Ask the Author: Alexandra Clair
Answered Questions (6)
Alexandra Clair
I'm currently working on the third book in the Wood's End Series. I'm also working on a screen play I've been asked to write and must have complete in four months. I plan three... maybe four books in the Wood's End Series.
Alexandra Clair
You'll find your voice when you no longer filter your work through the expectations of others. In the same way don't worry about what's popular or trending. Don't copy what others have done and this said, read less fiction and more nonfiction. If you do read fiction read the dead ones. Read great prose written with a lilt and cadence foreign for today. Poetry and prose that, of that era, wasn't subverted by repetitive static and noise. You'll find that this improves the skill of writing. I also pray. I ask God to help me reflect characters that lived and breathed, but had no voice. Find the mystic, external, quotient of words that resonate with who you are as a unique person. If you ask for this, and it is truly in you to write, God will answer because you're praying for a gift He has already given.
Alexandra Clair
I don't know. I write because it's in me to write. I'm presently reading early Celtic history for a screen play and I love the research. When I was out in the workplace I always felt something was missing. I lamented the lack of time to write and argued with God about this. Through a confluence of loss and change I now am in a narrow place were I can write. I thank God for this.
Alexandra Clair
I'm been fortunate in that I haven't experienced this. If I'm struggling I realize there is something I don't know. I love to research. I want to know my characters so maybe they haven't introduced themselves in such a way that I'm inspired to proceed. The answer for me is to do more background work. To find people who have experienced what I'm writing about and talk with them. As in the case of Andrea in Wood's End I talked to people who had experienced abusive cults. For me... if there is a lapse in productivity I realize that maybe I lack empathy for my characters in a way that's missing.
Alexandra Clair
I've learned that I don't have to be in the mood to write. I'm not waiting for a bolt of lightening. I get to know the characters and they pretty much drive the story. At heart I'm a bit of a recluse and for me writing will coalesce research with discernment and discernment with outcome. I also pray. I ask God to give me insight; to keep it real. King Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun. I believe this is true. History confirms this and so I think of writing as a conduit; a way for a voice not my own to be heard.
Alexandra Clair
I'm currently working on the 3rd book in the Wood's End Series. I'm also writing a screen play and of course... keep up with my blog at: www.alexandrac.clair.com
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