Ask the Author: Tom Bray
Answered Questions (5)
Tom Bray
It's far from mind-blowing in all honesty, but a lot of inspiration (particularly for the contemporary fiction of the Drift series) comes from just noticing relatable traits in the everyday actions of people out and about, and then incorporating these into certain scenes where they'd be relevant, just to give that extra realistic edge to the characters or situations.
I can't really explain what inspires the bigger ideas, as these tend to start with a random thought that then evolves into the bare bones of a story, which I then start 'filling in the blanks' around - sometimes this comes together well, and other times needs to be parked or reworked altogether.
I can't really explain what inspires the bigger ideas, as these tend to start with a random thought that then evolves into the bare bones of a story, which I then start 'filling in the blanks' around - sometimes this comes together well, and other times needs to be parked or reworked altogether.
Tom Bray
Don't let anything hold you back because the moment you start doubting any part of the process you'll feel the knock-on effect in everything you do.
If you're worried about the content of your writing (eg - is it good enough), remember you'll be coming back to edit it, but for now just getting the words down is more important thing, and remember there is an audience for every type of story and style.
Also don't be afraid to take risks in your writing, or to lean on others for support - literally everything apart from the actual writing and ideas you can research and get as much help with as you need.
If you're worried about the content of your writing (eg - is it good enough), remember you'll be coming back to edit it, but for now just getting the words down is more important thing, and remember there is an audience for every type of story and style.
Also don't be afraid to take risks in your writing, or to lean on others for support - literally everything apart from the actual writing and ideas you can research and get as much help with as you need.
Tom Bray
It's normally ideas rather than the actual writing that I can sometimes struggle with, so more of an 'ideas block' if that's a thing?? This is usually when working on linking two parts of a particular scene together so getting from Situation A to Situation B is natural rather than random. When this is the case I'll usually play the scene out in my head perhaps when out walking the dog, and just let it flow organically, even if this means amending something already in place. The realism of the characters and dialogue is so important to me as this really helps keep the slower paced parts of the novels entertaining.
Tom Bray
The second instalment in the Drift trilogy - Closing the Drift, hoping to have this available by the end of 2021.
Tom Bray
The complete freedom to create an entire world that abides by your rules, and characters that you actually imagine are real and are off living their lives beyond the confines of the narrative you are telling.
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