Ask the Author: Maura Pierlot
Answered Questions (2)
Maura Pierlot
Usually, I ignore it. I'm a moody writer and prefer to pound the keyboard when I'm inspired, energised and in the zone. Otherwise, I'm likely to be non-productive and too inside my head (and it's already way too crowded there). I admire people who are self-disciplined and can sit and produce. I used to be consumed by ideas and characters; writing was often a kind of compulsion for me – a way to make sense of the world. I've had to train myself to strive for balance, taking a break, when needed, rather than writing for so long that my limbs (and mind) are numb. I'll often go for a walk, call a friend, cook, garden, paint – anything to get away from the screen. I know many authors who write to a word count each day then edit and pare back much later. I tend to 'live' with characters for months and, when they're truly well formed, they're often bursting to come out. That's when the ideas really flow. So in a sense, I find writing to be a somewhat mystical, not rational, practice.
Maura Pierlot
Being an aspiring writer is a tough gig. The industry is forever changing and commercial considerations dominate most publishing decisions. I'm constantly having a conversation with myself about why I'm writing, who I'm writing for and how to bring my work to audiences. I have more questions than answers ;-) We all have different writing journeys though our challenges and achievements may overlap along the way. That said, I hope the 'Top 10' tips I've compiled are helpful. Perhaps I should add an 11th tip: 'Be wary of Top 10 Lists!' Take whatever works for you and discard the rest.
Here are my top ten tips … in no particular order:
1. Work out who you’re writing for and why.
2. Believe in yourself.
3. Believe in your work.
4. Seek feedback (but go with your gut).
5. Read widely, and often, across genres.
6. Be a keen observer.
7. Be open to changing directions.
8. Find your natural (writing) fit.
9. Don’t sell your soul – in the industry, on social media. Anywhere.
10. Never give up.
Here are my top ten tips … in no particular order:
1. Work out who you’re writing for and why.
2. Believe in yourself.
3. Believe in your work.
4. Seek feedback (but go with your gut).
5. Read widely, and often, across genres.
6. Be a keen observer.
7. Be open to changing directions.
8. Find your natural (writing) fit.
9. Don’t sell your soul – in the industry, on social media. Anywhere.
10. Never give up.
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