Ask the Author: Terri Green
Answered Questions (6)
Terri Green
It depends on the reason. If its a confidence issue my writing buddies nudge or shake me out of it. If its a problem with the book I push on and work it out by writing. For some reason trying to do too much structuring in advance induces an attack of creative constipation for me so I don't worry about structure until the second draft. Scrivener is awesome for shifting things around and getting an idea of the story. If its just plain old procrastination.... well let me just say I had to remove solitaire from all my devices. If its life-stuff, sometimes you just have to get that out of the way first. My take away advice is look at the reason behind the block. Different problems need different approaches.
Terri Green
There's something special about creating a world out of the ideas crashing about in your head. I also love bringing characters to life which other people enjoy reading about and can relate to. Its a bit like raising kids. You shape the raw material but at some point it develops a life that is separate from you. Writing a novel is also a lot quicker than raising kids and sometimes your characters even do what they are told! I also love the fact you can walk around all day talking to your imaginary friends and that is completely ok for a writer.
Terri Green
Find a writers' group who support you through the ups and downs. All writers have attacks of doubt and its easy to lose your vision and confidence. Learn the craft. Practise by writing and writing. Most writers have a few practise books hiding in their computer memory. Write what you'd love to read. You may guess I love to read historical fiction, crime, mystery and romance so I wrote it all in one book. Which makes it a bit hard to categorize. And of course read lots, and read across genres.
Terri Green
Final edits for book 2 in The Sisters of the Sword series. Its called "An Unsuitable Pursuit" and can be read as a standalone. It features Lucinda, Robbie and The Sisters and a whole lot of intrigue, romance, and a bit of mayhem. I'm also part way in to Book 3 but it is in the early draft stages.
Terri Green
I read up on the history of the period and immerse myself in the time. The Sisters of the Sword series is set in London starting in 1604 so I read up on what was happening there at the time to give me some background and spark ideas. I also have a great writing group to bounce things off which feeds the inspiration and confidence. Then its fingers on the keyboard and go.
Terri Green
The character came first. In 2017 I was awarded a writing fellowship in the UK for 3 months to research a book set in a childrens' theatre which rivalled Shakespeare's Globe. My would be actor needed to learn how to swordfight. Enter one Lucinda Evans. Swordmaster's Daughter, expert with a rapier and with a tongue and wits as sharp as her sword. She insisted I write her story and basically took over my life. I even learned fencing and then historical sword fighting so I knew what it was like. Rather fun actually.
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