Ask the Author: C.M. Rushi
Answered Questions (7)
C.M. Rushi
The idea of Mind Prison came from how we can feel isolated and entrapped in our world, yet when we really look at it, it’s all in our heads. We choose what outlook we have, our attitude, and if we let things affect us or not. The only restrictions on ourselves is ourself.
C.M. Rushi
My inspiration comes from many sources. It could be from an idea mentioned in a conversation, to a title, to something I’m curious about. For example, Mind Prison started off as a short story and then expanded into a novel. Red Linings started off with a curiosity about espionage and undercover agents. While it has matured into something a bit different, it all sprouted from a curiosity. Sometimes, titles give me an idea. I will come up with a title that I like, perhaps from when I’m titling another novel, and then I become inspired to write a book under that title.
C.M. Rushi
I am currently working on an espionage series that I wrote several years ago called Red Linings. It’s something that wasn’t ready to be published and has been written and re-written countless times, but I have always loved the characters and the story. The first book, The Recruit, is currently in the editing process.
C.M. Rushi
Don’t rush. Take your time. Be curious. Learn. Make it a habit.
To elaborate:
Don’t rush – don’t rush to publish. It’s not a race. Enjoy the process.
Take your time – do it right. When you’ve finished the book, you should be proud of it. Whether it’s doing a bit more research or meticulously editing and proofreading, it’s worth taking your time.
Be Curious – be curious about the world. Read, explore, talk to people and learn their stories, and be open. You won’t believe what people will reveal about themselves if you are open and curious. Just be ready for them to dump their entire life story on you.
Learn – It’s 2020, we have the internet at our disposal. If you want to learn it, it’s out there. There are so many great resources out there for new and existing writers. In particular, I suggest learning marketing and psychology. Psychology helps with storytelling and character development (do you know about personality disorders?) and marketing is essential to gaining exposure for your book(s) whether you are independently or traditionally published. Also, learn graphic design for book covers and other visual content if you don’t want to outsource that.
Make it a habit – practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but it certainly helps. There is more to writing than simply writing, however. Aforementioned, there is always something you can be learning, whether it’s marketing, psychology, or talking to someone and learning their story. When I say to make writing a habit, I don’t just mean writing itself, I mean the entirety of writing. So, make it a habit to learn, be curious, and of course, to write and tell stories.
To elaborate:
Don’t rush – don’t rush to publish. It’s not a race. Enjoy the process.
Take your time – do it right. When you’ve finished the book, you should be proud of it. Whether it’s doing a bit more research or meticulously editing and proofreading, it’s worth taking your time.
Be Curious – be curious about the world. Read, explore, talk to people and learn their stories, and be open. You won’t believe what people will reveal about themselves if you are open and curious. Just be ready for them to dump their entire life story on you.
Learn – It’s 2020, we have the internet at our disposal. If you want to learn it, it’s out there. There are so many great resources out there for new and existing writers. In particular, I suggest learning marketing and psychology. Psychology helps with storytelling and character development (do you know about personality disorders?) and marketing is essential to gaining exposure for your book(s) whether you are independently or traditionally published. Also, learn graphic design for book covers and other visual content if you don’t want to outsource that.
Make it a habit – practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but it certainly helps. There is more to writing than simply writing, however. Aforementioned, there is always something you can be learning, whether it’s marketing, psychology, or talking to someone and learning their story. When I say to make writing a habit, I don’t just mean writing itself, I mean the entirety of writing. So, make it a habit to learn, be curious, and of course, to write and tell stories.
C.M. Rushi
What I enjoy most about being a writer is the creative sandbox of the fictional world: exploring worlds, settings, characters, and concepts I otherwise wouldn't be able to explore.
C.M. Rushi
I don’t get writer’s block, per se. It’s more of writer’s frustration when the plot isn’t moving along the way I wish it to. When this happens, I do one of three things: 1) I put it away and come back to it when I’m in a better mindset. 2) I work on a different project (or skip to another scene I'm more interested in.) 3) I break the scene down, analyze why I'm frustrated with it, and rewrite it until I am satisfied.
C.M. Rushi
The author looked at their year in review. And realized their manuscript was the least read and reviewed.
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