Ask the Author: Alina Voyce
Answered Questions (6)
Alina Voyce
Again, music is the answer, together with taking a step back from whatever story I'm working on and not giving myself a hard time about it. In my experience, the more I stress about not being able to get the words out, the worse it gets.
So I usually just go off and do something else, and stop thinking about writing altogether for a while. Then, when I'm ready, I sit down, close my eyes, and listen to whatever music takes my fancy. I try to visualise whatever scene or character is giving me the problem, and mentally figure out the reasons for that.
But if THAT doesn't work, I sit down with a pen and a pad of paper and start writing my thoughts down - whether that's in list format, drawing mind-maps or scribbling down ideas for taking the plot in a slightly different direction. Eventually... I'll hit on something that fills me with renewed enthusiasm, and the words start to flow again!
Overall, I think the key for me, is giving myself 'permission' to find things difficult sometimes. It's not the end of the world, and it WILL get resolved... I view the 'blocks' as my subconscious putting the brakes on, and saying: 'hang on... are you SURE you want to write it like that?' It's surprising how often the answer is 'No'!
So I usually just go off and do something else, and stop thinking about writing altogether for a while. Then, when I'm ready, I sit down, close my eyes, and listen to whatever music takes my fancy. I try to visualise whatever scene or character is giving me the problem, and mentally figure out the reasons for that.
But if THAT doesn't work, I sit down with a pen and a pad of paper and start writing my thoughts down - whether that's in list format, drawing mind-maps or scribbling down ideas for taking the plot in a slightly different direction. Eventually... I'll hit on something that fills me with renewed enthusiasm, and the words start to flow again!
Overall, I think the key for me, is giving myself 'permission' to find things difficult sometimes. It's not the end of the world, and it WILL get resolved... I view the 'blocks' as my subconscious putting the brakes on, and saying: 'hang on... are you SURE you want to write it like that?' It's surprising how often the answer is 'No'!
Alina Voyce
My readers! Every time someone reads my work, enjoys it, and lets me know - through a review on Goodreads or Amazon, on my Facebook page, or via my website, it truly makes my day.
When a reader progresses through my work and then asks when they can expect more... Well, it doesn't get much better than that for a writer!
When a reader progresses through my work and then asks when they can expect more... Well, it doesn't get much better than that for a writer!
Alina Voyce
Get reading... and writing! Reading is tremendously important, because the more 'published' work you read, whatever the genre, will help you learn how to put a story together and build a character or scene in a reader's mind. Some writers excel at characterisation, others at scene setting, descriptive passages, natural dialogue, emotions or building tension... by studying how THEY do it, you'll learn the skills you need to produce your own story. And then WRITE - every day, even if it's just a few lines. Look out your window and challenge yourself to describe what you see, or describe the flavours of your last meal. Nothing is too humdrum, and you'll be surprised how much you learn. I take a notebook everywhere with me, and if I see something that catches my attention, even if it's just the way the rain hits the pavement or describing how people look as they pass by me, it gets written down! Great writing is about showing the bigger picture through subtle details - so 'train' yourself to notice them. Your writing will be all the richer for it.
Alina Voyce
The last book in 'The Lifelight Series', called 'New Age Light'.
Alina Voyce
Music! Any kind can inspire me if I'm in the right mood, but I especially use 'epic' music by composers like Thomas Bergerson to jump-start my imagination. I often have music playing whilst I'm writing too, because it seems to improve the flow of the words.
Alina Voyce
My most recent book is a continuation of the idea that came to me at the start of 'The Lifelight Series'.
I was watching the prismatic flashes being thrown out, across walls and ceiling, by a crystal ornament as the sun hit it, and I began to wonder what they would look like if they were moving... and if they were moving, what sort of creatures would they be? That's how the 'Lifelights' were born...
I was watching the prismatic flashes being thrown out, across walls and ceiling, by a crystal ornament as the sun hit it, and I began to wonder what they would look like if they were moving... and if they were moving, what sort of creatures would they be? That's how the 'Lifelights' were born...
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