Ask the Author: Pam Van Allen
Answered Questions (6)
Pam Van Allen
Holding a book you've written in your hands is pretty cool. Strangers telling you they like your book is wonderful. The best thing is getting the ideas out of your head and onto paper, then coaxing it into a meaningful whole that tells a coherent, enjoyable story.
Pam Van Allen
I read two books based on Electric Light Orchestra albums, who are my favorite band from the seventies - "Mission of the Sacred Heart" by Randy Blazak and "Your Truly, 2095" by Brian Paone. These books were brilliant, and cast their parent albums ("A New World Record and Time, respectively) in a whole new light. I looked for a novel adaptation for the other concept album by ELO, Eldorado, and there wasn't one. I decided to write it.
Pam Van Allen
As a rock fiction writer, I draw my inspiration from rock songs and albums. I may branch out into other music genres as well. The story is informed by the lyrics and the emotional tone of the story and characterizations are influenced by the mood of the music. My novel "Midnight on the Water" is a good example of this. It was based on the "Eldorado" album by the Electric Light Orchestra. The story line stays fairly consistent with the story of the album, although the lyrics are vague, and I came up with some creative ways to make their implications come true. The secondary characters and mood of the story were influenced by the brilliant music of Jeff Lynne. If you haven't heard this album, you should definitely give it a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKfEU...
Pam Van Allen
I'm writing a creative non-fiction work about the making of the Traveling Wilburys' first album. It's set in an alternative universe. While many of the personalities will be familiar, there will be some big surprises.
Pam Van Allen
Read books by other people, especially the classics. Study grammar in a formalized manner. While this may be boring to many, it's essential for good writing. In the self-publishing market, it's possible to get a book to market that is full of grammar mistakes. This looks unprofessional and reflects badly on the author community. It is our responsibility as indie authors to learn grammar and to have our work properly edited. Writing correctly is part of being an author.
Pam Van Allen
I don't worry about writer's block. If I feel like writing, I write. If I don't feel like writing, I do something else, like read or do research into my topic.
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