the fine tuning, don't ya know.
Patrick Rizio
I'm working on the next book in the the LaCost series, Collaboration. I'm thinking three part series, but that's not written in stone. Maybe my little brain can come up with enough for more, who knows? Right now I don't want to get ahead of myself. Kind of like tennis, you need to play one point at a time.
Patrick Rizio
Ah yes, the age old question. Well, I don't think there is just one way of dealing with writer's block. Since writing is such a personal thing there are many answers. For myself, music may help. Walking away for a SHORT time sometimes works. Sometimes just knuckling down and continuing to write even though I am not happy with what I'm writing, you know just soldiering on, works. I also find that writer's block is directly proportional to the amount I'm reading-read more writer's block less. Hope this helps.
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