Ask the Author: Brett M. Wiens
Answered Questions (6)
Brett M. Wiens
I'm in the very early stages of planning a sequel. I'm not even writing anything down yet, just thinking about what I would like to say and the world I would use.
As with the first book, this requires time and thought. With two kids at home, a full-time job, and several other hobbies and interests, both of those resources are in short supply.
As with the first book, this requires time and thought. With two kids at home, a full-time job, and several other hobbies and interests, both of those resources are in short supply.
Brett M. Wiens
I plan like crazy. Before I even wrote the first word of my book, I spent weeks coming up with what I wanted to say, researching to make sure I didn't say anything that violated my own internal rules, and then coming up with a very high-level plot plan. Once I had written the high level, I went back and added checkpoints. The checkpoints were places that I wanted my story to go. I added more and more of these, populating the gaps in between with further detail until I had a pretty complete storyboard. Once I started writing, it was almost like connecting the dots. In the same way that somebody who sets a specific, measurable goal is more likely to achieve it with a plan, having these waypoints meant I always knew where I was going. I let the words fill the gaps, and occasionally I would find that I had to skip a particular waypoint because the natural words had led somewhere inconsistent with that event.
I don't think I ever really was unable to write. I had a plan, and following it made everything come easily.
I don't think I ever really was unable to write. I had a plan, and following it made everything come easily.
Brett M. Wiens
I think that the best thing about being a writer is being able to put your thoughts out there for everybody and anybody to see. I can't think of any other medium that can provide as much depth and permanency as writing. Good books from hundreds of years ago are still read and interpreted today. When my children are grown up, and they have their children of their own, they will be able to show exactly what I was thinking, and hopefully how I changed the world for the better.
Brett M. Wiens
Think about what you want to say first. Figure out your message and start planning. Once you know what you want to put out there, let the words and plot details follow your internal rule set.
Brett M. Wiens
I think that most people want to make the world a better place. I have a number of ideas for ways to do make that happen and writing provides me a platform upon which I can present ideas for rational discussion and debate. I hope my books will make people think about ways to make the world a better place for everybody.
Brett M. Wiens
I read Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift to my son when he was still in his crib. It is a classic, of course, but it is a 300-year old satire. Many of the subjects presented in satirical form are no longer relevant so I thought I'd evolve the people and places 300-years based on their interactions with Gulliver and present a modern satirical perspective.
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