Ask the Author: Iain Maclean
Answered Questions (7)
Iain Maclean
I have at least two approaches. I start writing, anything that comes into my head, and push it as far as I can to see where it takes me - often this is pretty cool. I wrote the chapter Bubble Moon in TJ's War by doing this. Something else I do is walk into my office and look through the titles of books in my bookcases. Each title reminds me of the story within, and just by going through some of these in my head, I am usually able to get back on the writing horse.
If neither of the above work, then I must be ill with man-flu, and so I lie down for the rest of the day.
If neither of the above work, then I must be ill with man-flu, and so I lie down for the rest of the day.
Iain Maclean
TJ's War is creative non-fiction, so the main idea was simply to describe what actually happened. However some of the characters are either entirely imagined, or while real, I have imagined what they may have said to each other. My main focus was to have the reader connect with characters, recognise aspects of themselves and their friends within the story, and hopefully realise that people are little different from one generation to the next - we/they all want the same things; to love, be loved, and live in peace.
Iain Maclean
I have written one book, the inspiration for which was to apologise to my father.
Iain Maclean
I am listening to people as I publicise my book - what they say is often inspirational.
Iain Maclean
Say what you think and write it down or dictate it to someone, you can go back and re-write it later.
Iain Maclean
It stops me from having to cover the other things I have done with my life.
Iain Maclean
The mystery of who my father was became the plot for my first book. Research for which took 47 years - OK, I didn't know I was going to write a book when I started.
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