Ask the Author: Patrick Barney
Answered Questions (6)
Patrick Barney
When I wrote my novel The Tribal Lands, I wrote what I was in the mood for. So, I didn't write the work from start to end. Instead, I wrote chapters in mixed order, based on what I was feeling at the time to write. Some chapters were more romantic, others philosophical, and others with action, etc. Doing it this way, I was constantly moving through the writing phase, which only took me about 1 1/2 months.
Much of the writing involved me contemplating and thinking about the story and characters, and this often occurred as I cycled on the open plains. As I was writing, I also listened to certain music to set a tone and cadence for the story. This helped with the inspiration part.
- Most of the time spent on completing the novel was in the read-throughs, where I edited, proofread, etc. That part took about a year, and I did about 38 read-throughs of the main text, with about 34 complete readings. Each one took about 8 days on average. Nothing changed with the main part of the story; just the polishing part- corrections, clarifying, wording, transitions, etc. That part also required a lot of research.
Much of the writing involved me contemplating and thinking about the story and characters, and this often occurred as I cycled on the open plains. As I was writing, I also listened to certain music to set a tone and cadence for the story. This helped with the inspiration part.
- Most of the time spent on completing the novel was in the read-throughs, where I edited, proofread, etc. That part took about a year, and I did about 38 read-throughs of the main text, with about 34 complete readings. Each one took about 8 days on average. Nothing changed with the main part of the story; just the polishing part- corrections, clarifying, wording, transitions, etc. That part also required a lot of research.
Patrick Barney
1) The creative process, then (2) sharing the work with others...
Patrick Barney
Use the resources and environment that's around you.
Write what you truly believe in.
Seek advice from others around you.
Practice with writing short episodes, and by reading material that moves, inspires, and feeds your soul and creative spirit.
Have a goal for the story.
Set the basic goals along the way - and write a framework before writing the story text itself.
For me, my story began with the ending, and moved from there. I thought about the story and certain characters for about a week and a half before I wrote down notes of any kind. Before I did the main text writing, I carefully planned and wrote ideas, goals, and concepts. The main text writing came after I had a substantial idea of where the story was to begin, go to, then end.
Write what you truly believe in.
Seek advice from others around you.
Practice with writing short episodes, and by reading material that moves, inspires, and feeds your soul and creative spirit.
Have a goal for the story.
Set the basic goals along the way - and write a framework before writing the story text itself.
For me, my story began with the ending, and moved from there. I thought about the story and certain characters for about a week and a half before I wrote down notes of any kind. Before I did the main text writing, I carefully planned and wrote ideas, goals, and concepts. The main text writing came after I had a substantial idea of where the story was to begin, go to, then end.
Patrick Barney
Right now, I am focusing on promoting and marketing the current novel I completed; but there is an idea that has come for another, very, very different novel - sprouting from my current circumstances in life that have me in a place I've never been before. I have already started with the concept, and have primary characters; and have written notes and some structural items down. I'm waiting for the next musical inspiration to guide it along.
Patrick Barney
Often my writing has been practical in nature, such as creating a textbook or writing instructions. Certain creative writing has come because I wanted to write a particular item, but writing a novel was a completely different project. And one I hadn't figured I would be doing - even though I had wanted to for many years.
Patrick Barney
The idea came while I was cycling in the open Kansas countryside. I often think and contemplate life and such matters as I cycle.
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