Ask the Author: Travis Chapman
Answered Questions (7)
Travis Chapman
Simplified version: Kingdom of Heaven + Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness" + True Pursuit men's retreat + John Eldridge's "Wild at Heart" + 13th Warrior + Glen Cook's "The Black Company", bake at 300 degrees for 2 years, add inspiration and encouragement.
Travis Chapman
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Travis Chapman
Twofold answer: first, I really want to see the story move down the path. I like reading some long-form fiction, and like seeing stories reach their conclusion. Second, I don't wait for inspiration. I have a plan and a practice of writing at certain times of the week. If I miss some of that, then it's on me. Have some peanutbutter ice cream, a strong Ethiopian coffee, and get back on the horse.
Travis Chapman
I really liked reading Ascent of the Fallen in the final proof, actually reading the story, and realizing, "I created this, it will hopefully inspire others and uplift them, and the sequel's first draft is done."
Travis Chapman
Goal number 1 is to get Chronicles of Outremer further along. At least the first three books, "Awakening", and maybe more than that. I have at least 7 in mind. I also have a dark fantasy series about the floating airships of an ancient cruel kingdom in the Dreadship Cycle, an adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, and a 300-esque retelling of the Nativity.
Travis Chapman
I plan to get a post up soon, but frankly, start. Find a few folks ahead of you on the path for guidance, but not so many you spin wheels and never produce. Decide why you want to write and be OK with that for a bit: creating product 1 comes before earning $1, which comes before world domination. Smile. Fight the Resistance. And once you finish, start all over again. Stephen King wrote it well in The Dark Tower: gotta go after the man in black. Once more into the breach.
Travis Chapman
Preplanning. I have a few modes of writing that I will transition betwen depending on my mood, my environment, and what's necessary for the story. I might be planning, plotting, foolscaping, outlining, creating dialogue, mapping out a battle, or other items that come up. Having multiple books in the series and other series also helps; get stuck on one thing, you can move onto something else. I also try to be comfortable with resting. If it's not coming, stop, breath, watch a movie or read something exciting. It all helps.
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