Ask the Author: G.L. Gooding
Answered Questions (6)
G.L. Gooding
The inspiration for Fresh Snow on Bedford Falls is obvious – the movie, It’s A Wonderful Life.
Beyond the movie itself, I was always interested in how the story might have continued after that happy Christmas Eve ending. Lastly, I thought that Henry F. Potter was a compelling character that could drive part of that follow-up story line.
Little did I know when I started how compelling the story would become.
Beyond the movie itself, I was always interested in how the story might have continued after that happy Christmas Eve ending. Lastly, I thought that Henry F. Potter was a compelling character that could drive part of that follow-up story line.
Little did I know when I started how compelling the story would become.
G.L. Gooding
I was inspired by others. First and foremost, my beloved Mother’s encouraged my creativity as a child. Then a fifth grade teacher, Miss Lavin, got me a bit more interested in school including writing down some of my silly stories. Then I had an English teacher in junior college thought highly of my writing and pushed me for more. I found myself writing poetry, plays, and short stories as a hobby during my work years. It wasn’t until retirement that I seriously committed to writing a novel.
G.L. Gooding
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G.L. Gooding
Having made about every mistake an author can make with my first book, I have loads of advice.
First, don’t fall in love with your prose. I did and ended up having to cut a tremendous amount of beautiful but unnecessary words. Start our writing as tightly as you can. It will save a lot in the long run. You can always add if necessary.
Secondly, have you work professionally edited. I believe it was critical to making Fresh Snow on Bedford Falls a much better book.
Thirdly, get ready to be criticized. A large dose of humility will serve you well.
Lastly preserver. Professional writing is not for the weak of heart. If you are easily discouraged, try a different line of work.
First, don’t fall in love with your prose. I did and ended up having to cut a tremendous amount of beautiful but unnecessary words. Start our writing as tightly as you can. It will save a lot in the long run. You can always add if necessary.
Secondly, have you work professionally edited. I believe it was critical to making Fresh Snow on Bedford Falls a much better book.
Thirdly, get ready to be criticized. A large dose of humility will serve you well.
Lastly preserver. Professional writing is not for the weak of heart. If you are easily discouraged, try a different line of work.
G.L. Gooding
Since I currently write fiction often containing elements of history, I have a lot of freedom. I enjoy the opportunity to be totally uninhibited while creating. Also, as sadistic as this may be, I enjoy boxing myself into corners then figuring my way out. I find that exercise very rewarding.
G.L. Gooding
Since I’m relatively new at the trade, I can’t say I’ve dealt with a severe case of writer’s block. When I have been temporarily stopped, here is what I do: First, I go back and read the last pages (maybe a chapter or two). If that doesn’t work, crazy as it sounds, I either listen to a audio book or vocal music while I write. This causes me to focus more on my work and often leads to a breakthrough. Lastly, I’ll begin work on a new work (outline or actual writing) and come back to where I’ve been stopped in a day or so.
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