Ask the Author: Shawn Wickersheim
Answered Questions (9)
Shawn Wickersheim
Let me look at my list--I try to read a classic novel every year, and this year I read Ivanhoe. It has been on my 'to read' pile forever, and finally, I dug out my copy and read it. It was quite good. I'll admit, I was a bit surprised to discover the book was written nearly two hundred years ago.
Shawn Wickersheim
Thank you for your question, Brian…
While my books tend to have a darker tone, I do like to insert humor into them as well…even if at times it’s gallows humor. As for me, I tend to be a little more light-hearted in person with a bit of a self-deprecating sense of humor. The comment was more of an example of my sense of humor, as opposed to the books…though I must say, a fictionalized me in Mallor’s world would likely do whatever Mallor told him to do. Mallor is not someone you should mess around with, as I’m sure you’ve come to realize the more you’ve gotten to know him.
As for carrying on full conversations with characters – no, not really – it’s more full conversations taking place between characters and I’m the fly on the wall…
Though, I will say, the voice of the magic does sound a bit like the voice that pops up from time to time while I’m writing, especially when I’m working on first drafts. Even now I can almost hear him say, “This is the best you can do? This answer is crap!”
While my books tend to have a darker tone, I do like to insert humor into them as well…even if at times it’s gallows humor. As for me, I tend to be a little more light-hearted in person with a bit of a self-deprecating sense of humor. The comment was more of an example of my sense of humor, as opposed to the books…though I must say, a fictionalized me in Mallor’s world would likely do whatever Mallor told him to do. Mallor is not someone you should mess around with, as I’m sure you’ve come to realize the more you’ve gotten to know him.
As for carrying on full conversations with characters – no, not really – it’s more full conversations taking place between characters and I’m the fly on the wall…
Though, I will say, the voice of the magic does sound a bit like the voice that pops up from time to time while I’m writing, especially when I’m working on first drafts. Even now I can almost hear him say, “This is the best you can do? This answer is crap!”
Shawn Wickersheim
The genre is easy. Fantasy.
As for a co-writer, I'd rather not just give you an easy answer. To me, the easy answer would be someone like George R. R. Martin or Mark Lawrence or Joe Abercrombie or if he were still alive David Gemmell. I enjoy reading their books and in general, I love their writing styles.
However, if I were to write a book with another author, I'd want to know we were co-writers in the truest sense of the word with equal say on the story, plot, characters etc. I'd like to know my co-writer enjoyed my books and writing style just as I would theirs. I'd also want to work with someone who's writing strengths complimented mine and vice versa. That's not to say the gentlemen I listed above couldn't be that author...but I believe if I co-authored a book with someone else, it would likely be with another indie author.
That said, if Martin, Lawrence or Abercrombie wanted to work with me...well, I'd be a fool to say 'no'.
As for a co-writer, I'd rather not just give you an easy answer. To me, the easy answer would be someone like George R. R. Martin or Mark Lawrence or Joe Abercrombie or if he were still alive David Gemmell. I enjoy reading their books and in general, I love their writing styles.
However, if I were to write a book with another author, I'd want to know we were co-writers in the truest sense of the word with equal say on the story, plot, characters etc. I'd like to know my co-writer enjoyed my books and writing style just as I would theirs. I'd also want to work with someone who's writing strengths complimented mine and vice versa. That's not to say the gentlemen I listed above couldn't be that author...but I believe if I co-authored a book with someone else, it would likely be with another indie author.
That said, if Martin, Lawrence or Abercrombie wanted to work with me...well, I'd be a fool to say 'no'.
Shawn Wickersheim
Hey Jack! I'm glad you enjoyed The Penitent Assassin and thank you for your kind words and your question.
I suppose the short answer to this would be to simply say, this is my personal writing style. I like to jump right into the story and get things moving and to allow the 'explanations', if needed, to occur later. By trusting the readers to keep reading even if they don't always know what's going on from time to time, I'm allowing them the chance to discover the story for themselves without my interference. And by doing that, I hope I am creating a more exciting and unpredictable story and reading experience.
Have a great day!
I suppose the short answer to this would be to simply say, this is my personal writing style. I like to jump right into the story and get things moving and to allow the 'explanations', if needed, to occur later. By trusting the readers to keep reading even if they don't always know what's going on from time to time, I'm allowing them the chance to discover the story for themselves without my interference. And by doing that, I hope I am creating a more exciting and unpredictable story and reading experience.
Have a great day!
Shawn Wickersheim
I am working on two books right now:
1) A stand-alone sequel to both The Penitent Assassin and The Rush of Betrayal books.
2) A fantasy book for ages 8 and up. (My kids insist I write something they can read--or better yet, I can read to them in a wide assortment of funny and/or crazy voices).
1) A stand-alone sequel to both The Penitent Assassin and The Rush of Betrayal books.
2) A fantasy book for ages 8 and up. (My kids insist I write something they can read--or better yet, I can read to them in a wide assortment of funny and/or crazy voices).
Shawn Wickersheim
Write everyday. Don't wait to be 'inspired'. Carry a notebook and pen with you everywhere. Read a lot! Read not just inside the genre you write. Be aware of the world around you. Listen.
Shawn Wickersheim
I've always loved to tell stories and to entertain others and writing allows me to accomplish both. It also usually puts me in a great mood after I've done a bit of writing... (Sometimes my wife will tell me to just go write for a little while....usually on those very rare days when I'm just a tiny bit cranky).
Shawn Wickersheim
I usually only get a touch of writer's block whenever I'm starting a new project. I have the hardest time with the first few pages, even though I know, I KNOW, they will be extensively edited and/or completely cut out of the finished book.
Also, beginnings are hard for me because my family is usually very good about giving me time to work on a book, especially during the final edits and so after I finish a book, I like to spend extra time with them - and I get out of the habit of writing every day. 'Writing time' turns into 'getting errands done time' or 'cleaning around the house time' and suddenly, weeks or months have passed and I have to push myself to get that writing time back.
Dealing with actual writer's block? Music helps. Certain CDs I use solely while writing so if I am particularly stuck, I'll pop one of them in, close my eyes and just let the words out (hopefully!). Taking a hot shower works sometimes too - if only my laptop was waterproof. I'd get so much more writing done (even if I ended up looking like a prune).
Also, beginnings are hard for me because my family is usually very good about giving me time to work on a book, especially during the final edits and so after I finish a book, I like to spend extra time with them - and I get out of the habit of writing every day. 'Writing time' turns into 'getting errands done time' or 'cleaning around the house time' and suddenly, weeks or months have passed and I have to push myself to get that writing time back.
Dealing with actual writer's block? Music helps. Certain CDs I use solely while writing so if I am particularly stuck, I'll pop one of them in, close my eyes and just let the words out (hopefully!). Taking a hot shower works sometimes too - if only my laptop was waterproof. I'd get so much more writing done (even if I ended up looking like a prune).
Shawn Wickersheim
I recently read The Wizard of Oz to my children (ages 10 and 7) and they are now after me to write a fantasy story they could read (or have read to them complete with funny voices). They've suggested quite a few characters to me and now they are waiting (impatiently) for me to get the book written.
I'm also working on a stand-alone sequel to both The Penitent Assassin and The Rush of Betrayal books.
I'm also working on a stand-alone sequel to both The Penitent Assassin and The Rush of Betrayal books.
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