Ask the Author: Alison Henderson
Answered Questions (4)
Alison Henderson
I've never really had writer's block. I've procrastinated. I've allowed myself to be distracted. I've temporarily lacked motivation. But I've never been "blocked". That's because I always know where my story is going. It may be more popular for writers to say they never know what will happen next, they just let the story unfold organically, but I don't work that way. I develop my characters and produce a basic plot outline before I start writing. That way I start every book bursting with the buzz of creating a new story - the most fun part of the whole process. I always make changes as I go along and learn more about my characters or have an exciting new idea, but I never get stuck because I basically know where I'm going.
Alison Henderson
I have the same advice as every other writer: just do it. Learn your craft. Take classes, join writers' groups, find a good critique partner. Then write. Don't think about writing and talk about writing. Just write. The more your write, the more your writing will improve. Also, continue to read as much as you can. The techniques of successful writers will seep into your brain by osmosis.
Alison Henderson
I'm currently working on the second book in the Phoenix, Ltd. bodyguard series, tentatively entitled BOILING POINT. In this book, the heroine (a secondary character from UNWRITTEN RULES) takes an undercover assignment as a personal chef for the family of an eccentric inventor. There are only two problems: she can't cook, and she suspects the sexy chauffeur is much more than he appears.
Alison Henderson
The hero and heroine in UNWRITTEN RULES were initially inspired by the characters of Castle and Beckett in the TV show "Castle". I love the sharp dialogue and the insistent sexual tension. In a salute to Castle, I also made my hero Carter Devlin a writer, although I gave him a much more dangerous background as a former CIA agent. Another tie to "Castle" is the importance of the hero's family. I just love Martha and Alexis, so I gave Carter a wonderful warm and wacky mother and grandmother.
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