Ask the Author: Mark de Castrique
Answered Questions (7)
Mark de Castrique
The cold rain had intensified, sending trick or treaters scurrying for the safety of their homes and leaving me in the foyer in my Grim Reaper costume with a bowlful of Snickers, but as I reached to turn off the porch light, I heard a knock and opened the door to discover my mirrored self, complete with black robe and bladed scythe. "Is this 316 Robmont Road?" asked a breathy, raspy voice, to which I replied, "Next door," only to feel a skeletal grip on my arm and hear, "Well, as long as I'm here..."
Mark de Castrique
I get inspired several ways. A fresh idea or new possibility during the writing process is motivating. Also good suggestions from my editor can be inspiring. But, honestly, most of the time if I waited for inspiration, I'd never finish. Progress has to be made on uninspired and inspired days alike.
Mark de Castrique
I'm working on a novel in my Sam Blackman series that ties into some of the ghost stories of Asheville, NC.
Mark de Castrique
One word – Persistence.
Stay at it. And look for patterns in whatever honest criticism you receive.
Stay at it. And look for patterns in whatever honest criticism you receive.
Mark de Castrique
Being able to daydream and call it work.
Mark de Castrique
The only thing I can really do is write through it. I try to stop when I know what I'm going to write next so that I can get momentum going. Sometimes just changing the mechanics will help. If I'm on the computer, I'll move to my journal and fountain pen and go to another location to write. Or write a scene that has future possibilities even if it's not chronologically where I am in the story.
Mark de Castrique
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee recently went through a contentious tribal vote on whether to build a second casino. A lot of money and a lot of heritage pride were in conflict. That gave me the backdrop for RISKY UNDERTAKING.
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