Ask the Author: B.F. Worlds
Answered Questions (6)
B.F. Worlds
My current project is Bloodlines.
I had the origin story for the Amarok series lined up when I first started writing The Last of Her Kind. The inspiration for it came from reading werewolf stories. I was in the mood for werewolf fiction and I devoured about half a dozen in a few hours. Strangely, I was left unsatisfied.
Some of them dwelt too heavily on the werewolf cliches, some didn't lean on them enough. Some of the characters were flat, some of them spent too much time on their inner monologues. Always, the danger didn't feel real, despite the fact that the main character was an outcast or being hunted.
I had a whole list of complaints and I realized that, while I was complaining, I'd written down a very vague outline for something that could be pretty great.
So I started writing it.
I had the origin story for the Amarok series lined up when I first started writing The Last of Her Kind. The inspiration for it came from reading werewolf stories. I was in the mood for werewolf fiction and I devoured about half a dozen in a few hours. Strangely, I was left unsatisfied.
Some of them dwelt too heavily on the werewolf cliches, some didn't lean on them enough. Some of the characters were flat, some of them spent too much time on their inner monologues. Always, the danger didn't feel real, despite the fact that the main character was an outcast or being hunted.
I had a whole list of complaints and I realized that, while I was complaining, I'd written down a very vague outline for something that could be pretty great.
So I started writing it.
B.F. Worlds
Everything inspires me. Seriously. Everything.
My dreams. TV. Games. Conversation. Music (especially music). Good weather. Bad weather. Good food. Bad food. Shopping. Clumsy accidents. Books (especially the terrible one. They get me thinking about what I would do to make it better and next thing I know I've got a new story in my head).
...I could keep going but I think you get the point.
My dreams. TV. Games. Conversation. Music (especially music). Good weather. Bad weather. Good food. Bad food. Shopping. Clumsy accidents. Books (especially the terrible one. They get me thinking about what I would do to make it better and next thing I know I've got a new story in my head).
...I could keep going but I think you get the point.
B.F. Worlds
Wow.
Let me say that I have quite a few projects going that I am really excited about. Right now, I'm mainly focused on Bloodlines. It will be the third book in the Amarok series, though really it is more like 2.5.
It is the origin story behind the three races and why they all hate each other. It'll also provide some background into their abilities. The first book was pretty slowly paced plot-wise so I could lay some foundation for the series but we're going to kick into high gear going forward.
Reading Bloodlines will give people more insight into the Amarok world and make it easier to follow along in the coming books. On top of that, it's just a really great story! (I've had mental debates, asking myself if I had the opportunity to make either The Last of Her Kind or Bloodlines into a movie, which would I choose...I chose Bloodlines)
After that, I'm going to release a new series (still debating which one, I've got a couple). You know, give the fans something fresh. Then I'll bring out the next book in the Amarok series. I originally had four books outlined (including Bloodlines) but it looks like it's going to go on for awhile. I can't wait until I get further into the series. I've got some crazy stuff planned.
Look forward to it!
Let me say that I have quite a few projects going that I am really excited about. Right now, I'm mainly focused on Bloodlines. It will be the third book in the Amarok series, though really it is more like 2.5.
It is the origin story behind the three races and why they all hate each other. It'll also provide some background into their abilities. The first book was pretty slowly paced plot-wise so I could lay some foundation for the series but we're going to kick into high gear going forward.
Reading Bloodlines will give people more insight into the Amarok world and make it easier to follow along in the coming books. On top of that, it's just a really great story! (I've had mental debates, asking myself if I had the opportunity to make either The Last of Her Kind or Bloodlines into a movie, which would I choose...I chose Bloodlines)
After that, I'm going to release a new series (still debating which one, I've got a couple). You know, give the fans something fresh. Then I'll bring out the next book in the Amarok series. I originally had four books outlined (including Bloodlines) but it looks like it's going to go on for awhile. I can't wait until I get further into the series. I've got some crazy stuff planned.
Look forward to it!
B.F. Worlds
Three things.
One: Plan. The story might seem clear as day in your head but when you start actually getting into it, the plot tends to get jumbled and scenes get placed out of order. An outline that you can just follow methodically will save you a lot of headache.
Two: Write. Don't think about how long it is or how long it'll take you to finish or whether someone will like it. Just write. Before anything, you have to finish the manuscript. Even if the first draft is complete garbage (I've had some really terrible drafts myself), it's an accomplishment and it'll get the momentum running.
Three: Don't compare yourself to others. Mimicry is a great learning tool. You should try to emulate your favorite authors. However, you shouldn't judge your writing against theirs. Your book might not be as popular as someone else's but it's important not to get down about it. Everyone has their own unique style. If we all just tried to copy the plots and styles of bestsellers, the literary world will be a very dull place. The important thing is that the story is what you wanted it to be. If that's the case, take pride in it, no matter how many sucky reviews you get.
And most important of all: HAVE FUN!
One: Plan. The story might seem clear as day in your head but when you start actually getting into it, the plot tends to get jumbled and scenes get placed out of order. An outline that you can just follow methodically will save you a lot of headache.
Two: Write. Don't think about how long it is or how long it'll take you to finish or whether someone will like it. Just write. Before anything, you have to finish the manuscript. Even if the first draft is complete garbage (I've had some really terrible drafts myself), it's an accomplishment and it'll get the momentum running.
Three: Don't compare yourself to others. Mimicry is a great learning tool. You should try to emulate your favorite authors. However, you shouldn't judge your writing against theirs. Your book might not be as popular as someone else's but it's important not to get down about it. Everyone has their own unique style. If we all just tried to copy the plots and styles of bestsellers, the literary world will be a very dull place. The important thing is that the story is what you wanted it to be. If that's the case, take pride in it, no matter how many sucky reviews you get.
And most important of all: HAVE FUN!
B.F. Worlds
The best thing about being a writer, in my opinion, is that there are no limits. There are no rules about what you can or can't write. With words, you can up new worlds, bring people to new ideas. Books can make you scream in laughter, bawl your eyes out, or stare at the sky thoughtfully as you think about something you've never thought about before. That kind of potential is special.
B.F. Worlds
For me, writing is about having fun. Beating my head against writer's block isn't fun. So, I do something to pick my mood up, whatever that is. Reading a good book, eating a bowl of ice cream, driving to the pet store to stare at kittens. I find that when my mood is up, the ideas just start flowing naturally.
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