Ask the Author: Brian McLaughlin
Answered Questions (9)
Brian McLaughlin
It was late and pitch black outside as Samantha laid on her living room couch contemplating the murderous thoughts parading through her mind. She slowly got up and as she moved toward the large picture window into her soul, she caught a fleeting glimpse of her dead daughter and the rough cut slits in her white shirt that we’re still stained with blood in her tormented afterlife as she silently sobbed, lovingly, at her mother’s feet.
Brian McLaughlin
That’s easy. I’d go into the Forgotten Realms and travel the world. If I could, I’d like to try my hand at being a magic user. I always loved playing magic users. Back in the day it was just magic user and illusionist - the sorcerer came later. So for me it was always the magic user. The first couple levels were rough, but after 3rd level things got a little better with 2nd level spells. But the real fun started at 5th Level with 3rd level spells! Third level spells were the best!
Brian McLaughlin
Looking forward to: Malcolm Galdwell’s Talking To Strangers and re-reading The Generals by Thomas Ricks. I know I should have a fantasy book on my list, but I love historical books and Gladwell always has interesting perspectives that challenge your assumptions.
Brian McLaughlin
Honestly that hasn't been a huge problem. I don't think of great ideas every night (by a long shot!) but I usually have enough that I know what I need to do by the weekend. Also, I don't have an aggressive word count target for each week, so my thoughts stay ahead of my writing.
Brian McLaughlin
Meeting your characters, and watching them develop. Sharing a story that entertains people, and brightens their day!
Brian McLaughlin
If you want to be an author, it's a battle of wills. Look up Winston Churchill's quote about writing a book - it's perfect. It starts out at first as a toy, but eventually, if you stick it out, it drives you to write. Give yourself a goal for each week and try to stick to it. It doesn't matter if it's 500 words or 5,000 words, write a little every week and you can always adjust your goal. That will keep you moving forward.
Brian McLaughlin
Currently I am on Book II. I'm about 20% of the way done, on Chapter 7. No title yet...but the plot is solid and readers will be surprised at how it starts, and where the story goes!
Brian McLaughlin
I set a goal for each week and write when I feel inspired, usually on the weekends. Every night I go to bed, I fall asleep thinking about scenarios, plot, and the characters - if something significant strikes me, I'll jot it down. Those little insights and creations inspire me to write. Also, at least for me, I get inspired by the characters themselves...I hate the though of leaving them hanging! So I write to give them life!
Brian McLaughlin
Growing up I played A LOT of dungeons and dragons and during that time I was almost always the Dungeon Master, which meant I had to come up with the ideas for the adventures. 18 years after playing my last session, I decided I wanted to rekindle that passion, but had no players. So I decided to write a book. As for the concept, I started by creating the world map, and a basic premise, and to my great surprise the story began to take shape and direction.
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