Ask the Author: Marie Judson
Answered Questions (8)
Marie Judson
I don't actually tend to get writer's block as far as ideas. I do get afraid to return to what I've written. I much prefer to have a writing group to vet my writing. It's like having readers right in my living room, enjoying parts, giving feedback. I bring whatever I've written, without fear. Reading aloud to others is hugely important. Then the next time I'm about to write, I have our comments written on my pages and jump right back in. I've done some solo editing clear through my book this year. To get myself to do this, I "sprint" with other writers around the world. They're not seeing my work; it just gets me to keep my nose to the grindstone. But at least for parts of the book, I like to always have some readers' opinions along the way.
Marie Judson
I actually dreamed up this book or a good part of it when my kids were little. The notes followed me as I moved around, lived my life as a single mom, went to graduate school, even wrote a fantasy trilogy. Now I'm finally returning to this story that's been living in me for years. It's very exciting!
Marie Judson
I have a regular writing schedule. When it's time to write, I go over the edits of the previous week to get myself positioned for what comes next. Since I love my story and the genre, the next scenes come easily. I don't have an external practice for getting inspired. It comes from within. I often have done some daydreaming into the story before sitting down to write so that the words flow onto the page.
Marie Judson
A fantasy sci fi series. The first book is Elf Stone of the Neyna.
Marie Judson
Hone your skills. Read a lot. Take a creative writing class and/or take part in writing groups that push you toward your best. To me, writing should be about developing skills, not just about getting a story onto the page. Editing becomes fluid, painless, even enjoyable. The bar should always be moving higher. To me, it should be about the process -- what are you getting out of it, as a person, as a writer?
Marie Judson
Writing is a lot of work but if you love your genre, it'll be a lot of fun as well. I love being in a writing group, sharing my work every week. I think it's a hunger for me, to hone my skills, to keep on building stories and making them available to readers.
Marie Judson
Hobbiton and Rivendell. I'd hope to be invited into Hobbit homes. In Rivendell, I'd take in the Elven magic and philosophy, hoping to soak in the qualities and be changed forever.
Marie Judson
Resilient Ruin by Laura McHale Holland. Anything new by Naomi Klein, Elizabeth George, Kathy Reichs.
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