Ask the Author: C.G. Masi
Answered Questions (7)
C.G. Masi
Jack's accountant sent him a rather large bill for preparing his tax return, but said it would be offset by an even larger refund made possible by itemizing deductions. That triggered an IRS audit.
C.G. Masi
Writer's block? Writer's block! We don't need no stinking writer's block!
Seriously, as a veteran journalist, writer's block is simply not an option. We jouralists have deadlines for turning in copy. So, we have to start typing. Type ANYTHING, knowing that you can fix it up later.
Actually, journalists quickly find that the act of putting words to paper makes the words flow. How many times have I filled up the space available with wonderful prose, then gone back to cut off that first paragraph of nonsensical drivel whose only purpose was to prime the pump!
I believe writer's block occurs when someone has something to say, but searches for the perfect way to say it. Forget perfection! Just get it down on paper. Anything worth reading has gone through at least three edit cycles, anyway, so don't worry about getting it right the first time.
The other theoretical possibility for getting writer's block is that you have nothing to say. When that happens, you'd better forget writing and go do some research.
Seriously, as a veteran journalist, writer's block is simply not an option. We jouralists have deadlines for turning in copy. So, we have to start typing. Type ANYTHING, knowing that you can fix it up later.
Actually, journalists quickly find that the act of putting words to paper makes the words flow. How many times have I filled up the space available with wonderful prose, then gone back to cut off that first paragraph of nonsensical drivel whose only purpose was to prime the pump!
I believe writer's block occurs when someone has something to say, but searches for the perfect way to say it. Forget perfection! Just get it down on paper. Anything worth reading has gone through at least three edit cycles, anyway, so don't worry about getting it right the first time.
The other theoretical possibility for getting writer's block is that you have nothing to say. When that happens, you'd better forget writing and go do some research.
C.G. Masi
There are lots of great things about being a writer, but top of the list is probably doing the work. Having something to say, then being able to say it.
C.G. Masi
Read voraciously. I've been reading, on average, about six hours a day for roughly sixty years. The best way to learn how to tell a story is to read lots of stories. Copy the storytelling style(s) of your favorite authors.
Also, editing skills are critical. Every spelling, grammar, stylistic, formatting, and typing mistake puts your reader off. Even readers who can't say what's wrong know poorly edited writing when confronted with it. Editing is what makes your writing readable.
Also, editing skills are critical. Every spelling, grammar, stylistic, formatting, and typing mistake puts your reader off. Even readers who can't say what's wrong know poorly edited writing when confronted with it. Editing is what makes your writing readable.
C.G. Masi
I'm currently re-editing and re-formatting all of my long-form (i.e., novel) fiction works to be read on mobile devices. Since I've written seven of the things, it's taking a while.
C.G. Masi
I write when i have something to say. Since I'm an opinionated, self-important so-and-so, I end up writing a lot.
C.G. Masi
My most recent book, "Lilith" was inspired by a legend from ancient Jewish literature. In the legend, Eve was Adams second wife. His first marriage -- to Lilith -- fell apart when he insisted on dominating the relationship, but she refused to be submissive. I thought about how she must have felt, and decided to tell her story from her point of view.
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