Ask the Author: Carla Coon
Answered Questions (6)
Carla Coon
I yell at my kids.
Just kidding, that never cures it. :)
Really, I find I am most blocked when I have too many obligations, work, and other projects on my plate. As a mother of eight, nana of four, and mother-in-law of three, my house and life are always full. I also do volunteer work and help individuals in two organizations looking for family support. After all of that and a bit more, I have little solid time for lengthy writing.
I do feel as if I suffer writer's block but not in the usual way. If my chapters are sketched out, I have no problem fleshing them out. By sketched, I mean the barest idea of where we are going and who is in the scene. By fleshed out, I mean writing the actual chapter.
No my problem, at least judging by the first two books I have written and the third in the works, is that I need solid blocks of time - preferably a night or two away from home, where I can create in total solitude. This blog piece about finding the perfect place to write will explain more if you care to check it out.
http://carlacoon.com/blog/looking-for...
Just kidding, that never cures it. :)
Really, I find I am most blocked when I have too many obligations, work, and other projects on my plate. As a mother of eight, nana of four, and mother-in-law of three, my house and life are always full. I also do volunteer work and help individuals in two organizations looking for family support. After all of that and a bit more, I have little solid time for lengthy writing.
I do feel as if I suffer writer's block but not in the usual way. If my chapters are sketched out, I have no problem fleshing them out. By sketched, I mean the barest idea of where we are going and who is in the scene. By fleshed out, I mean writing the actual chapter.
No my problem, at least judging by the first two books I have written and the third in the works, is that I need solid blocks of time - preferably a night or two away from home, where I can create in total solitude. This blog piece about finding the perfect place to write will explain more if you care to check it out.
http://carlacoon.com/blog/looking-for...
Carla Coon
Expressing yourself on paper, no one can tell you to "be quiet."
Carla Coon
I'm rather new at fiction, but I have been writing in general for many years now, and I would say the best advice which I can give aspiring writers would be to grow a thick and humble skin. You will need thick skin to handle the inevitable criticism of your writing. And humble skin, to understand how much of it is spot on, allowing the tough critiques to help you become a better writer.
Carla Coon
Currently, I am writing Book III, "Out of the Glen" and plotting a way to abandon my duties at home and my volunteer work in order to slink away somewhere and finish the novel.
I am also in the final edit of Book II, "Back to the Glen" and preparing it for a pre-order page on Amazon.
Another exciting project is in the works: that of producing an audiobook of "The Glen." As the author, I am reading the voiceover myself, which I am told many listeners appreciate.
I am also in the final edit of Book II, "Back to the Glen" and preparing it for a pre-order page on Amazon.
Another exciting project is in the works: that of producing an audiobook of "The Glen." As the author, I am reading the voiceover myself, which I am told many listeners appreciate.
Carla Coon
Hard to answer this one. I think I am most inspired by my strongest passions, which change and multiply daily. I love nature, so it seemed natural that my first novel would have woods and waterfalls running through it. I have always been fascinated by religious study, and I have great respect for all people of faith. Those themes spur my imagination and are woven into my novels. Plus I talk quite naturally to God, so I never hesitate to ask the Master of inspiration to send some my way. ;)
Carla Coon
I used to write non-fiction for a few national and state publications, then we decided to homeschool seven of our eight children. I resigned from a couple boards and hung up my writing cap.
One day, a couple of the children had a creative writing assignment. I decided to join them, hoping to teach by example. I described a cherished spot in the woods, where my family used to picnic. I wrote the piece as if a character were just discovering a mystical glen.
That night, a friend dropped by and found the pages on the coffee table. She read them while I was making coffee. When I returned, steaming mugs in hand, she asked, "What happens next?" I laughed and told her it was a silly writing assignment for the kids. She convinced me it was not only good, but that I should tell the whole story. On a lark, I began, and soon the mystery of The Glen Saga was born.
One day, a couple of the children had a creative writing assignment. I decided to join them, hoping to teach by example. I described a cherished spot in the woods, where my family used to picnic. I wrote the piece as if a character were just discovering a mystical glen.
That night, a friend dropped by and found the pages on the coffee table. She read them while I was making coffee. When I returned, steaming mugs in hand, she asked, "What happens next?" I laughed and told her it was a silly writing assignment for the kids. She convinced me it was not only good, but that I should tell the whole story. On a lark, I began, and soon the mystery of The Glen Saga was born.
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