Ask the Author: Harry Carpenter

“Go ahead and ask me any questions you'd like. I'd be more than happy to discuss any of my books, my process, or general inquiries!” Harry Carpenter

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Harry Carpenter Writers block? What's that? A lot of times that's a made up thing. There's no such thing as a block. Creative downswing? Maybe. Not in the mood? Absolutely. I can go weeks, in some cases, months, without thinking of anywhere to take the story. Then, one day, it'll hit me and I'll clear two to ten chapters without missing a beat.

It's truly subjective, and never let this "writers block" deter you from writing. Power through it. Find a different project for a while. Distract yourself. See the world, or something to an extent that can get you thinking, which could get you writing.
Harry Carpenter I slacked off a bit in life when reading. I'm working to get back into books and re-reading some of the older books I've read when I was younger like Stephen King stuff and dabbling in a little of everything. E-Books and Audiobooks have helped me burn through stories with such convenience.
Harry Carpenter Presently, I'm wrapping up editing and proofreading "Fubar: Blackout." It's a military sci-fi novel about some soldiers in Iraq when things go belly up. Monsters roam the land, people are getting eaten and eviscerated. I'm excited to publish this next year.
Harry Carpenter Hogwarts is an obvious start, and it's also equally obvious what I'd do. I'd "Be a wizard, Harry."
Most of the books I read have a horrendous event happen, so I can't say I'd like to be in any of their worlds. Maybe Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings? I could eat two breakfasts?
Harry Carpenter Anthony was always absorbed in being a gym-rat, and today was no different than any other. It was no different, until he woke up and realized every muscle in his body was gone, that is.
Harry Carpenter I think the best part is just being able to tell my story. Or "a" story. It may not be my voice, but these characters have a voice, and a story. The story needs to be told. Even if these people live in my brain...
Harry Carpenter I just do. I really don't know. I feel like I wish I could wake up and say "Ok, today I'm writing the chapter "The one about the Monkey." I wish it worked that way. I'll have a creative moment, and I have to sieze it. I actually started writing the first chapter of a sequel of a book that wasn't even published yet. I take the moments as I get them.
Sometimes it's a mood. Sometimes it's the weather. I'll have days where I burn through a chapter or two of story, and others I push along a paragraph at a time, slowly putting the story together.
I think it also has to do with "where" I am with the story. If I'm at a part that I'm excited to talk about, I'll likely blow through that with excitement and joy.
Harry Carpenter Keep writing. Even if it sucks. Keep writing. Write small stories. Write big stories. Try different genres. Try writing different perspectives. Keep going. Then go back and look at what you've done, and after learning what was bad about those stories, go back and fix them. Then publish. Repeat process.
Harry Carpenter Most recently, I finished writing "FUBAR: Blackout." I was mostly inspired by the time I served in Iraq, with a twist. I wanted to create a scene in which it was a real-world scenario, with the exception of a monster invasion. The characters are based on friends, fellow soldiers and others that have served. Their personalities and at times, quotes, are straight from real conversations.

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