Ask the Author: Eve Smith
Answered Questions (3)
Eve Smith
Hi Bob
Firstly, apologies for answering this rather late!
So this is an ongoing fear that many writers have, that some unique element of their story will appear elsewhere right before your book is published. (I have been through this, too!)
Whilst we may wish to think what we write is totally unique, the reality is that most plotlines have been used multiple times in other books or films before. It is more about the way you use these plot elements, the distinctiveness of your characters' voice and your setting, and the overall tone of the novel: that's what engages readers.
So, unless this plot element truly is unusual, I would not worry.
And even if it is, as you are only just finishing writing your book, by the time it has been edited and then published you'll probably be at least a year on, and it won't matter! I hope this is useful.
Firstly, apologies for answering this rather late!
So this is an ongoing fear that many writers have, that some unique element of their story will appear elsewhere right before your book is published. (I have been through this, too!)
Whilst we may wish to think what we write is totally unique, the reality is that most plotlines have been used multiple times in other books or films before. It is more about the way you use these plot elements, the distinctiveness of your characters' voice and your setting, and the overall tone of the novel: that's what engages readers.
So, unless this plot element truly is unusual, I would not worry.
And even if it is, as you are only just finishing writing your book, by the time it has been edited and then published you'll probably be at least a year on, and it won't matter! I hope this is useful.
Eve Smith
We live in a nineteenth century cottage which was built beside a track which used to be a Roman road. A few weeks after we moved in, a neighbour told us that there was a Roman tomb under the floor of our living room, and that she and several other villagers had seen it. The previous owner had discovered it whilst building an extension decades ago, but, too superstitious to either look inside the stone coffin or remove it, had left it undisturbed.
I would love to know who was inside that tomb. How they had lived, and died. Imagine what clues to their life might lie buried alongside their remains... And what led to them being buried, alone, on that road.
I would love to know who was inside that tomb. How they had lived, and died. Imagine what clues to their life might lie buried alongside their remains... And what led to them being buried, alone, on that road.
Eve Smith
Hi Cedric!
Apologies, I seemed to miss your question entirely! I am very glad you enjoyed The Waiting Rooms and thanks for your review.
I think SF/fantasy books tend to be longer but crime/thrillers tend to be shorter, and mine sits somewhere in between as a speculative thriller.
I am busy on edits for my next book, Off Target, which should be out early next year... I will be posting about that soon! Thanks for your message!
Apologies, I seemed to miss your question entirely! I am very glad you enjoyed The Waiting Rooms and thanks for your review.
I think SF/fantasy books tend to be longer but crime/thrillers tend to be shorter, and mine sits somewhere in between as a speculative thriller.
I am busy on edits for my next book, Off Target, which should be out early next year... I will be posting about that soon! Thanks for your message!
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