Ask the Author: J.G. MacLeod
Answered Questions (7)
J.G. MacLeod
My alarm woke me ridiculously early for work. I stumbled downstairs, reached into the cupboard, and found the empty tin of coffee.
J.G. MacLeod
Thanks for your question. I would tell my younger writing self to definitely schedule in 1 hour of writing per night in order to stay focused on the craft even during busy times. I would also encourage her to be brave and always write her truth, even if it's difficult.
J.G. MacLeod
The best thing about being a writer is having a way to express myself and be creative at the same time. Through my writing I can connect with other people with shared experiences and interests. Writing is a necessity for me and I find it essential to my own well being. The more I write, the healthier I feel. It is healing and entertaining as well.
J.G. MacLeod
I find that being outdoors in nature inspires me the most. Fresh air, sunshine, trees, wind, flowers, bird calls, a quiet hiking trail or a beautiful, rugged terrain - all invigorate my senses and make me want to write. While writing, particular songs or background music also help inspire me too.
J.G. MacLeod
I have two current projects that I am dividing my time between. One is a memoir, written in collaboration with another author. It is her life story. I think readers will find her story of adolescence, immigration and resilience highly engaging.
The second project is part sci-fi and part school days. It begins and ends with the sci-fi elements, but the interior story takes place in a school for adult learners. The tale will blend the lives of various students and their teacher as they all journey together to find meaning in their lives and a second chance.
The second project is part sci-fi and part school days. It begins and ends with the sci-fi elements, but the interior story takes place in a school for adult learners. The tale will blend the lives of various students and their teacher as they all journey together to find meaning in their lives and a second chance.
J.G. MacLeod
Lady Ellen was inspired by a recent trip to Ireland. I photographed the landscape and buildings where I wanted my story to take place. I researched various people and events from the particular time period that I wanted to capture (the 1840s) and was able to picture these characters in the actual places I wanted them to "live". The serene & rugged beauty of Inis Mor was the most inspiring place I visited. I wandered along the paths and hills and began to draft the early outlines of my series before I even left Ireland. An enormous thank you to the wonderful people I stayed with and the stories they shared.
J.G. MacLeod
I work through it by switching focus, allowing me to still be productive. If I am struggling with a particular scene or character, I will move to researching a historical event or term that I need for an upcoming scene or dialogue so that I don't lose time on my project completely. Usually with a short break and with accomplishing other aspects of my project(s), I am able to continue writing within a day. I find this motivates me more than leaving the project altogether.
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