Ask the Author: J.H. Lehr
Answered Questions (8)
J.H. Lehr
The first thing I ask myself when facing writer's block is WHY? Why am I facing writer's block? Have hit a point in my story where I don't know where it's going after this point? Am I writing a really important scene, and am too scared to write for fear I'll mess it up? Or am I emotionally/mentally/physically/in-some-capacity too tired to write?
If any of these apply to you, check out my full answer on my blog!
www.jhgates.com/2021/10/19/writers-bl...
If any of these apply to you, check out my full answer on my blog!
www.jhgates.com/2021/10/19/writers-bl...
J.H. Lehr
Well, I could say something boring like flexibility of schedule or getting to work in my PJs (both of which are pretty great, by the way), but I think what tops the cake is exploring what motivates people. People have always fascinated me. Now, I have an AA in Communication, and get to create characters (who I basically view as real people, lol!) for others to learn to love, hate, or identify with. What could be better??
(I have an entire series on Character Creations on my blog, www.jhgates.com ... you should check it out!)
(I have an entire series on Character Creations on my blog, www.jhgates.com ... you should check it out!)
J.H. Lehr
Wow, this is a broad question, but my best one liner is this: READ!! Read not just the genre you're interested in (say, if that's sci-fi fantasy) but also read other fantasy fiction, and even just plain fiction, and even history!! Learning about stories is SO important. Learning about true stories? Even more so! So yes, focus on your genre of choice, but also branch out to authors who use a voice similar to the one you want, as well as battles, political uprisings, romance, etc. Anything and everything you read WILL contribute to your skill as a writer!
Also, just keep writing! The more you write, the more you'll be able to develop your OWN voice, not just copy other authors' styles. Growing up, mimicking is important, but developing your own unique style is what will make you a good author.
For more specific advice, check out my blog at www.jhgates.com!
Also, just keep writing! The more you write, the more you'll be able to develop your OWN voice, not just copy other authors' styles. Growing up, mimicking is important, but developing your own unique style is what will make you a good author.
For more specific advice, check out my blog at www.jhgates.com!
J.H. Lehr
An image I saw on an epic music song called New Dawn by Chroma Music ft. Eivør. The image was based on a character from a video game which I'd never heard of, but the primeval picture was enough to set me on what I thought was going to be a short story ... and turned into an entire book called The Hinterlands. Now, I'm working on book two. You can see more info at www.jhgates.com/books
J.H. Lehr
Definitely spending time in nature. Smelling the earth and leaves, feeling the crunch of needles beneath my feet, feeling the wind as it swirls my hair (and leaves it in horrendous knots for me to deal with later) is the best way I know to prepare myself, emotionally and mentally, for writing. Especially when I'm on a horse. Also, reading lots of good books and reading about history are really great, too! And while I don't personally do this (at least, not often) reading prompts on places like Pinterest are fun ways to get story ideas.
J.H. Lehr
I'm currently at work on a primeval fantasy duology; book one is The Hinterlands (already completed and being sent out to agents) and book two is The Bloodlands, which is at 40,000 words and counting! Here's a sneak peek of book one:
Being the daughter of a chieftain has never been easy. And when Akira is forced to agree to a marital alliance with the son of a neighboring chieftain, furious doesn’t even begin to describe her sentiments. But how can she refuse the marriage when the fate of her tribe rests on her compliance? As her father’s warring past and her tribe’s uncertain future collide, an arranged marriage is about to become the least of her concerns. To further complicate matters, a stranger from across the sea arrives, challenging Akira’s perception of herself and her future.
Alex is hurled into a desperate struggle for his life when he escapes from kidnappers and finds himself stranded in the primeval world known only as the Hinterlands. After a harrowing scrape with death, he is rescued by a spear-wielding beauty and brought back to her tribe. Alex quickly earns Akira’s trust, but he’s keeping secrets about his identity and motives. A hostile tribe from the north is lurking in the shadows, and Alex alone has the key to exposing them. But can he trust Akira’s loyalties when his own kingdom hangs in the balance?
The Hinterlands is a panoramic adventure centering around a strong female lead thrust into a world of escalating plot twists and treachery - a world that threatens to destroy her heart even as she fights to ensure the survival of her people.
For more updates on this duology, subscribe to my blog at www.jhgates.com!
Being the daughter of a chieftain has never been easy. And when Akira is forced to agree to a marital alliance with the son of a neighboring chieftain, furious doesn’t even begin to describe her sentiments. But how can she refuse the marriage when the fate of her tribe rests on her compliance? As her father’s warring past and her tribe’s uncertain future collide, an arranged marriage is about to become the least of her concerns. To further complicate matters, a stranger from across the sea arrives, challenging Akira’s perception of herself and her future.
Alex is hurled into a desperate struggle for his life when he escapes from kidnappers and finds himself stranded in the primeval world known only as the Hinterlands. After a harrowing scrape with death, he is rescued by a spear-wielding beauty and brought back to her tribe. Alex quickly earns Akira’s trust, but he’s keeping secrets about his identity and motives. A hostile tribe from the north is lurking in the shadows, and Alex alone has the key to exposing them. But can he trust Akira’s loyalties when his own kingdom hangs in the balance?
The Hinterlands is a panoramic adventure centering around a strong female lead thrust into a world of escalating plot twists and treachery - a world that threatens to destroy her heart even as she fights to ensure the survival of her people.
For more updates on this duology, subscribe to my blog at www.jhgates.com!
J.H. Lehr
Oh, absolutely Narnia. I'd meet Aslan and all the other characters I grew up with - especially Bree, Hwin, Aravis, Shasta, the Pevensies, Eustace, Reepicheep, Jewel, and Caspian - maybe fight a few battles and sail on the Dawn Treader. I'd love to live through each and every one of those stories!
J.H. Lehr
She smiled, asked me how I'd been, like we were still best friends.
She'd been dead for two years.
She'd been dead for two years.
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