Ask the Author: E.J. Harper
Answered Questions (5)
E.J. Harper
At my 40th birthday party an uninvited guest ran riot. Ten years later, another party another pair of gatecrashers and more chaos. Curiously, on both occasions the intruders were dogs. Let's see what's in store at the 60th .
E.J. Harper
I hate being alone in the house at night. Someone asked me why and the answer became the basis for my work in progress.
E.J. Harper
It's easy to dismiss writer's block but for a lot of writers it's real; sometimes the drive and energy to write disappears. It's happened to me. I can't explain why, but I have a solution from one of my other passions: running.
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to get out of bed at an uncivilised hour, put on your kit and go for a run in the bitter cold? Your running buddy. You know s/he will be waiting for you so you better do it!
The same applies to writing. If you're experiencing writer's block, find a writing buddy: someone who you don't want to let down; someone who'll challenge you; someone who'll cheer you across the line. It might just do the trick.
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to get out of bed at an uncivilised hour, put on your kit and go for a run in the bitter cold? Your running buddy. You know s/he will be waiting for you so you better do it!
The same applies to writing. If you're experiencing writer's block, find a writing buddy: someone who you don't want to let down; someone who'll challenge you; someone who'll cheer you across the line. It might just do the trick.
E.J. Harper
Reading inspires me to write. The joy of a great novel, especially one that takes me on an emotional journey, fires me up to create my own work.
Connecting with other writers, especially via social media is inspiring. There are plenty of people who share your passion, hopes and fears. Engaging with them can be truly energising.
Connecting with other writers, especially via social media is inspiring. There are plenty of people who share your passion, hopes and fears. Engaging with them can be truly energising.
E.J. Harper
My two top tips:
If you want to become a novelist read novels. Read as many different genres as possible, but especially your novel's genre. Read the good and the not-so-good. You'll learn from both. Keep reading and then read some more.
Start writing. Don't worry that your writing isn't as good as your favourite novelists. It will be one day. Approach writing in the same way you would learning a musical instrument. You don't expect to be perfect on the first day but after enough practice you will improve. For now, just keep writing.
If you want to become a novelist read novels. Read as many different genres as possible, but especially your novel's genre. Read the good and the not-so-good. You'll learn from both. Keep reading and then read some more.
Start writing. Don't worry that your writing isn't as good as your favourite novelists. It will be one day. Approach writing in the same way you would learning a musical instrument. You don't expect to be perfect on the first day but after enough practice you will improve. For now, just keep writing.
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