Ask the Author: Jonathan David Walter
Answered Questions (10)
Jonathan David Walter
The book I am working on now was inspired from my eleven-year-old son's artwork (I won't give away what it is...yet). We're teaming up on a YA story that I hope to finish this Spring.
Jonathan David Walter
THE LOST DIARY OF GIL STANFORD is a disturbing artifact from the world of THE TOWPATH, revealing the descent of one of its most mysterious figures. Open the diary, and you'll come to find that some things in the Valley don’t sleep—they wait.
Jonathan David Walter
Revisiting an old favorite, IT, by Stephen King, as a jolt of inspiration for my next novel (no, not trying to recreate anything from the legendary Mr. King).
Jonathan David Walter
It starts with opening myself to inspiration wherever it may be, as that muse doesn't announce itself before it decides to visit. This usually happens for me when I'm in nature or simply in an environment that stirs my imagination. That's why it's important to capture it wherever you are, and I'll simply jot notes on my smartphone during those precious muse visits. From there, I've got some fuel ready when I'm back in front of the keyboard.
Jonathan David Walter
It's like having permission to empty your imagination onto a page. And it's all the more rewarding if you've captured it well and true. The bonus and ultimate payoff is being able to share your creation with others.
Jonathan David Walter
My follow-up to "The Towpath." It will capitalize on some established world-building, but it will be its own thing, and tie into some of the Cuyahoga Valley's most bone-chilling myths and legends. And VERY scary. This one will fit more squarely into the horror genre. Stay tuned!
Jonathan David Walter
Don’t write what you think will be popular. I can’t emphasize this enough. Rather, consider what fuels your passion, as that passion will come through in your writing and carry you, whether you’re conscious of it or not. If you’re just chasing some trend, you’re only cheating yourself and your would-be readers. So, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, let your passion shine through. I’m also a big fan of fellow Ohioan James Clear’s book, ATOMIC HABITS, in which he emphasizes creating systems over getting overly focused on a final goal. Motivation is fleeting and not sustainable. As James astutely put it, you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fail to the level of your systems. Develop a system that will ensure you put the metaphorical pen to paper on a consistent basis. For me, it was instilling a 6:30-7:00 am daily routine to do nothing but write and research. When 7:00 am hit, it was time to wrap it up. Like your passion, your system will be there to carry you on the days when you feel less motivated. Just keep showing up and good things will happen.
Jonathan David Walter
Multiple techniques: First, getting away from the work is a must. Then, finding outlets that take your mind off the work, and honestly, other things too. For me, working out, getting out into nature, and simply getting the endorphins going tends to be the cure-all. Not to sound gross, but the spring from which ideas flow tends to be in the form of sweat.
Jonathan David Walter
Tolkien's Middle Earth, without question. It's the most enchanting world ever put to paper, and I never tire of Tolkien's world-building. I'd be one of the forest-dwelling elves. A), I love trees and forests (my bias for green spaces will be fairly obvious in THE TOWPATH) and b), being immortal would be nice, wouldn't it? I suppose, as long as your family and loved ones share the same eternal lifespan, otherwise, not so sure.
Jonathan David Walter
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