Ask the Author: Steven Peters
Answered Questions (7)
Steven Peters
I was inspired by classical myths, bildungsromans, and allegorical tales (especially Dante's INFERNO and Carroll's ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND). The Grandmother was inspired by my grandparents on both sides of the family, with a little Lucille Bluth thrown in for good measure.
Steven Peters
I read a good book! Or play a video game. Nothing compels me to write quite like strong characters carving a path through a well-defined world. Fantasy stories that pique my imagination are especially inspirational.
Steven Peters
The money. Bahahahaha. Just kidding.
I think the best thing is the critical eye you earn for good stories. Whether I'm reading a book, watching a movie, or playing a video game, I'm always on the look out for excellent plots and character writing. Then I shamelessly steal... er... get inspired by them.
I think the best thing is the critical eye you earn for good stories. Whether I'm reading a book, watching a movie, or playing a video game, I'm always on the look out for excellent plots and character writing. Then I shamelessly steal... er... get inspired by them.
Steven Peters
Take a creative writing class and/or join a group of other writers who will read and critique your writing. Having a bedrock of people to tell you when something is working or when something sucks is essential to improving your writing. And once you understand grammatical rules, then you can break them (for stylistic reasons, of course).
Steven Peters
I have vivid memories of events that never happened, such as going to a black & white drive-in theater with my parents, despite the fact that my childhood hometown had no drive-in theaters. I think there's a plot somewhere in there, about a character plagued by false memories.
Steven Peters
I write something new. A different scene. A different perspective. Maybe a chapter from a different novel entirely—a side project.
Or I go read something that inspires me. That always gets the creative juices flowing!
Or I go read something that inspires me. That always gets the creative juices flowing!
Steven Peters
I'm currently traveling around Alberta, doing readings and promoting 59 GLASS BRIDGES. When that settles down, I have my heart set on writing a fantasy series set in a subterranean world.
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