Ask the Author: Timothy Best
Answered Questions (8)
Timothy Best
Great question, Brucker. Thanks! While I'm "tempted" to reimagine the rewriting of this book or that, ultimately, I don't. Even if I see some large flaws in the plot. At the end of the day, there are too many stories out there to explore and if there is one I "kind of" liked but didn't thoroughly enjoy, I just move on to the next book.
Timothy Best
Great question. Gosh, there are so many: D’Arcy and Elizabeth Bennett, Rick Blain and Ilsa Lund, Timon and Pumbaa. But the one of the best dynamics I’ve enjoyed between two characters is that of Addicus Finch and his daughter, Scout. She was his only daughter and, having only one daughter, myself, I highly identify with that special bond that Harper Lee so beautifully brought to life. Thanks for the question!
Timothy Best
If you follow my earlier advice and write something everyday, you'll never have it. I don't anyway. Also, never worry about, "Where's the next story going to come from?" It'll come. I promise. Keith Richards said: "Songs are always out there, you've just got to pull them out of the air." Strange as that sounds, he's right.
I wouldn't take his advise on anti-aging creams, though.
I wouldn't take his advise on anti-aging creams, though.
Timothy Best
Having total strangers be taken away and entertained by a story that came from your head. I'd rather have a fan base of 10,000 people than a check for $10,000,000.
Wait, can I reconsider that?
Wait, can I reconsider that?
Timothy Best
As I say to my writing students at the University of Alabama, try to write something everyday. Whether it's a journal, or a poem, or a short story, write, write, write. You'll never become better if you don't. A close second to that is read. Read a lot! That was always hard for me because, as a kid, I couldn't sit still. I'm a lot better at it now.
Timothy Best
I'm preparing the sequel for Substitute Angel, called, The Intended Ones, for release later this year. It's not only a sequel, it's also a prequel. I know, that doesn't make any sense but it'll all become clear when the book comes out. Then, there's another romance I'm working on called, A Farm In Pennsylvania. It's takes place in Gettysburg, PN, 1863, just five weeks after the infamous battle. It'll be my first historical novel and I'm very excited about it!
Timothy Best
As a child of the 60s & 70s, the artists of the day inspired me. Songwriters like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, for example, wrote wonderful lyrics, wonderful stories, even without their music. And really, the inspiration's never stopped since then. I draw inspiration from every new book I read, even the bad ones, because it helps teach me what not to do. The same is true with screenplays, songs, plays, even paintings can inspire me.
Timothy Best
I wanted to write a "feel good" book and was inspired by the collective works of film director Frank Capra. I've also always been attracted to stories that involved otherworldly possibilities. Finally, I've always been a sucker for a good love story. When you put it all together, Substitute Angel was the result.
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