Ask the Author: Jenna Moquin
Answered Questions (6)
Jenna Moquin
My most recent book is a collection of short stories, and many of the tales came from dreams. I keep a dream journal, and write down everything I can remember. Sometimes the best ideas come just as I'm falling asleep or just when I'm waking up. Some ideas come in the form of a mental snapshot image. I'll see an image before my eyes, a light goes off much like a camera flash and creates a permanent picture in my mind, and I create the story around it.
Jenna Moquin
If I'm in need of some inspiration, I find a room with a nice view helps. Looking at nature, or a piece of well-done artwork, can be very inspiring. Sometimes, I'll read something from one of my favorite authors, being mindful not to inadvertently plagiarize them. I also enjoy listening to music when I'm writing, whatever strikes my desire at the time. It's a nice back-beat.
Jenna Moquin
Currently I'm working on a type of novel I've never written before, that's entirely in the first person narrative. I've written short stories from that point of view, but never a full-length novel. So far it's been challenging, as the omnipotent narrative gives much more freedom in revealing the plot and characters, but when it's entirely from the protagonist's voice it's limiting in what that character knows and sees. But that's why I'm writing it, because I like to challenge myself. It's the same reason I write suspense and horror.
Jenna Moquin
The best advice I was ever given on writing is: you don't talk about it, you do it. I've known many aspiring writers who spend hours talking about their story ideas, but very little time actually sitting down and writing. Make the time, be disciplined; it's the hardest type of discipline too because it's self-discipline, which is why some people have trouble with it.
Jenna Moquin
I love this craft. I love how changing or adding just a couple of words can modify entire settings, and how one line of dialogue can reveal motives and back stories. I love it when that moment of inspiration hits, the world around me becomes background noise and I'm in a writing bubble, creating a new world.
Jenna Moquin
Save the piece I'm blocked on, and move on to another story. Eventually the block opens up after working on something else, and I can come back to it.
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