Ask the Author: J.M. Kearl
Answered Questions (3)
J.M. Kearl
Read. A lot. Read the best-selling books and figure out what makes them bestsellers. Study the pacing, the dialogue, the descriptions, the mystery, the romance. Find out why you couldn't stop reading it.
What information is withheld to keep you turning the page?
What do the characters do and say that make you love them? Dissect those books! By reading a lot of books you'll get an understanding of the plot, even if you don't specifically learn plot structure. (whether you should plot the book or discover it as you go is another long subject).
And then write A LOT. As with anything, the more you do the better you'll get. I wrote for 13 years (not steadily every day but consistently just because I enjoyed doing it) before I felt I was good enough to publish my first book. (and now that I have 8 books out, I think my first published book could be better *shrugs*) I wrote several full-length books over the years that will probably never be published. They were practice.
Get a critique group or partner. They will point out issues in your writing that you won't see.
Take criticism well. If someone suggests there are problems with your book, do NOT argue with them. Take it in and don't get offended. I played sports growing up so I think this is why I don't get offended when people critique my work. I always want to get better. I'm coachable.
But also know when NOT to take someone's advice. You are the author. It's your story. You know what is best. If you love something about your book and someone else doesn't, be wary. You have to know your genre and what works. Chances are if you love it others will too.
Don't let critics stop you from writing. Not everyone will like your book and that's ok.
If you want to be an indie author it's a lot of work. You have to be an entrepreneur and marketer as well as an author, but it's also very rewarding.
Don't give up! Be your own biggest fan!
What information is withheld to keep you turning the page?
What do the characters do and say that make you love them? Dissect those books! By reading a lot of books you'll get an understanding of the plot, even if you don't specifically learn plot structure. (whether you should plot the book or discover it as you go is another long subject).
And then write A LOT. As with anything, the more you do the better you'll get. I wrote for 13 years (not steadily every day but consistently just because I enjoyed doing it) before I felt I was good enough to publish my first book. (and now that I have 8 books out, I think my first published book could be better *shrugs*) I wrote several full-length books over the years that will probably never be published. They were practice.
Get a critique group or partner. They will point out issues in your writing that you won't see.
Take criticism well. If someone suggests there are problems with your book, do NOT argue with them. Take it in and don't get offended. I played sports growing up so I think this is why I don't get offended when people critique my work. I always want to get better. I'm coachable.
But also know when NOT to take someone's advice. You are the author. It's your story. You know what is best. If you love something about your book and someone else doesn't, be wary. You have to know your genre and what works. Chances are if you love it others will too.
Don't let critics stop you from writing. Not everyone will like your book and that's ok.
If you want to be an indie author it's a lot of work. You have to be an entrepreneur and marketer as well as an author, but it's also very rewarding.
Don't give up! Be your own biggest fan!
J.M. Kearl
For the most part, I'm compelled to write. Its a drive within me to want to write every day. I love the characters and worlds I create, it's such a fun escape for me. Sometimes it's hard to "turn off" the stories in my head and actually be present with my family and friends.
But if I'm struggling for inspiration I usually read and ideas start flowing. I also time-block. I try to write at the same time every day so it's become a habit.
But if I'm struggling for inspiration I usually read and ideas start flowing. I also time-block. I try to write at the same time every day so it's become a habit.
J.M. Kearl
I'm SO glad you asked! It's a fantasy romance titled "Bow Before the Elf Queen". It's a Hades and Persephone inspired (not direct retelling) romance set in a whimsical and magical but dark world. I can't wait for you all to read it!
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