Ask the Author: Tony Salter
Answered Questions (7)
Tony Salter
The miraculous way that a story and its characters appear, as if from nowhere. It's as though they were always there, waiting for you to uncover them. That's a joy.
Tony Salter
I kept reading newspapers and books or watching films/TV, all of which talk about the perils of the internet. But always in the context of huge cybertheft, celebrity phone hacking, NSA, CIA, GCHQ, The Russians, The Koreans etc.
I wanted to look at how the internet (and smartphones in particular) is changing our lives without our knowledge and how exposed we are.
Everytime I came up with a new twisted idea, I was shocked by how quickly I could fine one or more ways to actually do it. Not with government help, but with a small amount of money and basic technical expertise.
There are only two real solutions. Throw your phone away or hope that you don't have enemies.
I wanted to look at how the internet (and smartphones in particular) is changing our lives without our knowledge and how exposed we are.
Everytime I came up with a new twisted idea, I was shocked by how quickly I could fine one or more ways to actually do it. Not with government help, but with a small amount of money and basic technical expertise.
There are only two real solutions. Throw your phone away or hope that you don't have enemies.
Tony Salter
Most writers will say the same thing. Decide when you are going to work. Stick to your commitments. Starting writing or playing with ideas and it will come.
Tony Salter
I am working on a novel called Sixty Minutes which follows five interlinked characters over a one hour period. I have almost finished, but find myself caught in a moral dilemma. The core theme and the event which brings them all together is controversial and, as I come to the crunch point, I am now uncertain what exactly I want to say and what decisions my key players should make. I have decided to park it for a month or two while I get to grips with that. (and the sun is shining)
Tony Salter
I would put myself in that category. I still have a long way to go, but the thing that surprised me, and which makes me believe that I might have a chance, is that I find myself ready to accept criticism and feedback.
Don't be precious. Listen.
(On the other hand, always ignore suggested solutions to problems. Find your own. It's your book, your characters and you know best)
Don't be precious. Listen.
(On the other hand, always ignore suggested solutions to problems. Find your own. It's your book, your characters and you know best)
Tony Salter
The only advice that makes sense to me is that you sit down (or stand up) and write. There's no point dithering about waiting for the creative muse to sneak up and give you a kiss. Writing tens of thousands of words is work, sometimes the words are better, sometimes not, but you don't usually know until later.
It's a little like learning a language. People say that others are 'good at languages' but the reality is that, however attuned your mind and ear may be, you still need to learn thousands of words, a complex structure and to concentrate until your mind pops when hearing people speak that language.
There are no short cuts or easy solutions. Just get on with it.
It's a little like learning a language. People say that others are 'good at languages' but the reality is that, however attuned your mind and ear may be, you still need to learn thousands of words, a complex structure and to concentrate until your mind pops when hearing people speak that language.
There are no short cuts or easy solutions. Just get on with it.
Tony Salter
I've been reading a mix as usual - The Essex Serpent, The North Water, American Gods, Norse Gods, The Thirst, Red Sister, Boneland, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Shell Collector.
I've just finished Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb which brings a very long tale to an end or sorts (although I suspect there will be more to come). I've loved the journey so far and am now feeling a little bereft.
I've just finished Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb which brings a very long tale to an end or sorts (although I suspect there will be more to come). I've loved the journey so far and am now feeling a little bereft.
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