Ask the Author: L.A. Deming
Answered Questions (4)
L.A. Deming
I'm beginning character sketches for a middle grade story set in the 80s. I was first inspired to be a writer by authors in middle grade writing - Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Madeline L'Engle, et al - back in the 80s when I was in elementary school, and I wanted to create a story like the ones I loved so much.
L.A. Deming
Study your craft. Read those books that address plot and characterization and beat, etc., and incorporate that guidance into your work. Then practice, practice, practice. And, as important as anything, have your time set aside for writing and guard it diligently.
L.A. Deming
Even when I was a lowly reporter for our local paper, I got this blast of energy, almost an emotional high, when I let a story flow through my mind and onto a page or into a computer. The act of creating, for me, is living.
L.A. Deming
I usually only get writers block during a re-writing phase, not in the actual creative process. Whenever it does happen, I will brood and wallow in frustration initially, but then I come to my senses and walk away. And away from my work, with my mind focused on cooking or working in the yard or just walking around the block - sometimes even as I'm falling asleep - my answer arrives.
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