Ask the Author: Dennis Talbot
Answered Questions (7)
Dennis Talbot
My favourite fictional couple has to be that brilliant pairing of Jeeves & Wooster by the great PG Wodehouse. I like them because they have a very special love/hate relationship that is always on the boil. If I'm totally honest my own characters Josh & Ellingham are very like them in many ways. Someone once said of them, 'I think Jeeves was Ellingham's, tutor.'
I guess I'd like to think so! Enjoy DT.
I guess I'd like to think so! Enjoy DT.
Dennis Talbot
Because I write in the first person, I am that character! If I’ve written myself into a corner I ask myself in that situation what would I do? I go back to the start, reread what I’ve written and often the tiniest change at some point will give you the out! As above, you are the master, you make the rules. If all else fails shelve the project and write a new story. Then come back afresh in a couple of months and reread and if you still have a problem repeat the process. Never let a dead end worry you. Do something else.
Dennis Talbot
You own the characters and the plot! They have to do and deal with whatever you throw at them! Then if you don’t like what they say or do, you can change the things they have to deal with to suit yourself! Bring in Great Uncle George to throw a spanner in the works. That brings them back into line. You are the master, make `em sweat!!!
Dennis Talbot
Start that notebook right now, jot down as soon as you can any ideas that spring from the observation, if you don’t it will be lost for ever!
I feel you are at a massive disadvantage it you are under 30! People of your age group no longer chat to each other in shops or at the bus stop; head stuck in their mobile phone, ignoring what is happening around them. Look, listen and learn; and jot it down!
I feel you are at a massive disadvantage it you are under 30! People of your age group no longer chat to each other in shops or at the bus stop; head stuck in their mobile phone, ignoring what is happening around them. Look, listen and learn; and jot it down!
Dennis Talbot
I love to write about the 1930’s, a period that was the beginning of the modern world. The technologies that we take for granted were in their infancy but becoming more important by the day. I am writing a series of 1930’s police novels, the research for them is fascinating! Creating a feasible storyline that remains true to the technology of the time had been really demanding. No computers no mobile phones, radio still massively cumbersome! Great!
Dennis Talbot
That little note book carries all I normally need to set a story rolling. Often mixing and matching the entries can set me off in a new direction.
Dennis Talbot
To be honest, I don’t know! I carry a notebook and jot down odd phrases and events as they occur. Then look back through it when I am planning a new novel. I choose a starting point, a simple scenario that can go several different ways. Your start is the most important part, you have about ten pages to get your reader hooked, grab them at the start and they’ll want to read on!
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