Ask the Author: Mark Alan Leslie
Answered Questions (7)
Mark Alan Leslie
I'm a people watcher and "listener," Darek. Probably just like you!
I like to combine intriguing characteristics from various people I know or have seen and heard, then come up with a whole new "person."
Besides paying attention to those who I know, I've found it very informative to go online and read the "comments" and chats about various topics that may relate to the book I'm writing. I have a Christian worldview, but many people do not and I am oftentimes astounded how other people's minds work — or don't work. This way, I'm able to offer varied thoughts not he same subject.
For instance, I had to create a jihadist's character in the novel I'm now writing, "Jeremiah's Jar," and the best way I could find is to research what hardline Muslims are saying. Phew, it's frightening.
So, I guess I have no "secret" — just a standard operating procedure.
Thanks for asking.
By the way, I think I've read a couple of your own books. Great characters!
I like to combine intriguing characteristics from various people I know or have seen and heard, then come up with a whole new "person."
Besides paying attention to those who I know, I've found it very informative to go online and read the "comments" and chats about various topics that may relate to the book I'm writing. I have a Christian worldview, but many people do not and I am oftentimes astounded how other people's minds work — or don't work. This way, I'm able to offer varied thoughts not he same subject.
For instance, I had to create a jihadist's character in the novel I'm now writing, "Jeremiah's Jar," and the best way I could find is to research what hardline Muslims are saying. Phew, it's frightening.
So, I guess I have no "secret" — just a standard operating procedure.
Thanks for asking.
By the way, I think I've read a couple of your own books. Great characters!
Mark Alan Leslie
I haven't had that malady but a few times. When I have, I don't try to force it, but just relax, take the pressure off and wait for my imagination to click in on its own timing. Then, the block is usually broken while I'm sleeping. A thought, a potential scene, something will wake me, I'll say, "That's it!" and I'm ready to rocket-write.
Mark Alan Leslie
Isn't it that you're doing what you always dreamed of?
Of course there are a bunch of other things but the question was "best thing."
Of course there are a bunch of other things but the question was "best thing."
Mark Alan Leslie
Do not give up.
Read the genre of books you want to write and actually STUDY the writing. Take courses or read advice books about writing.
Write, write, write to hone your skills.
Do not give up.
Find experts to read your manuscripts and advice you on your shortcomings and how to improve them.Read and take to heart "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Renni Browne and Dave King.
Do not give up.
Read the genre of books you want to write and actually STUDY the writing. Take courses or read advice books about writing.
Write, write, write to hone your skills.
Do not give up.
Find experts to read your manuscripts and advice you on your shortcomings and how to improve them.Read and take to heart "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Renni Browne and Dave King.
Do not give up.
Mark Alan Leslie
The third book in the Max-and-Kat series following "Chasing the Music" and the upcoming "The Three Sixes." I"m calling this one "Jeremiah's Jar," about the discovery of the prophet Jeremiah's jar which contains the deed to property he bought while Jerusalem was under siege. Its discovery would be proof of something Muslims deny: that the Jews have lived in Jerusalem for millenium.
Mark Alan Leslie
I love imagining new characters and placing them in challenging situations, exposing their strengths and weaknesses and watching their personal evolution. The inspiration is a daily thing between God and me.
Mark Alan Leslie
While reading the Psalms and noting the many times David wrote, "Sung to 'Lilies of the valet' or other notations about the music, I wondered, "Where is this music?" No one has it. What if it were discovered? Oh, it would raise the roof off Jewish synagogues and Christian churches. Just imagine! Plus, the Jews preparing to build a Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem are missing only one thing: the music. Muslim jihadists around the world would do anything to prevent the discovery of David's music. It sets the perfect stage for conflict of good and evil. Then the imagination soared to the hunt: to Petra, Dublin, Wales and some fantastic scenes evolved.
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