Ask the Author: Muli Amaye
Answered Questions (6)
Muli Amaye
The idea for A House With No Angels came from research. I started a PhD in Creative Writing and didn't know what I was going to write about. I knew I was interested in Nigeria and Manchester connections because my dad is Nigerian and I'm from Manchester. My research took me into surprising areas that I hadn't thought about and I began exploring how women are written out of certain histories and what would they tell us if they were allowed to.
Muli Amaye
Usually I will feel a strong emotion to something. Whether that is something that's happening in the world (that is plenty of material) or something more personal. I like to work through the emotion and then place it in a different scenario, so I'm using that feeling, but giving it to characters and plot that is fictional.
Muli Amaye
I have two short stories that I'm working on right now. Plus some poetry that I'm editing - constantly. I also have a novel that needs editing and that is rumbling around in the back of my head just now.
Muli Amaye
Write. But also, if you can, find a group of people who are writing and join the group. Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism in a safe environment. If you want to write in a particular way, let's say crime fiction, learn the tropes. Read what's already been done. See what you can offer that is different while following the genre rules (and breaking them slightly!)
Muli Amaye
Legitimately being able to make things up, create other realities or mess around with the current reality, whether that is to lighten it or make it really dark.
Muli Amaye
I find the best way to deal with writer's block is to do something else entirely unrelated to the writing project. So, go for a walk, dance, paint, clean, cook. Things that are soothing and allow your subconscious to work out what needs to be done.
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