Ask the Author: Marvin Altstatt
Answered Questions (10)
Marvin Altstatt
Books were somewhat limited where I grew up, but I discovered science fiction in the eighth grade, so I have a very large number of fictional worlds to choose from. Many of these worlds are appealing, but usually they’re also dangerous—not much story otherwise. The list is really long, but I might like to try the World of Tiers, created by Philip José Farmer, and explore that world like Kickaha did, though I don’t think I would survive as long. I would really like to find a world where everyone got along with everyone else and even practiced some kindness. I don’t remember reading about one of those.
Marvin Altstatt
My reading list doesn’t extend to anything like a summer—I plan a week ahead rarely. There is a stack of books in my office and several more on my Kindle that may or may not be what I’ll be reading. At my age most of the authors that I’ve always followed are either not very productive or have stopped writing for various reasons. I’ve become pretty courageous about trying new authors, and I have found some good ones. It’s a break from rereading my old favorites anyway. In fiction, a few names new to me are Ovidia Yu, Alan Chapelle, J Michael Orenduff, Michael Stanley, Hawkings Austin, Chris Lackey, and Anne Hillerman. Some of these are not all that new, and I expect there are many more. I will keep looking.
Marvin Altstatt
Thanks. You can ask a question if you like, but I don't have al that many answers.
Marvin Altstatt
I had a nightmare that our next leader would be an ignorant whining peacock. When I woke the reality was worse.
Marvin Altstatt
I don’t know where the idea for this book came from. There was no burst of inspiration that I remember. Certainly, it is not much like the concept I had when I started. Despite a good bit of research on “How to Write a Novel” the writing did not go easily or quickly. After three years, I have a book that has gone off on its own and become more than twice as long as I intended. I could use some feedback.
Marvin Altstatt
I've wanted to write since I learned to read, but I don’t know about inspiration. I write about a situation and it develops. Sometimes. Sometimes it takes several tries. Sometimes it doesn’t work.
Marvin Altstatt
I think I have at least one more story I want to tell about the Black Clans.
Marvin Altstatt
My theory at present is: write it and then figure out what’s wrong. At least that’s what I’m trying to do. Let me know if it's working.
Marvin Altstatt
The best thing about writing is creating your own world and populating it. What could be better?
Marvin Altstatt
For writer’s block I write something more interesting. Believe it or not, sometimes my work bores me. Writing boring parts is certainly a waste of time.
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