Ask the Author: Lloyd Raleigh
Answered Questions (2)
Lloyd Raleigh
There's no one thing I can put my finger on. September 11, 2001 and subsequent wars led me to wonder about the accuracy in how the media portrayed our "enemies," and if there were other answers other than revenge and more war. I had a sense that genuine dialogue and understanding was important. As an ecologist, I also wanted to understand the humanity's effects on our environment.
In 2005, I quit my job, sold most of my belongings, and left on a 3 1/2 year trip from Hong Kong to Jerusalem. On the journey, I talked with thousands of people and learned from them. I made a promise that I would share what I learned.
Back in America, I started writing in 2009, and the book gradually took shape. The idea for the book, therefore, is a collective idea. I can't claim to have any idea that is "mine" as I acknowledge those that shared their wisdom and stories with me. As usual, we are all inseparable.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
In 2005, I quit my job, sold most of my belongings, and left on a 3 1/2 year trip from Hong Kong to Jerusalem. On the journey, I talked with thousands of people and learned from them. I made a promise that I would share what I learned.
Back in America, I started writing in 2009, and the book gradually took shape. The idea for the book, therefore, is a collective idea. I can't claim to have any idea that is "mine" as I acknowledge those that shared their wisdom and stories with me. As usual, we are all inseparable.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
Lloyd Raleigh
In a way, this answer is also for me, as finding time to write and create a simple, balanced life can be a challenge, especially since I am self-employed and that's what puts food on the table for us. This has meant that writing my first book has taken over a decade to complete. My first book has gone through several versions over that time and, little by litte, has transformed into a finished product. At some point, I said "it's finished." And, unlike other times I wanted to finish early, after saying that, there were no thoughts of "not really, I want to do more." Knowing when to stop is important.
So if you're an aspiring writer (I"m including myself here) and have a story you want to share with the world. I'd say the following:
Relax. No one but your own thoughts are creating obstacles for yourself. Take a look at these thoughts and just watch them come and go. Then exhale and breathe into the world. Somewhere out there is your inspiration. Breathe it in.
When writing, stay in the inspirational zone. If you aren't in it, that's okay. Go back to relaxing, exhaling, and in-spiring.
This inspiration is very different from an editorial state of mind. If you have written an inspirational section, you can tap into your editor mind and flesh out each paragraph and section.
Be kind to yourself.
Take time away from your screen.
Prepare well with plot, setting, character development. Use Enneagram, astrology, anything--even if you don't believe in it, those ways of fleshing out your character's personalities is crucial. Get into your characters' heads. Try some of the same things you're having them do (ethically sound actions, of course) to deepen that connection.
Study Stanislavski. His advice will help you create better through lines of action (i.e. plot).
Dedicate the book before you write it to something larger than yourself or your circle of family and friends. Write with that dedication in mind to inspire you.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
So if you're an aspiring writer (I"m including myself here) and have a story you want to share with the world. I'd say the following:
Relax. No one but your own thoughts are creating obstacles for yourself. Take a look at these thoughts and just watch them come and go. Then exhale and breathe into the world. Somewhere out there is your inspiration. Breathe it in.
When writing, stay in the inspirational zone. If you aren't in it, that's okay. Go back to relaxing, exhaling, and in-spiring.
This inspiration is very different from an editorial state of mind. If you have written an inspirational section, you can tap into your editor mind and flesh out each paragraph and section.
Be kind to yourself.
Take time away from your screen.
Prepare well with plot, setting, character development. Use Enneagram, astrology, anything--even if you don't believe in it, those ways of fleshing out your character's personalities is crucial. Get into your characters' heads. Try some of the same things you're having them do (ethically sound actions, of course) to deepen that connection.
Study Stanislavski. His advice will help you create better through lines of action (i.e. plot).
Dedicate the book before you write it to something larger than yourself or your circle of family and friends. Write with that dedication in mind to inspire you.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
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