Ask the Author: Cary J. Griffith
Answered Questions (8)
Cary J. Griffith
Go fishing with Nick Adams on the Big, Two-Hearted River.
Cary J. Griffith
I once had a nightmare I murdered someone.
Then I woke up and discovered it was true.
Then I woke up and discovered it was true.
Cary J. Griffith
I don't really believe in "writer's block" - I write.
Cary J. Griffith
Minnesota is home to the largest population of gray wolves in the continental US. The state has a robust population, but also robust controversy. Many people love the wolves and lobby to keep them on the Endangered Species List, which would provide them with blanket protection against hunting and trapping. Ohers want them delisted so they can be hunted and trapped.
If you head up to Northern Minnesota, you’re likely to see Lost Dog signs and hear stories of wolves killing and eating pets, a rare though troublesome occurrence.
I have always been interested in wilderness. Since wolves are interesting animals and icons of wilderness, I was naturally drawn to a story that explored wolf biology, and the controversy surrounding them. Setting it all against a backdrop of murder, mystery and a difficult family history were compelling ways to surface the issues in which I’m interested.
If you head up to Northern Minnesota, you’re likely to see Lost Dog signs and hear stories of wolves killing and eating pets, a rare though troublesome occurrence.
I have always been interested in wilderness. Since wolves are interesting animals and icons of wilderness, I was naturally drawn to a story that explored wolf biology, and the controversy surrounding them. Setting it all against a backdrop of murder, mystery and a difficult family history were compelling ways to surface the issues in which I’m interested.
Cary J. Griffith
I’m not a big believer in inspiration. I try to write every day, regardless how I’m feeling. Sometimes I have a lackluster sense for what I’m writing, but once I get started, character considerations, actions, plot dynamics and similar concerns take an unexpected, interesting turn. And suddenly I’m very engaged. If I’d wait to be inspired, I might have missed it. Neither would I have gotten any work done.
The preceding notwithstanding, nothing inspires me more than reading and trying to dissect good writing. I own and read many books on writing craft, which I periodically find useful. But craft books are second best when compared to written stories well-told.
The preceding notwithstanding, nothing inspires me more than reading and trying to dissect good writing. I own and read many books on writing craft, which I periodically find useful. But craft books are second best when compared to written stories well-told.
Cary J. Griffith
I always seem to be working on several projects. Currently I’m working on a non-fiction book about a significant storm that hit Minnesota’s Boundary Waters two decades ago. I’m also working on a Sam Rivers short story. And on the back burner I have three Sam Rivers novels in various stages of revision. Finally, I’m developing the underlying foundation, characters and plot (and doing some writing) on my fifth Sam Rivers novel.
Cary J. Griffith
I recently wrote a blog post entitled The Four Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Writing. I won’t reprise the entire piece here, but the four writing tips I mention in the post are: practice, persevere, network, and write a good book. The blog post had a minimum number of words, so I was limited on the number of “things” I could note. I’d add studied reading to this list. First, read stories you like and enjoy them. Then, re-read those stories and try to figure out how the authors wrote a story you enjoy. Then use whatever you learn.
Cary J. Griffith
Sitting at my PC and making stuff up. And when the story takes on a life of its own and the writing flows, the experience of flow is really unlike anything else.
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