Ask the Author: Ellyn Oaksmith
Answered Questions (6)
Ellyn Oaksmith
From an old newspaper article years ago. It just stuck in my head. I wasn't sure how to turn it into a story until I combined it with another element, which was my character's obsession with the band Nirvana. If you want to read more about the story, I am blogging about it on EllynOaksmith.com
Ellyn Oaksmith
I don't. I have office hours and I just do it. I'm a Nike ad. But I don't look like one. I wish I did.
Ellyn Oaksmith
My first YA novel called Chasing Nirvana. I should be working on it instead of answering this. I love it.
Ellyn Oaksmith
Three words: write, write, write. Reading critics reviews helped me realize what doesn't work. Also, read, read, read. That will give you an idea for what works. Also, find your voice. That is the single most difficult thing. You have to bring your unique perspective to the world. That's tough.
Ellyn Oaksmith
I love my job. All my mistakes are my own. All my triumphs are my own. I can entertain people and in the case of my latest book, which one person has read, she's told me it changed the way she leads her life. I cannot wait to share that one with the world. I hope I hear more comments like that from readers. It's called Fifty Acts of Kindness. I'm not sure, exactly, when it will be out.
Ellyn Oaksmith
Never use the words writer's block. People give writers too much credit for their supposed art. It's a craft that you have to apply yourself in some way every day. An attorney can't get blocked. A chef has to produce food. A teacher has to teach. I have to write. 20 hours a week.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more