Ask the Author: Jason Edwards
Answered Questions (5)
Jason Edwards
My most recently completed 1st draft, which is for the 6th volume in my Monster Detective Agency series, was inspired by a visit to Ellis Island. While I was there, I felt the echoes of those who came before me - their struggles, and their impact on the generations that followed, and I knew I had to incorporate their presence into the web of stories I was telling.
Of course, the idea for the FIRST volume in the series was inspired by a very different source: a TOILET.
But that's another story...
Of course, the idea for the FIRST volume in the series was inspired by a very different source: a TOILET.
But that's another story...
Jason Edwards
That depends on several things. If I am simply stuck on word choices (which happens embarrassingly often) I may brainstorm different ways of expressing an idea, check a thesaurus, or simply skip over that passage and come back to it later. If I am hung up on plot details I may retrace my steps by rereading the preceding and/or upcoming passages. And because I am working on several books at once, I may also switch to another of my projects.
Or I may just take a nap.
Or I may just take a nap.
Jason Edwards
I am currently editing the next episodes in my CHRONICLES of the MONSTER DETECTIVE AGENCY series: "Will Allen and the Terrible Truth," and "Will Allen and the Unconquerable Beast." Surprisingly, I am also drawing together the first draft of the final book in the series (which is still 4 episodes ahead), "Will Allen and the Greatest Mystery."
Jason Edwards
This answer may make me very unpopular, but my advice for aspiring writers is: Don't DO It! The toil, sacrifice, and aggravation are NOT worth it -
UNLESS…
You truly love writing - you do it for the joy it gives you, much the same as someone else might enjoy watching movies, creating culinary delights, or playing golf
OR
You love, Love, LOVE your story. Only if you are so inspired by what you are creating that you will push on in the face of possibly years of resistance, adversity, and frustration is the avocation of writing worthwhile.
But if you want to be a writer to achieve fame and fortune, but a lottery ticket. Your odds will be better.
UNLESS…
You truly love writing - you do it for the joy it gives you, much the same as someone else might enjoy watching movies, creating culinary delights, or playing golf
OR
You love, Love, LOVE your story. Only if you are so inspired by what you are creating that you will push on in the face of possibly years of resistance, adversity, and frustration is the avocation of writing worthwhile.
But if you want to be a writer to achieve fame and fortune, but a lottery ticket. Your odds will be better.
Jason Edwards
The best thing about being a writer is that I get to visit schools and help students build confidence in their storytelling abilities, find their inspirations, and develop their creative writing skills. The opportunity to encourage children and have a positive impact upon their self-esteem is incredibly gratifying.
Of course, the joy of seeing my OWN inspirations come to life - of seeing my books in print in bookstores and book fairs, comes in a close second.
Of course, the joy of seeing my OWN inspirations come to life - of seeing my books in print in bookstores and book fairs, comes in a close second.
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