Ask the Author: Thomas Lloyd Qualls

“Ask me a question.” Thomas Lloyd Qualls

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Thomas Lloyd Qualls A personal journey to India. And years of study. And just life.
Thomas Lloyd Qualls I generally don't have to "get" inspired. Just look around. Life is pretty amazing / frustrating / sad / beautiful / and just cram-packed with stories waiting to be told.
Thomas Lloyd Qualls Selling my second novel. Working on the beginnings of a third novel. Creating a TV show. Building the "list." Being a dad and a husband. Oh, and I run a law practice.
Thomas Lloyd Qualls That's a hard one. (1) I might echo what I said about the diving board. Just walk out to the end and jump. Don't over-think it; (2) Writing is hard. It is a good idea to get used to that idea as soon as you can; (3) The only way to become a better writer is to keep writing, and to keep writing; (4) these days, when you are finished with the writing, you are just beginning; (5) Don't give up. Don't lose faith; (6) If you do the thing I said not to do in # 5, then don't do it for very long. Get back up. Keep going -- what else are you going to do?
Thomas Lloyd Qualls Making stuff up.
Really, the freedom that writing -- especially fiction -- gives the writer is such a gift. There's a wonderful letting go that happens when you are free to create whatever you want.
Thomas Lloyd Qualls Mostly I follow Hemingway's advice, never stop writing at the end of a piece. Always work to be in the middle of something, so you sort of know where it is going. On those occasions where you are starting from scratch, just remember what it's like to be on the diving board with a line behind you. You can't go back down. Just jump in and start writing.

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