Ask the Author: Michael Smith
Answered Questions (4)
Michael Smith
I always try to read 3 or 4 books at any one time, and I write the same way.
So, I'm about half way through my third collection of short stories, this time based on Location.
I'm also about two-thirds of the way through the sequel to my first novel, currently under the title of 'Gruseltal 2'.
For some time I've been writing Flash Fiction (short stories under one thousand words) and am about half way to having sufficient to make a decent, publishable collection.
Finally, following a suggestion from a fellow writer in the States, I'm sketching out a few ideas to turn one of my earlier short stories into a full novel, based on American politics.
So, I'm about half way through my third collection of short stories, this time based on Location.
I'm also about two-thirds of the way through the sequel to my first novel, currently under the title of 'Gruseltal 2'.
For some time I've been writing Flash Fiction (short stories under one thousand words) and am about half way to having sufficient to make a decent, publishable collection.
Finally, following a suggestion from a fellow writer in the States, I'm sketching out a few ideas to turn one of my earlier short stories into a full novel, based on American politics.
Michael Smith
I see plenty of posts from aspiring writers concerned that their work might not be good enough. Just start writing - anything. Then get a trusted (and, if possible, qualified) friend to give you honest feedback. Take the rough with the smooth, and develop.
My top advice, though, would be to find your own voice or style. While being influenced by 'the greats' is fine, copying them is counterproductive.
My top advice, though, would be to find your own voice or style. While being influenced by 'the greats' is fine, copying them is counterproductive.
Michael Smith
The simple answer is I don't.
I just see it as part of the process.
Trees and plants don't grow all year round, they have times when they rest. That rest is valuable for further growth in the following season.
I treat 'writer's block' in much the same way.
I just see it as part of the process.
Trees and plants don't grow all year round, they have times when they rest. That rest is valuable for further growth in the following season.
I treat 'writer's block' in much the same way.
Michael Smith
Good question. There's probably not a simple answer, rather a process.
The starting point, like all writing, is actually reading. I've enjoyed the work of many fine authors over the years, but always thought I could never be that good. However, that shouldn't be a reason not to start. So, one day I thought I'd give it a go, and write a short story. Once completed, I passed it to a trusted friend, who is also qualified in English Literature, and asked for honest feedback. When it arrived the feedback was wholly positive and encouraging. This spurred me on to write a second short story, and the loop continued as I added further trusted (and qualified) friends to the process.
Eventually, the original friend suggested I collect together my stories and self-publish, and that is how my first book, 'Fonts', came into existence.
The inspiration for my first novel, 'Gruseltal', came from a short story I started, which grew and grew until it was clear it could be developed into something much more adventurous. I was playing with the idea of writing a story about boredom (I like to challenge myself) and that's where the first character, Karl, started.
Inspiration now comes mainly from the sheer pleasure of creating something from nothing, but reading remains a solid foundation for all I write.
The starting point, like all writing, is actually reading. I've enjoyed the work of many fine authors over the years, but always thought I could never be that good. However, that shouldn't be a reason not to start. So, one day I thought I'd give it a go, and write a short story. Once completed, I passed it to a trusted friend, who is also qualified in English Literature, and asked for honest feedback. When it arrived the feedback was wholly positive and encouraging. This spurred me on to write a second short story, and the loop continued as I added further trusted (and qualified) friends to the process.
Eventually, the original friend suggested I collect together my stories and self-publish, and that is how my first book, 'Fonts', came into existence.
The inspiration for my first novel, 'Gruseltal', came from a short story I started, which grew and grew until it was clear it could be developed into something much more adventurous. I was playing with the idea of writing a story about boredom (I like to challenge myself) and that's where the first character, Karl, started.
Inspiration now comes mainly from the sheer pleasure of creating something from nothing, but reading remains a solid foundation for all I write.
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