Ask the Author: Alexa Turczynski
Answered Questions (6)
Alexa Turczynski
Another tough question. I think all authors take inspiration from their daily lives. One of my English professors always says to "Write what you know." So while I may not live in a fantasy realm where beings of light and darkness are fighting over my fate, I do live in a world that is often fraught with disaster, a world where families struggle to stay together, where your past sometimes weighs upon your future but a world where good can rise above evil, where love can save lives. And it's a world that needs to have stories of such victories told.
Alexa Turczynski
I've loved writing for as long as I can remember. When I was four years old I "wrote" a story about a banana. I actually just colored several pieces of paper and dictated the story to my mom. But from that moment forward I knew that I wanted to be an author. Writing was just part of who I was and who I wanted to be. Now, I write because if I don't write those ideas down, I'm not really sure what they'll do. They're already pretty mischievous on paper...can you imagine what they would do if they weren't confined to words?
Alexa Turczynski
I'm working on a couple of things right now. I'm editing book three of the Whispers Series (Book two will be going to print soon!) and toying with a new fantasy novel idea. I can't give too much away yet, but, from what I've written so far, I think there might be dragons!
Alexa Turczynski
Keep writing! William Faulkner has a quote that says, "Don't be a writer. Be writing." You can't be a writer if you're not writing. Don't worry too much about who will publish your work or who might criticize your work. That will stifle your imagination and keep you from ever creating that future best-seller. I always say, "Write like no one will ever read it. Then go back and edit like everyone will read it." It will keep you writing, and keep you following your dream.
Alexa Turczynski
Hmm that's a tough one...do I have to pick just one? I think one of the best things about being a writer is the joy that comes with creating dynamic, interesting characters. In some ways, my characters have become like family members...except with these family members I know all of their thoughts and can usually predict what they're going to do next. I say I can usually predict because sometimes they do things that surprise me and I either have to reel them back in or let the story take a new turn. Writing becomes much more than sitting in front of a keyboard. It becomes an adventure.
Alexa Turczynski
I usually try one of several things. If I'm in the middle of writing and feel stuck at a certain part, I usually try listening to music that I know will help get my ideas going. Then, while I'm writing, I try not to worry too much about the wording or grammar. Getting my ideas on the page is the most important part, and I can always change things later. Sometimes, if I'm just having trouble coming up with new ideas, I go for a walk or a drive to clear my thoughts. I'm always surprised that some of my best ideas come to me when I'm not even looking for them.
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