Ask the Author: Dean P. Turnbloom
Answered Questions (6)
Dean P. Turnbloom
Since it's the third of a trilogy, that is self-explanatory, but the genesis of the original is, I think, both unique and surprising, and shows just how much change it's gone through from the beginning germ of an idea. I got the noodge of an idea (noodge is my own word for mental spark) for "Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Vampire" while listening to a song by James Taylor from his Copperline album. The song is called "Frozen Man". Ideas are like flu germs, they can come from anywhere when you least expect them.
Dean P. Turnbloom
This is simple, and I think I'm lucky in that ideas spring up as I read. I'm lucky because I love to read and when ideas pop up while I'm reading it's like finding a twenty dollar bill in the dryer.
Dean P. Turnbloom
I am currently in the editing stages of my third novel in my Whitechapel Vampire trilogy, working title is "Sherlock Holmes and the Return of the Whitechapel Vampire". It takes place some twenty-five years after the second book, "Sherlock Holmes and the Body Snatchers" when Holmes leaves his comfy retirement in Sussex to once again battle with Baron Barlucci.
Dean P. Turnbloom
I would encourage them to do what I did, take an idea from scratch and work at it until you have a complete story, start to finish. Chances are you won't have a novel yet, but in the process of writing new ideas are germinated and a second time through you can see different angles and separate paths to explore. That is what makes writing so wonderful, the ability to explore and use those that work, discarding the paths that don't. The important thing is to do. As Yoda said, there is no try...
Dean P. Turnbloom
The best thing about being a writer is to write. By that I mean, when I feel I'm on a roll and the words and ideas come streaming out--that's the best.
Dean P. Turnbloom
That is a very good question...when I find myself faced with a lull (I never use the term block, it sounds so negative and frightening) I change my routine. If I've been writing of an evening, I change and try to write in the morning. If my schedule has been set, I try disheveling it a bit. Mostly, I find a long walk, a strong coffee or tea, and a bit of physical activity are the best things to clear the cobwebs. Thanks for asking.
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