Ask the Author: Barry Joseph
Answered Questions (3)
Barry Joseph
Justin, I see you like to ask this question; what interests you in it. A maxim I follow is "people first". That helps me to keep focused on what counts in most situations and not get distracted by shiny things.
Barry Joseph
Using words to communicate across time and connect with others, like you, reading this.
Barry Joseph
I am very very lucky. I have never had writer's block. Maybe because I write because I love to write, because it gives me a natural high. When I write I am accessing a part of my brain that is deep and primal, and setting it loose - I feel powerful, like a superhero, like it's my power, a power to create. If I had to write for work, or under a deadline, I might get blocked up. That's why I wrote the entire book before I looked for an agent or publisher - I wanted to let the shape of the book emerge over time, through the creation process, and not shape by other constraints. Then again, to access the creative side of my mind, I actually find a little outside stimulation to be helpful, like music. In fact, almost the entire book was written then edited during my commutes to and from work on the NYC subway system - being locked in a train car for an hour, surrounded by all that stimulation, is all I needed to let my seltzer-prose flow. And, again, I hear from other's about dealing with writer's block and I just feel fortunate to have such a close connection with my muses.
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