Ask the Author: Paul Perea
Answered Questions (6)
Paul Perea
Several ways. If I'm having a hard time connecting, I'll read what I've written. If that doesn't help, I'll take a break and leave it - not even think about it. If I overthink, it just serves to make me frustrated.
I also will go read a book, not necessarily in my genre, or watch a favorite movie. Talking it out with someone who can be objective helps, too. My spouse is my harshest critic and greatest supporter. I'm lucky. It's nice to get it out and then have an analytical conversation. You're so close to your story that, for lack of a better analogy, you can't see the forest for the trees. Talking about it, out loud, really does help.
I also will go read a book, not necessarily in my genre, or watch a favorite movie. Talking it out with someone who can be objective helps, too. My spouse is my harshest critic and greatest supporter. I'm lucky. It's nice to get it out and then have an analytical conversation. You're so close to your story that, for lack of a better analogy, you can't see the forest for the trees. Talking about it, out loud, really does help.
Paul Perea
The best thing about being a writer (for me) is the same as reading: Escape! Being able to explore/create other worlds, other experiences, is an amazing thing. The creative outlet is necessary, especially in today's climate.
Paul Perea
I attended a reading by Benjamin Percy and he said something that resonated with me. "Have grit!" Sounds simple but it's harder than one may think. As you may know, it's easy to beat yourself up or to get distracted by the things we all have to attend to in our every day life. But persevere! Read books on the craft of writing. Ben Percy's book, Thrill Me, is my bible. Stephen King's "On Writing" is wonderful. Anne Lamont's book, "Bird by Bird" should be required reading. If you can afford it, attend writer's conferences or sign up for online webinars. Check out Writer's Market and Reedsy -both offer excellent resources.
Paul Perea
Aside from marketing the debut novel, I'm working on the second book. I have the first draft down. Now it's time for re-writing and editing. I've also started a short story that I'd like to get back to - I'm a bit of a promiscuous writer - I have several books down in process.
Paul Perea
I'm inspired all the time! Sometimes I see or hear something and I think, "Now there's a story!" I suppose it's the awareness of life around you. But specifically, the stories churn in my head all the time. I think about the characters and what they're doing - what's motivating them - what are they feeling. When our dog was alive, I used the time spent on walks thinking about plot and ideas for what I wanted to write (she was a very slow walker, thank goodness).
Paul Perea
I was inspired by the old Hispanic tale of La Llorona (the weeping woman) who haunts the Rio Grande in search of the children she drowned. Ever since I was a kid, I loved ghost stories, but I wanted to give this one a twist - tell her story. I was, of course, also inspired by the place I grew up.
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