Ask the Author: Leanne Olson
Answered Questions (6)
Leanne Olson
Working in a library I see how popular the fantasy genre is among middle schoolers (8-12): Rowlings' Harry Potter, Riordan's Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles, Sutherlands' Wings of Fire, and it got me to thinking how fairytales, with their magic and sorcery, villains vs protagonist on a quest, are the pre-cursor to these popular series. The original fantasy genre stories, if you will.
Rather than create a different world like these top-notch authors have so effectively done, I decided to make my first fantasy novel take place in a place already created–fairy tale world, with familiar characters but throwing a 21st-century 9-year-old human into the mix.
Rather than create a different world like these top-notch authors have so effectively done, I decided to make my first fantasy novel take place in a place already created–fairy tale world, with familiar characters but throwing a 21st-century 9-year-old human into the mix.
Leanne Olson
Don't feel you have to start your story at the beginning and already have the middle and end figured out before you start writing. That's what I hear from other authors dealing with writers block or 'feeling stuck'. They think they have to have it all written in their heads or have every character, location, problem, resolution figured out before beginning.
I have found that once you breath life into your story it will take on its own life and tell you what to write. It may not want to start at the beginning or know what characters will introduce themselves. Trust it and just start writing. It will practically write itself.
I have found that once you breath life into your story it will take on its own life and tell you what to write. It may not want to start at the beginning or know what characters will introduce themselves. Trust it and just start writing. It will practically write itself.
Leanne Olson
I just finished Keeper of the Fairy Tales and self-published it this year. I have already had requests for a sequel so will likely start on that in 2020.
I have self-published eight children's e-books so my 2nd writing goal for 2020 is to publish them as paperbacks on CreateSpace/KDP.
I have self-published eight children's e-books so my 2nd writing goal for 2020 is to publish them as paperbacks on CreateSpace/KDP.
Leanne Olson
Not only is it a great creative outlet, it is solitary. Being the introvert I am, that is something I relish. I am a Library Assistant by day and work with the public as well as a large staff so I look forward to peaceful isolation time when I can get it.
My goal is to work from home and writing is an avenue to that destination.
Having other people find enjoyment in what you created is the best!
My goal is to work from home and writing is an avenue to that destination.
Having other people find enjoyment in what you created is the best!
Leanne Olson
It's much like putting your fingers in a Chinese finger trap; the harder you try the more impossible it is to escape. So I just don't sweat it and wait for the story and characters to be ready to begin or continue their story.
Leanne Olson
Easy, Narnia! I'd tour all the pertinent locations, particularly Cair Paravel to hang out with Queens Lucy and Susan & Kings Edmond and Peter, Caspian, and of course Mr. Tumnus. And hopefully...Aslan will show himself.
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