Ask the Author: Rusty McCracken
Answered Questions (6)
Rusty McCracken
As a teacher in Pennsylvania, my certification is contingent on continuing my education. Many years ago I used a short story writing class to fulfill the requirement and had several stories in my portfolio. Over the years I added essays and other stories with no real plan. It was only in the past two years that I started mashing everything together and realized there was a similar theme to all of it that allowed me to attach a Christian theme to the book. It's funny how God's plan goes beyond one's expectations.
Rusty McCracken
I've really never worried about writer's block. I feel that God has blessed me with a gift that allows me to forge through things well. If things aren't coming to the page, walk away; if something else presents itself, write about it; reread what you have done later for a fresh start. Also, you never know when the new writing you've started may become just the twist you story needed. A block may just mean your mind needs a break, or you aren't supposed to finish something right now or you may not like what you are writing yet.
Rusty McCracken
I'm glad this question says "writer" and not "author." About the only thing being an author gets you is the question, "When do you think your next book will be ready?" And that question comes from people who have never read your first book. On the other hand, the best thing about being a writer is that it opens doors. I have long told my students that writing well is the first thing any employer sees about you. Write well on your application and you get the interview, poor writing finds the waste basket. My writing has enabled me to earn an income, go to grad school, report sports on the internet, broadcast on the radio, and now produce a published work. A writer can set his own limits.
Rusty McCracken
I always tell people who enjoy writing that the formula is rather simple - have something to say, like what you have to say, and write it the way you would say it. I also think it's a good idea to reteach grammar to yourself. Give yourself a refresher of the rules for writing. Most people haven't had a grammar course sing 9th grade in high school - don't trust your computer program. Nothing is going to make everyone happy, so make yourself happy and it will be good enough.
Rusty McCracken
I listen to everything. My hearing is my most acute sense, and because everything can become something to write about, I lock it away or jot it down when something strikes me as interesting. It may take time for the subject to take form and it may even need another piece of the puzzle from a different experience. You just can't let any aspect of life go by without taking notice of it.
Rusty McCracken
I am currently working through my past poetry and writing new works to compile a book of poetry for publication.
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