Ask the Author: Lora Andrews
Answered Questions (3)
Lora Andrews
I'm currently working on the the third book in the Time Bound Series titled Dark Truth.
And, I'm plotting an Urban Fantasy Series I hope to start writing next year. The main character is someone readers were introduced to in the first book of the Time Bound series, Caitlin's best friend, Lila.
And, I'm plotting an Urban Fantasy Series I hope to start writing next year. The main character is someone readers were introduced to in the first book of the Time Bound series, Caitlin's best friend, Lila.
Lora Andrews
The idea for the Time Bound Series was born eons ago. I think I wrote the first ten thousand words ten or twelve years ago. And then life got in the way. But, the story stayed with me. Always. Before I'd go to sleep, the scenes would play out in my head, and I knew that someday, I had to get it down on paper.
I put it on my bucket list in 2015 and dusted off those ten thousand words. Now, Time Bound went through several reiterations. I tweaked and rewrote the book, deleting and rewriting forty to sixty thousand words each time. Then, I sent it to my editor. And went through three massive revisions the following year. So the book that is out in the world today is a totally different book than the one I imagined so long ago. But the characters are the same. And the key scenes that changed their lives are as well.
Happy Reading,
Lora
I put it on my bucket list in 2015 and dusted off those ten thousand words. Now, Time Bound went through several reiterations. I tweaked and rewrote the book, deleting and rewriting forty to sixty thousand words each time. Then, I sent it to my editor. And went through three massive revisions the following year. So the book that is out in the world today is a totally different book than the one I imagined so long ago. But the characters are the same. And the key scenes that changed their lives are as well.
Happy Reading,
Lora
Lora Andrews
Great question. I deal with writer's block often, so I've given the subject quite a bit of thought. For me, it's usually tied to one of two things: a plot/story issue or my insecurity.
The former (a plot issue) is the easier of the two for me to work through. When it happens, I tend to write around the block. For example, if I'm having a hard time with a particular scene, I'll work on the next. Or choose a scene that very clear in my head. Sometimes, I'll write about the scene as if I'm creating an outline, or describing it to a friend. and half way through that free write, I find my way and the scene takes off. I tend to write laterally (one scene building on the other) so it's hard for me to move to far ahead in the story if I have an issue that's left unresolved, but this strategy has worked for me in the past.
Another trick, is to go for a walk, or take a shower. I find when I stop over-thinking, the solution appears. I've had quite a few of these "duh" moments in the past year.
Writer's block due to insecurity is harder for me to overcome. I think fear of judgment stifles my creativity. For example, sometimes I'll worry about how a particular part of the story will be received. Thoughts like, "Everyone is going to hate this," or "What are people going to think about me?" can plague a writer, especially when your working on sensitive scenes--like those hot and steamy moments in a romantic fantasy. But, the important thing...what I've had to learn the hard way--is to keep writing. Tell yourself no one will see it, and unleash your creativity. I make this deal with myself all the time, and for me, it actually works. It takes the pressure off. This was immensely helpful with my second Book, Blood Oath. I took some risks, and was so sure my editor would hate it, but her response was so positive. I hope readers enjoy that book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So, as I work through book 3, Dark Truth, and I find myself having those same moments of doubt (trust me, its an almost every day battle) I just keep telling myself to keep moving forward. I think at the end of the day, if I'm laughing or crying with my characters, then I've done what I've set out to do.
Thanks so much for asking the question.
Happy reading!
Lora
The former (a plot issue) is the easier of the two for me to work through. When it happens, I tend to write around the block. For example, if I'm having a hard time with a particular scene, I'll work on the next. Or choose a scene that very clear in my head. Sometimes, I'll write about the scene as if I'm creating an outline, or describing it to a friend. and half way through that free write, I find my way and the scene takes off. I tend to write laterally (one scene building on the other) so it's hard for me to move to far ahead in the story if I have an issue that's left unresolved, but this strategy has worked for me in the past.
Another trick, is to go for a walk, or take a shower. I find when I stop over-thinking, the solution appears. I've had quite a few of these "duh" moments in the past year.
Writer's block due to insecurity is harder for me to overcome. I think fear of judgment stifles my creativity. For example, sometimes I'll worry about how a particular part of the story will be received. Thoughts like, "Everyone is going to hate this," or "What are people going to think about me?" can plague a writer, especially when your working on sensitive scenes--like those hot and steamy moments in a romantic fantasy. But, the important thing...what I've had to learn the hard way--is to keep writing. Tell yourself no one will see it, and unleash your creativity. I make this deal with myself all the time, and for me, it actually works. It takes the pressure off. This was immensely helpful with my second Book, Blood Oath. I took some risks, and was so sure my editor would hate it, but her response was so positive. I hope readers enjoy that book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So, as I work through book 3, Dark Truth, and I find myself having those same moments of doubt (trust me, its an almost every day battle) I just keep telling myself to keep moving forward. I think at the end of the day, if I'm laughing or crying with my characters, then I've done what I've set out to do.
Thanks so much for asking the question.
Happy reading!
Lora
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more