Ask the Author: Laura Quinn
Answered Questions (2)
Laura Quinn
I'm working on the sequel to Punk Charming, which I hope to turn into a series. My plan is for the future books to continue to feature international locations, and, most likely, a mention or two of Duran Duran. Cassettes are making a comeback now, so maybe the Bass-Boost Walkman will make another appearance.
I'm also working on a new mystery series...details tba!
I'm also working on a new mystery series...details tba!
Laura Quinn
Champagne!
As a writer, it's important to get to know your peak periods of creativity. Some people are at their creative best first thing in the morning. If I can function enough to make a pot of tea first thing in the morning, it's a good day. My creative peak has always been late at night, and I try to schedule my writing accordingly.
Of course, life doesn't always cooperate. So, there are times that I need to produce creative writing, and find myself staring at the dreaded blank screen. These are the times that I suddenly feel the urge to check expiration dates on condiments, sort through my spam folder...anything, but face that dreaded void.
I find certain rituals helpful to push past these obstacles and jump-start the writing process. Using the same writing location gets you mentally prepared to start writing before you even open your computer (or your notebook). Having a particular food or beverage (did I mention champagne?) that you identify with writing also helps get you in the mood. Perhaps it is a specific flavor of tea that you only drink when writing, or a box of artisan chocolates reserved for a writing treat - this also helps set the mood.
If you still find yourself stuck, try beginning with a prompt to get you writing anything. Use a generic one, such as "Today I am sitting here, thinking about...." or subscribe to one of the many, many writing sites that offer daily prompts. Just getting your hands in the motion of typing or writing, regardless of the subject, is tremendously helpful in overcoming a block. Just as warming up prepares you for a sprint, getting words, any words, on the page prepares you to launch into your project.
May you never have to deal with writer's block...but, if you do, I hope some of these tips will help overcome it!
As a writer, it's important to get to know your peak periods of creativity. Some people are at their creative best first thing in the morning. If I can function enough to make a pot of tea first thing in the morning, it's a good day. My creative peak has always been late at night, and I try to schedule my writing accordingly.
Of course, life doesn't always cooperate. So, there are times that I need to produce creative writing, and find myself staring at the dreaded blank screen. These are the times that I suddenly feel the urge to check expiration dates on condiments, sort through my spam folder...anything, but face that dreaded void.
I find certain rituals helpful to push past these obstacles and jump-start the writing process. Using the same writing location gets you mentally prepared to start writing before you even open your computer (or your notebook). Having a particular food or beverage (did I mention champagne?) that you identify with writing also helps get you in the mood. Perhaps it is a specific flavor of tea that you only drink when writing, or a box of artisan chocolates reserved for a writing treat - this also helps set the mood.
If you still find yourself stuck, try beginning with a prompt to get you writing anything. Use a generic one, such as "Today I am sitting here, thinking about...." or subscribe to one of the many, many writing sites that offer daily prompts. Just getting your hands in the motion of typing or writing, regardless of the subject, is tremendously helpful in overcoming a block. Just as warming up prepares you for a sprint, getting words, any words, on the page prepares you to launch into your project.
May you never have to deal with writer's block...but, if you do, I hope some of these tips will help overcome it!
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