Ask the Author: Nicole Cushing
Answered Questions (6)
Nicole Cushing
My most recent book is THE SADIST'S BIBLE. It was inspired, in part, by a daydream I had while I was resting on a rooftop in New Orleans. I could tell you more about that daydream, but I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Nicole Cushing
I don't wait for inspiration, I nurture it by only working on the kinds of stories that I love.
Nicole Cushing
An as-yet-untitled novella.
Nicole Cushing
Stop aspiring and start doing. Set a reasonable goal and stick to it. (For example, when I started out my goal was to write 250 words a night. It was short, it was doable, and it helped to build my confidence.) Read fiction every day. Pay attention to how the writers are weaving together characters, theme, plot, setting and subtext to create the finished work.
Nicole Cushing
Hearing from readers who have enjoyed my work. My readership is still relatively small, but they are (generally speaking) smarter than the average bear and that makes them fun to connect with.
It's especially nifty to hear from readers in places I'm unlikely to ever visit. I got a brief message the other day from a reader in Slovakia. That made my day.
It's especially nifty to hear from readers in places I'm unlikely to ever visit. I got a brief message the other day from a reader in Slovakia. That made my day.
Nicole Cushing
In my experience, writer's block is usually due to stress, overwork, and/or inadequate self care. This doesn't happen to me frequently, but it does happen.
The solution, for me, is usually to increase my self-care for a few days. (Get rest, make sure I'm sleeping well, eating well, getting exercise, etc.) If that doesn't work then I do a bit of journaling to mull over why I'm having trouble with a particular project. That has helped me out on more than one occasion.
The solution, for me, is usually to increase my self-care for a few days. (Get rest, make sure I'm sleeping well, eating well, getting exercise, etc.) If that doesn't work then I do a bit of journaling to mull over why I'm having trouble with a particular project. That has helped me out on more than one occasion.
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