Ask the Author: Joseph LeValley
Answered Questions (6)
Joseph LeValley
I thought it would be fun to bring a Hollywood film company to my fictional town of Orney, Iowa. Exploring the reactions and interactions of Orney residents and movie stars created opportunities for humor, as well as violence, mystery, and romance.
Joseph LeValley
I have an entire talk I do on this subject. However, I can share the two most important pieces of advice in five words:
1. Read everything
2. Write every day
1. Read everything
2. Write every day
Joseph LeValley
Like most authors, I'm working on multiple things concurrently. I'm doing promotions for my latest novel, "Performing Murder." I'm doing rewrites and editing on my next novel, the first draft of which is complete. It's called, "The Sophocles Rule." In it, Tony Harrington begins to unravel a 60-year-old mystery involving a robbery and murder. In doing so, he sparks a new murder and the disappearance of a teenage boy. Lastly, I'm working on novel number six, in which an Orney resident is found dead in Chicago. Tony goes to the city to try to understand what happened, and finds himself on the trail of domestic terrorists.
Joseph LeValley
Ideas for novels are everywhere. Once I spot one, and start thinking about it, the story begins to write itself, in the sense that the interactions of people, places, and incidents, lead to certain options, which lead to choices for the next interactions. As you follow the logical choices and the path they create, you occasionally (if you're lucky) get a great idea for a plot twist that you and the future reader didn't expect. More to the point of the question, once this process starts, I can't wait to sit at the keyboard and type. The excitement of creating something new, and pursuing a story I find interesting, intriguing, exciting, funny, romantic, or whatever, is all the inspiration I need.
Joseph LeValley
There is no "best" for me. I love many things about it. Creating something from nothing is a special privilege. I'm lucky to have created a town and a set of characters I love, so I always look forward to revisiting them. I also enjoy author events, such as presentations, signings and discussions. I especially love talking to book clubs, because the members are knowledgeable, interested, and insightful. Whenever I get asked a question I've never been asked before, it makes my day. The same is true of being a guest on radio, TV and podcasts. Professional interviewers often solicit really great information (and sometimes not). Lastly, there are moments of special joy, such as when you crack open the first box of a newly-published novel, or you walk into a Barnes & Noble and see your books on display, or you get your first check from your publisher, or your first five-star professional review. These moments make up for a lot of long nights, challenges, and disappointments along the way.
Joseph LeValley
I'm very fortunate to never have experienced writer's block. However, I've seen other writers make numerous recommendations. One I see frequently, and certainly agree would be helpful, is to quit attempting to write the particular passage, sentence, chapter on which you've been working, and start on a different part of the book. Struggling with how to address a relationship, write the description of the town instead. Can't think of what should happen next, take a shot at the murder scene, or the death scene, or the love scene, etc. Once you've done that successfully, it frees your mind to go back to the difficult part.
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