Ask the Author: Sean Mallen
Answered Questions (6)
Sean Mallen
Hello Cynthia, I appreciate that very much. Best regards, Sean
Sean Mallen
I’ve always loved writing ever since my Grade 9 English teacher wrote kind remarks on a little short story. But I’d never found a topic that could produce a book—until the day when I was departing for London to take up my new job. Isabella handed me a green leather journal and told me that I’d better write something from this experience. Best gift and advice ever.
Sean Mallen
I have some ideas for a second book, but right now I’m focused on trying to convince people to buy and read Falling for London when it comes out October 13. I’m preparing a presentation, which I hope will be mildly entertaining, to deliver at readings, etc. And it’s almost as hard as writing the book itself.
Sean Mallen
Write. Keep writing. Believe in yourself. Don’t give up. Read great writing.
Sean Mallen
I guess now that someone is publishing my book (thanks Dundurn) I can officially call myself a writer. And that’s the best thing. I’ve been reluctant to take on that title, even though as a reporter I’ve been writing for most of my adult life. When I think of a writer I think of Margaret Atwood, or Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Bill Bryson (whose writing inspired the tone of Falling for London). Great writers create whole worlds, complete characters and compelling stories with words that jump from their minds onto the page. I would never try to claim that level of achievement. But just getting a book done and having someone agreeing to publish it is a lifetime highlight.
Sean Mallen
With Falling for London, I was working from a fairly detailed journal and so writer’s block was not so much of an issue as writer’s lack of confidence. One day I would believe that the passage I just wrote was quite good, and the next day I feared that everything I was writing was trite and uninteresting. The challenge was to push through and keep going until the end.
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