Ask the Author: Rachel Davidson
Answered Questions (6)
Rachel Davidson
I have a routine to get me into 'writing mode' - music on, comfortable seat, incense burning, cup of tea, my dog curled up next to me. I keep my notes of story arc close to hand and keep in mind the emotions that I want to describe. If I get totally stuck, I remember to write from where I am. So I might begin to describe scenarios that are in the environment around me, using them in the story, and before long I find that I'm off and typing!
Rachel Davidson
Being able to explore a big question, to see it from multiple view points, to put that perspective out into the world - that feels wonderful. I am also a bit of a control freak, so to be in control of characters' destinies is great fun. The process of creation and telling the story that is in my head is a huge privilege for me.
Rachel Davidson
Never worry about your writing being 'perfect' - there is no such thing as the 'perfect' sentence and if you obsess about this it can often stop you writing anything. Just type/write exactly what is occurring to you in the moment and keep going. Then leave it a while. When you go back to it later you will be able to see what brilliance you've created, what mistakes you've made, if you're heading in the right direction. Do that edit. Then repeat the whole process for the next bit of your story, and on and on. Until you have your completed story. Then have someone, who you trust to be gentle with your creativity but truthful with you too, to read. Listen to them, but listen to your own truth of your story too.
Rachel Davidson
I'm currently working very hard on promoting "The Point of Me" so the job of actually writing has gone on hold.... That said I do have two stories plot-lines floating around my head and am populating my notebook with ideas and scenarios as and when they occur to me.
Rachel Davidson
Inspiration for stories and set-ups can come from anywhere. Mainly from my own life experiences, my own struggles and confusions, my own questions about life and its meaning. I'm always people-watching and can't help but run narratives through my head about their back-stories, what they might be struggling with etc. etc. It all goes in to feed my imagination!
Rachel Davidson
I got the idea for "The Point of Me" from a reading which told me that I would write a book featuring a particular mythical beast. I initially rejected the idea because I hated the thought of following the normal stereotype. Until my partner challenged me to define what MY version of this mythical beast would be like. Five mins of scribbling on a flip-chart during a break in the business meeting I was meant to be concentrating on and the arc of the story and main characters were plotted and planned.
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