Ask the Author: Raymond Cushing
Answered Questions (3)
Raymond Cushing
My books are character driven. It takes me from six months to a year to write one of my novels. During that time, the characters live in my mind. They have to be interesting and have some redeeming qualities for me to want them there. The few evil ones are always dealt with appropriately.
This last book began with an idea about a puzzle involving old human bones. I had a great time writing it as the plot evolved.
This last book began with an idea about a puzzle involving old human bones. I had a great time writing it as the plot evolved.
Raymond Cushing
Hi Belynda, Congratulations on getting that first one published. That is an accomplishment. I hope you feel great about it. You should.
For me, the second book flowed easily from the first. Some writers apparently work on a complete plot outline before they start. I begin with the characters and a general idea of where I think the plot will go. I wake up in the morning with the characters bouncing around in my brain, waiting to be released. It's a relief when I can start getting the words down on the page.
I found a book by Walter Mosley, This Year You Write Your Novel, very useful. For years, I wrote as if every word was going to be reviewed by the Nobel Committee. Mosley's book helped free me from that. His book made me realize that it's just the first draft. Get it written. Don't worry about every nuance and turn of phrase. Those can be worked on in the next draft and the one after that.
I hope writing the sequel goes smoothly for you. We are lucky to be able to do this. Have fun with it.
For me, the second book flowed easily from the first. Some writers apparently work on a complete plot outline before they start. I begin with the characters and a general idea of where I think the plot will go. I wake up in the morning with the characters bouncing around in my brain, waiting to be released. It's a relief when I can start getting the words down on the page.
I found a book by Walter Mosley, This Year You Write Your Novel, very useful. For years, I wrote as if every word was going to be reviewed by the Nobel Committee. Mosley's book helped free me from that. His book made me realize that it's just the first draft. Get it written. Don't worry about every nuance and turn of phrase. Those can be worked on in the next draft and the one after that.
I hope writing the sequel goes smoothly for you. We are lucky to be able to do this. Have fun with it.
Raymond Cushing
Now that Book 2 has been released, the plot for Book 3 is in the pot simmering. It will be a continuation of the Sammy Hayes series, a thriller set like the others on Canada's East Coast.
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