Ask the Author: J.J. Holt
Answered Questions (5)
J.J. Holt
Life. Everything around us either connects or divides us (if we're smart and we see it then everything connects us but there are so many barriers to that).
There's a story in everything - the challenge is knowing which ones to tell.
What really inspires me is depth. Telling a story with depth, but at a fast pace. Making every paragraph count - no fillers - don't waste the reader's time.
There's a story in everything - the challenge is knowing which ones to tell.
What really inspires me is depth. Telling a story with depth, but at a fast pace. Making every paragraph count - no fillers - don't waste the reader's time.
J.J. Holt
I'm working on the sequel to White Night, 'The Black'. It's very intense and I have to be careful to take breaks (I love it but this book is all-consuming).
Also working on two other brand new series - sssshhhhhh! Can't say much about those at the moment but more details coming soon...
Also working on two other brand new series - sssshhhhhh! Can't say much about those at the moment but more details coming soon...
J.J. Holt
Write. Read. Write. Read more. Write more, even if it's bad. Just write.
Be honest - you know when it's bad. If you can't fix a chapter you should probably drop it and re-write.
Use good editors - be humble and above all - persist.
If you're not willing to invest in your writing, fight for it, make it the best, spend early mornings, late nights and weekends on it, when necessary, then you will have a tough time in this business.
Be honest - you know when it's bad. If you can't fix a chapter you should probably drop it and re-write.
Use good editors - be humble and above all - persist.
If you're not willing to invest in your writing, fight for it, make it the best, spend early mornings, late nights and weekends on it, when necessary, then you will have a tough time in this business.
J.J. Holt
Everything. Pulling ideas together into a story. Creating characters that are as real as the paper they're printed on (or screens they're read on).
Fixing a difficult story problem (even when it's making you crazy), but the absolute best part is connecting with readers. Nothing comes close to that.
Fixing a difficult story problem (even when it's making you crazy), but the absolute best part is connecting with readers. Nothing comes close to that.
J.J. Holt
Strangely, it's not something I have to deal with a lot. With a second book and two new series on the way, I can always switch to a different series to help kick-start the grey cells.
If the block doesn't clear, then I go to new places. Not exotic destinations but everyday places with everyday people. Nothing clears writer's block better than the world itself.
If the block doesn't clear, then I go to new places. Not exotic destinations but everyday places with everyday people. Nothing clears writer's block better than the world itself.
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