Ask the Author: Elena Kaufman
Answered Questions (6)
Elena Kaufman
It came rushing out in NANOWRIMO and is partly based on my own drama school experience and inspired by our social media '15 minutes of fame for everyone' culture. It's about the dangers of narcissism and the nebulous lines of identity and role-playing.
Elena Kaufman
By images often, or a line I overhear, or often a person I see who seems interesting or a direct experience I've had. These are springboards into a story which will morph into something very far from its original inspiration.
Elena Kaufman
Two novels (ignore my answer above about finishing before starting something new). Both novels are older ideas and I'm re-injecting new life into them. And trying again. The Smoking Dog is a dark mystery set in east London circa 1995 about how far a drama student will go to play a role. A History of Walking is women's fiction set on the St James' Pilgrimage across Spain about a pilgrim discovering the truth about her family's dark past.
Elena Kaufman
Readreadreadreadread. Anything you can get your hands on and everything in the genre you love and want to write in. Then take it one step at a time, page by page. And/or do NANOWRIMO, that's a test of your mettle. Also, finish what you started before moving on to the next project - that's what I'm still learning.
Elena Kaufman
Being able to tap into your imagination and create a world and people who don't exist - it's rather like magic, and then have others say they've been transported by your work. That's satisfying. It's also a portable skill and can be done in cafes or when travelling.
Elena Kaufman
I walk my dog Leon and play the scene in my head with various endings until I hit on the one that works and then Leon gets a treat. Or I brainstorm in my journal or read some poetry to shake my mind up. Or go swimming. Or take a shower. Generally, normal everyday activities can break down that block.
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