Ask the Author: A.J. Randles
Answered Questions (8)
A.J. Randles
I know this will sound cliché, but one of my favorite fictional book worlds would have to be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Suck me into a world of mystery and magic, good vs. evil, and abilities beyond the imagination. How cool would it be to practice magic?!
A.J. Randles
My most recent release, Calamity Jane, came to me in a dream. I could see my main character clearly, her story and life played out as if it were a movie. I woke up at four o'clock on a Saturday morning, sat down at my computer, and began to lay the ground work for Eliza Jane's life. Now, it's one of my favorite books so far, and I've personally read it several times. It currently has a 5 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon, and I have my fans to thank for that!
A.J. Randles
Inspiration can come from anywhere. I can be in the middle of reading a book, wake from a dream at three in the morning, at one of my kids baseball or football games, folding laundry or walking the dog, and a story will begin to unravel in my mind. Characters form, back-stories begin to formulate...they become more real to me than real life. Then, I just start writing.
A.J. Randles
I'm currently working on several projects. I'm really bad about starting a new project before the one I'm working is finished. (I do this with all of my hobbies; knitting, crochet, Vinyl projects...) I've got about 10 different stories going right now, and I'm hoping to have 2 of them finished by the end of 2020, or at the very latest, January 2021.
A.J. Randles
My advice for all of you aspiring writers out there, is to stick with it! Don't give up just because you think your work is crap. Let someone...several someone's read it, and let you know how they feel about it. Also, all criticism is good, even when it's bad. If someone gives you a 1 star review, and completely bashes your book, read what they have to say and decide if it was a personal preference, or something you've done wrong. It could just be that the reader didn't like your writing style, while 1000 other people love it. Remember: you won't be able to connect with every reader out there. Nobody's tastes are exactly the same.
A.J. Randles
The best thing about being a writer is getting to share my characters with my readers. I love listening to others talk about why they loved a specific character, and how the story affected them. There's nothing better than getting that 5 star rating and knowing that all the hard work you put into that book, was worth the time you put into it.
A.J. Randles
When I hit a wall, unable to continue with my current project, I put it aside for a while and pick up a book by a writer I've never heard of. I read, usually several books, for about a week or two, and then sit down and reread my WIP. I can usually find where I've misdirected my story and correct it, effectively ending my writers block. I've found that, when I get stuck, it's normally because I don't like the direction the story has taken. Once I've corrected the intended path, it all works itself out and I'm free from my mental block.
A.J. Randles
She dropped her keys as she fumbled with the lock, the tinkling sound of metal hitting the asphalt the last thing she would ever hear. She closed her eyes as the faint tickle of hot, humid air breathed over her neck and the monster sank his teeth into her flesh, killing her with one swift jerk of it's head.
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