Ask the Author: Kalvin Thane
Answered Questions (10)
Kalvin Thane
I sometimes get inspired to write by reading a good book or watching a good movie. However, I seem to have the best luck with the ones I don't like. It's a lot easier for me to say, "I wish they would have done it this way, instead." I sometimes recommend this for someone who has writer's block. If you have a hard time asking yourself what you want in your story, then try asking yourself what you don't want instead. Ideas might start flowing that way. I also like to create new and fun ways to write scenes. Last week, I used some D&D dice and my own rules to come up with a battle scene. I still made things happen the way I wanted it to as the author, but it was almost as fun as a full blown D&D session with friends.
Kalvin Thane
Don't listen to the nay-sayers (especially if it is an inner critic). There are so many people who are rooting for you to share your art (writing is art). At some point you will have to polish things and make it ready for the market, but in the beginning just have fun. If you enjoy your story, so will your readers. Also, decide what you want before asking others for their advice. Don't be so quick to give over your inheritance for a pat on the back. It might feel good to be in a "club" or doing what the crowd suggests, but in the end writing is a very personal journey. If you have someone supporting you, treat them like gold and find more like them.
Kalvin Thane
Its kind of humorous to me. I was doing a writer's prompt as practice for writing and this website had a picture of a dragon statue. Its a real life statue in some foreign country, but that isn't the point. I wrote Apprentice Mistake that day and ever since, I've really enjoyed Teslanar and the world he is a part of. I know several people who won't give short stories another look, but that short story is what started this whole series of books that are in my head. It also kindled the fire in my soul that yearns to write.
Kalvin Thane
I am continuing the story of Teslanar and his adventures in the world of Tahlia in a book that takes place a year or two after he graduated from the college of magic. I am also doing a rewrite of the Dog Squad series to improve some things that readers mentioned having issues with.
Kalvin Thane
If you enjoy reading, then imagine getting to be the first one to read a story. Its an amazing feeling. Also, when I picture things they come to life in an amazing way. Its my job to put the right words on the paper so that the reader can see it too. When reading someone else's story, you have to work at suspending disbelief. When it comes to your own writing, you see it as if it really happened. In high school, I never would have thought that I would become a fiction writer. Now, I can't picture a life without writing.
Kalvin Thane
I feel the reason why this can be such a difficult problem is that it doesn't always have just one solution. I have don the push through it mentality, but sometimes that leads to a really long burnout period. I also try to switch my thinking and remember the fun feelings I get when I'm writing. Its really hard to turn off the doubts and the editor in your head, but once you get past that, the feeling can be euphoric. Just keep at it and keep trying different methods. Keep thinking about what could be holding you back. So many times it can feel like you are staring at a wall, when it was just a learning hurdle. It can be frustrating to hear the "just keep writing", but until you try to do something you can't truly learn it.
Kalvin Thane
A reader went to the bookstore to buy some books. When they got there the bookstore was closed; permanently.
Kalvin Thane
I follow Brandon Sanderson a lot and I really like his answer to this kind of question. Can I go write a utopian society real quick before I answer this question? Although, I love several different fantastical worlds really bad things are happening there because conflict creates a good story. If I knew I could endure, then I really enjoyed the Sword of Truth world. I loved the possibilities of what readers find out is possible at the end of Steelheart. Didn't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, yet.
Kalvin Thane
I am looking at starting the Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore over this year. I haven't read any books with a lot of sword fighting scenes and I miss it.
Kalvin Thane
What kind of person would it really take to be able to move to Mars? Would it have to be a one way trip?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more