Ask the Author: Malcolm Cox
Answered Questions (9)
Malcolm Cox
As I lay there, in the dark, I heard a shuffling noise above me. I was poised, ready to grab the ankles of the tasty human getting out of bed.
Malcolm Cox
Discworld by Terry Pratchett.
I'd be it's second official Tourist and see the sights from the Rimbow to Cori Celesti... and try not to die.
I'd be it's second official Tourist and see the sights from the Rimbow to Cori Celesti... and try not to die.
Malcolm Cox
I've wanted to read Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman ever since I read Scythe. Finally got hold of a copy so...
Otherwise, as much as I can.
Otherwise, as much as I can.
Malcolm Cox
Nine short stories in my most recent book, so nine short answers:
Cattle:
Possibly my least favourite work, this was a kind of antithesis of the overload of super-hero movies and TV shows I'd been getting bombarded with (and enjoying). I'd wondered how the human animal might actually evolve.
The Destroyer Of Worlds:
This just sort of happened, I was experimenting with writing in two converging timelines.
The Explorer:
Based off of one of my earliest stories I can remember writing (and still have the manuscript of) that I wrote for homework. Obviously, I've polished it off and updated the vocabulary, but the main story is the same.
I, Yet (Minor Spoiler Warning!):
Written during a stint in hospital, I can't deny there are similarities to Harry Harrison's The Secret Of Stonehenge.
Oak:
I'd been reading a lot of H.P. Lovecraft and wanted to have a go writing something with atmosphere. Also the tree in question is inspired by the one growing in a field off Bottom Lane in Seer Green.
Sleeplessness:
As a regular sufferer of insomnia I once lay awake listening to the wind and imagined the things going outside.
Surface Tension:
No inspiration whatsoever. I started writing and this story just happened.
Unlucky Jim:
Another homework assignment that's been updated and improved upon. In the earlier draft Jim actually started hallucinating due to blood poisoning from the rat bite. I never liked how it ended up so I changed it a bit.
Whittling (MInor Spoiler Alert1!):
Another story that just happened. This may also be inspired by Harry Harrison, this time with A Criminal Act.
Disclaimer: I hadn't even heard of the Purge stories when I wrote this. Still not seen them.
Cattle:
Possibly my least favourite work, this was a kind of antithesis of the overload of super-hero movies and TV shows I'd been getting bombarded with (and enjoying). I'd wondered how the human animal might actually evolve.
The Destroyer Of Worlds:
This just sort of happened, I was experimenting with writing in two converging timelines.
The Explorer:
Based off of one of my earliest stories I can remember writing (and still have the manuscript of) that I wrote for homework. Obviously, I've polished it off and updated the vocabulary, but the main story is the same.
I, Yet (Minor Spoiler Warning!):
Written during a stint in hospital, I can't deny there are similarities to Harry Harrison's The Secret Of Stonehenge.
Oak:
I'd been reading a lot of H.P. Lovecraft and wanted to have a go writing something with atmosphere. Also the tree in question is inspired by the one growing in a field off Bottom Lane in Seer Green.
Sleeplessness:
As a regular sufferer of insomnia I once lay awake listening to the wind and imagined the things going outside.
Surface Tension:
No inspiration whatsoever. I started writing and this story just happened.
Unlucky Jim:
Another homework assignment that's been updated and improved upon. In the earlier draft Jim actually started hallucinating due to blood poisoning from the rat bite. I never liked how it ended up so I changed it a bit.
Whittling (MInor Spoiler Alert1!):
Another story that just happened. This may also be inspired by Harry Harrison, this time with A Criminal Act.
Disclaimer: I hadn't even heard of the Purge stories when I wrote this. Still not seen them.
Malcolm Cox
Having read nearly 1,200 novels, I've got plenty of inspiration. Also dreams, I have the most vivid dreams (we're talking 4DX here) and sometimes I wake up and remember every tiny detail. I write that down and build a story around it.
Malcolm Cox
Several short stories at once (hence my writer's block answer) all for my second compilation imaginatively titled Flavours Vol. 2: Another Short Story Compilation.
Also at least 3 novels.
Also at least 3 novels.
Malcolm Cox
First off, just write stuff down.
You want you tell a story? Then just write it. Don't feel constrained by what you've learned in writing courses or other such advice. Every writer has their way of writing. Find out what yours is.
Do you need to plan every scene?
Do you like to just write and see where the story takes you?
Can you hold the names and characteristics of every character in your head?
Do you need to keep a journal of all your characters and places with a small dossier on each back story, history and motivation?
Once you find your unique writing method, just get writing.
You want you tell a story? Then just write it. Don't feel constrained by what you've learned in writing courses or other such advice. Every writer has their way of writing. Find out what yours is.
Do you need to plan every scene?
Do you like to just write and see where the story takes you?
Can you hold the names and characteristics of every character in your head?
Do you need to keep a journal of all your characters and places with a small dossier on each back story, history and motivation?
Once you find your unique writing method, just get writing.
Malcolm Cox
The act of writing itself is such a free and liberating experience.
Malcolm Cox
I either go back to another story I've previously 'blocked' on or start another story.
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