Ask the Author: A.C. Dillon
Answered Questions (4)
A.C. Dillon
I've borrowed pieces of my own life mysteries for my Autumn Brody series. There are certain paranormal events that tend to happen to the women in my family, although nothing as dramatic as what Autumn experiences!
A.C. Dillon
Pretty In Scarlet, the prequel to the Autumn Brody series, really began as one of those, "Man, I wish I hadn't murdered this character!" moments. In writing Waiting For A Star To Fall, I revisited Nikki Lang's ghost. In doing so, I felt a little rotten over her lack of screen time. I really loved the contrast of her personality to Autumn's.
Knowing I was about to take a break from the series to write a new standalone project, I decided to write a prequel novella as a thank you to readers. I wanted it to be a fun story, with little references to the existing books, something that added deeper meaning to the series.
It was a fun challenge, writing a main character who is already doomed from the start. I hope readers love this new glimpse of Nikki and other characters from the series.
Knowing I was about to take a break from the series to write a new standalone project, I decided to write a prequel novella as a thank you to readers. I wanted it to be a fun story, with little references to the existing books, something that added deeper meaning to the series.
It was a fun challenge, writing a main character who is already doomed from the start. I hope readers love this new glimpse of Nikki and other characters from the series.
A.C. Dillon
Every writer approaches their craft differently--not just because of genre, but because each of us is unique. Some people are night owls; some people rise early. Some have families and day jobs, while some write exclusively.
That said, these are the things I feel are universal truths:
Read. Read often. Read a variety of genres. Read traditionally published and indie published works. Read fiction and non-fiction. Read from a variety of voices: white, POC, LGBTQ, etc etc. I cannot stress how much I have learned from reading hundreds of books in my lifetime--be it things I admire, things I vow not to do, or new information that I can take with me to the next project.
Write. Write often. Write original works. Write blog posts. Write fanfiction. Write even when the words sound terrible and each one is a struggle to extract from your mind. Write when you feel that flow, until it's 3am and your eyes are bleary. You are exercising the mental muscles you need, testing your endurance, and learning that even when you're absolutely stuck, you can and will eventually nail that project down.
Seek out fuel for your Muse. Research often. Watch documentaries. See concerts. See plays and shows. Watch movies and TV. Buy new music. Check out indie bands in your city. Explore arts festivals and museums. Study people on the subway (keep it from being creepy, mind you!). This is the kindling for the fire. If you don't feed it, it will burn out.
Seek out the people who will help you grow. Take courses. Form online buddy groups. Bond with others during NaNo. Don't be afraid to disagree, as long as you are open to constructive feedback. Trust me, my older writing is garbage compared to my work now. Back then, I would have told you it was great. We ALL have room to grow as creators. Keep growing.
If you do these things, and write for the love of it, first and foremost, you can never go wrong. Promise.
That said, these are the things I feel are universal truths:
Read. Read often. Read a variety of genres. Read traditionally published and indie published works. Read fiction and non-fiction. Read from a variety of voices: white, POC, LGBTQ, etc etc. I cannot stress how much I have learned from reading hundreds of books in my lifetime--be it things I admire, things I vow not to do, or new information that I can take with me to the next project.
Write. Write often. Write original works. Write blog posts. Write fanfiction. Write even when the words sound terrible and each one is a struggle to extract from your mind. Write when you feel that flow, until it's 3am and your eyes are bleary. You are exercising the mental muscles you need, testing your endurance, and learning that even when you're absolutely stuck, you can and will eventually nail that project down.
Seek out fuel for your Muse. Research often. Watch documentaries. See concerts. See plays and shows. Watch movies and TV. Buy new music. Check out indie bands in your city. Explore arts festivals and museums. Study people on the subway (keep it from being creepy, mind you!). This is the kindling for the fire. If you don't feed it, it will burn out.
Seek out the people who will help you grow. Take courses. Form online buddy groups. Bond with others during NaNo. Don't be afraid to disagree, as long as you are open to constructive feedback. Trust me, my older writing is garbage compared to my work now. Back then, I would have told you it was great. We ALL have room to grow as creators. Keep growing.
If you do these things, and write for the love of it, first and foremost, you can never go wrong. Promise.
A.C. Dillon
Currently, I'm working on a prequel novella for the Autumn Brody series, which features Nikki Lang. Pretty In Scarlet will be a Wattpad exclusive, with a release slated for end of August/early September.
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