Ask the Author: M.J. Sherlock
Answered Questions (6)
M.J. Sherlock
Sometimes writer's block is fear of rejection, perfectionism or procrastination of a little of all three. Get past it by doing something else. I find acrylic pouring painting techniques very freeing as they are so unpredictable (at my skill level anyway). Other times I read more of my favourite genres and it sparks my imagination. Sometimes I use Word to read to me and edit my work and at least some of the time it can help me then continue writing. Other times I might work on my outlining - and write a few sentences as a prompt for later parts of my book(s). If I am really stuck on one project - I may find I can still make progress on a different one. Just keep writing. As they say - you can't edit a blank page.
M.J. Sherlock
You get to channel your own emotions into writing. Feeling mad - write an action scene. Feel introspective - let your character dwell on his or her feelings for a bit. Feeling sad - write a sad scene. Get it out of your system and make your writing more authentic. Learn to stop censoring yourself. You feel what you feel. Now put it to good use.
M.J. Sherlock
I dreamed of being a published writing from being a little girl. I have kept journals avidly since I was 19 and have also done a lot of business writing. I didn't give myself permission to write stories until I was in my thirties. It took me eight years to press submit on my first e-book and now I feel fired up to write lots more books, much more quickly. My advice is to get over your fear of rejection and your desire for perfection - and just go for it. You can always hire an editor and/or proofreader to iron out minor faults. Stop waiting for permission - or if you really need permission - take this as yours.
M.J. Sherlock
I am busy writing Book 2 in the Fated Realms series. On Boxing Day 2020, I also began writing a completely different book set in a magical world all of its own. I also have various non-fiction books on the go dealing with topics like Autism...
M.J. Sherlock
I usually have ideas to write about floating around in my head. I jot them down on my laptop or in my journal for when I've got more time to spend on them. On top of that I love reading children's, young adult and new adult fantasy books. I am also a sucker for romantic fiction - historical and modern - 'lemonade stories' as my Mum called 'feel good' stories.
M.J. Sherlock
This book started from a writing prompt - 'She jumped out of the window and...' That led to the creation of Ellie-Grace my main character. My husband was in the same writing class - and his prompt led to the creation of Ellie-Grace's arch enemies, the Venator.
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