Ask the Author: Bryan Shewmaker
Answered Questions (4)
Bryan Shewmaker
I'd be happy to, but I would need a little more information. Where will this review appear? In a blog? On a podcast? And finally, if I like the review would you have a problem with me sharing a snippet from it in my promotional materials?
Bryan Shewmaker
I have 12 other books on which I am working at any given time. I consider a manuscript complete once it is in print, not before.
Most of my efforts are going to the other installments of my "Solar Winds" series. Additionally I have other stories set in that universe, but unconnected to that series's story. Finally I have 2 fantasy works I tinker with when not in the mood to work on the others.
Most of my efforts are going to the other installments of my "Solar Winds" series. Additionally I have other stories set in that universe, but unconnected to that series's story. Finally I have 2 fantasy works I tinker with when not in the mood to work on the others.
Bryan Shewmaker
Not really sure about this question. When people like "Stephen King", "J.K. Rawlings", and "J.R.R. Martin" are out there. I find myself asking "Who the hell is Bryan Shewmaker to answer this question?" It feels a bit arrogant to try to give advice when one has only begun to climb the mountain.
But I can say this. Everyone thinks they have it in them to write a book. Many even think they have it in them to write a best seller. I have never understood this mindset. Does everyone have it in them to be a physicist? No, that takes more brain power than most people have. Does everyone have it in them to play a sport professionally? No. That requires more athleticism than most people have. Most people don't have it in them to take college-level physics, or compete as a collegiate athlete. So why does everyone seem to think they have it in them to write a book? Let alone a good one?
Writing is an art, but there is also a science to it. There is such a thing as character development, story structure, and plot progression. These things have established formulae that one departs from at their own risk. Writing requires talent, something that can be mimicked but never gained through hard work.
But more than anything. Writing, just like scientific discovery is something where one may accidentally catch lightning in a bottle, but most often is the result of time and discipline.
Time and discipline are the threshold guardians that only the worthy may pass. For millions who think they can write a book, they will fail because they will not make the sacrifices to put in the time. They will never finish, because they lack the discipline to conquer themselves and push aside all hindrances.
Invest the time, and embrace the discipline, and you will write a book. While only the measures of your talent and skill will determine if it is any good, that investment will yield a result. You will create a book and even if it is only mediocre, you will have done that to which millions aspire, but never do. That alone commands respect. You might even create a good one while you're at it.
But I can say this. Everyone thinks they have it in them to write a book. Many even think they have it in them to write a best seller. I have never understood this mindset. Does everyone have it in them to be a physicist? No, that takes more brain power than most people have. Does everyone have it in them to play a sport professionally? No. That requires more athleticism than most people have. Most people don't have it in them to take college-level physics, or compete as a collegiate athlete. So why does everyone seem to think they have it in them to write a book? Let alone a good one?
Writing is an art, but there is also a science to it. There is such a thing as character development, story structure, and plot progression. These things have established formulae that one departs from at their own risk. Writing requires talent, something that can be mimicked but never gained through hard work.
But more than anything. Writing, just like scientific discovery is something where one may accidentally catch lightning in a bottle, but most often is the result of time and discipline.
Time and discipline are the threshold guardians that only the worthy may pass. For millions who think they can write a book, they will fail because they will not make the sacrifices to put in the time. They will never finish, because they lack the discipline to conquer themselves and push aside all hindrances.
Invest the time, and embrace the discipline, and you will write a book. While only the measures of your talent and skill will determine if it is any good, that investment will yield a result. You will create a book and even if it is only mediocre, you will have done that to which millions aspire, but never do. That alone commands respect. You might even create a good one while you're at it.
Bryan Shewmaker
When I figure it out, I'll let you know.
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