Ask the Author: Derek E. Keeling
Answered Questions (9)
Derek E. Keeling
I looked intently into the window, trying to see where the person on the other side went, but there was no one. Imagine my shock when I learned I was actually gazing at a mirror, with my own reflection not present.
Derek E. Keeling
Honestly, this one for me is easy. I would go to Narnia. It's such a land of intrigue, and one I have a very vivid picture of, thanks to C.S. Lewis' excellent writing skills.
Derek E. Keeling
I'm rereading "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. I like to mentally put myself in the time period that the book was written. It truly makes the book more disturbing and horrifying. Other than that, I am also reading "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis. I've read this book about a dozen times, since I was a kid. It really helps me when I'm writing, as the descriptions are so vivid. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson is another favorite of mine that I can't get enough of. Thompson's style of writing is so fluid and engrossing. Outside of that, I've been doing a lot of writing for my new novel, ARTCME. It's very secretive and hush-hush, so only the acronym ARTCME has been revealed. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date.
Derek E. Keeling
My upcoming novel, Nomad's Island, was inspired by both my yearning for adventure and an actual trip I took to Hawaii. I had plans to remove myself from people and live in a jungle for a year. It didn't go as planned, however. Years later, I came up with the idea for Nomad's Island.
Derek E. Keeling
There are various ways. Sometimes, it's a dream I have. Or maybe a random idea pops into my head. I never start with a fully grown oak tree, so to speak. It always begins as a tiny seed.
I really find that just making time to sit and write is the best way to write. I have a space that's comfortable and free from distractions. Personally, some good, slow music helps me write. That doesn't always work for everyone, but for me I find it to be like a soundtrack to a movie.
I really find that just making time to sit and write is the best way to write. I have a space that's comfortable and free from distractions. Personally, some good, slow music helps me write. That doesn't always work for everyone, but for me I find it to be like a soundtrack to a movie.
Derek E. Keeling
My second novel, Nomad's Island, is going to be released on March 2, 2019. Everything is now complete. There's lots of marketing and promotion to work on, however. Thankfully, I enjoy that aspect, too.
Derek E. Keeling
Keep going. It's as easy as that. Get your entire story on the page. Don't worry about editing, formatting, plot holes, etc. Just write. As long as you're moving forward, you'll eventually get your story out. Then, once you're done, go back and fine tune it.
Derek E. Keeling
Two things:
1. Being able to take an idea that begins in my head and turning it into something that people want to read.
2. Hearing someone that has read something of mine and having them tell me that they enjoyed it. That's probably the single greatest thing about being a writer.
1. Being able to take an idea that begins in my head and turning it into something that people want to read.
2. Hearing someone that has read something of mine and having them tell me that they enjoyed it. That's probably the single greatest thing about being a writer.
Derek E. Keeling
For me, the key to handling writer's block is to push through it. Just write whatever comes out and keep going. If that doesn't work, I'll step away from writing and pursue another creative avenue, like music. Good music always seems to spark something creative within me.
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