Ask the Author: James E. Merl
Answered Questions (6)
James E. Merl
I've always been a storyteller, whether it's jokes, getting out of trouble growing up, or just helping my girls create stories for class. I am a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling and fell in love with their suspenseful style.
James E. Merl
I am currently working on two books, and two following behind them. The two now includes: the sequel to 1871 which I can't say much without spoiling Chicago 1871, but it will have a powerful end too. The second is called "The cemetery talks." It's about a ten year old boy who sneaks out his bedroom window one night while mom and dad are fighting. He finds refuge in a nearby cemetery and while there he hears voices and soon befriends ghost. Each night after, he sneaks back and is told stories by each of the ghost and how they got there.
James E. Merl
Don't stop. Writing is the hardest thing you'll ever do. I've trashed several stories until I ended up with Chicago 1871, and almost trashed it on the tenth chapter. Just stick with it, it'll be worth it.
James E. Merl
Being able to create my own world and people, and making the reading part of it.
James E. Merl
That's a fun one. Several ways. The first is to get away from the story which I call my thinking time. I run the story through my head and figure out where I want to go with it. To keep myself in the story, I do what they say not to, I go back and edit, edit, edit. By the time I get sick of editing I'm more then ready to continue writing.
James E. Merl
I'm a retired firefighter and loved my job. Unfortunately I suffered a career ending injury and I wanted to write a book on my experiences and I love time-travel stories and the two just happen to cross paths.
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