Ask the Author: Mark Henrikson
Answered Questions (9)
Mark Henrikson
Not any time soon. The juice just isn't worth the squeeze right now.
Mark Henrikson
Thanks for the question Robin!
I intentionally left that situation open to interpretation for the reader. If you think it was a miracle, great. If you think it was technology, that works too. That entire Jesus story line I tried to leave open so that people on either side of the theological spectrum could get what they wanted out of it, and hopefully also see what others on the opposite end might think of the topic. Particularly the discussion between the doctor and Hastelloy about the lineage of the Bible and its many linguistic interpretations.
From a personal perspective, I am hopeful that there is more to our existence than some random neurons firing from chemical reactions in our brain. I'm also a believe what I see kind of guy so I have a hard time taking something on blind faith. In a way, the books really reflect my own personal views on faith by leaving it open to interpretation because I am also conflicted by the subject.
I intentionally left that situation open to interpretation for the reader. If you think it was a miracle, great. If you think it was technology, that works too. That entire Jesus story line I tried to leave open so that people on either side of the theological spectrum could get what they wanted out of it, and hopefully also see what others on the opposite end might think of the topic. Particularly the discussion between the doctor and Hastelloy about the lineage of the Bible and its many linguistic interpretations.
From a personal perspective, I am hopeful that there is more to our existence than some random neurons firing from chemical reactions in our brain. I'm also a believe what I see kind of guy so I have a hard time taking something on blind faith. In a way, the books really reflect my own personal views on faith by leaving it open to interpretation because I am also conflicted by the subject.
Mark Henrikson
I don't want to spoil anything for you, but you should find chapter 46 in Centurion's Rise helpful when you get there.
Mark Henrikson
I own the world I write about. That is very empowering. It's alive in my head and seeing it come together on paper the way I envision it and no one else is exhilerating.
Mark Henrikson
If I get stuck, I will usually exercise. Do a set of sit ups, lace up the shoes and jog a mile. Then sit back down and pound it out. If I still can't get it going I will take a step back and outline what I am trying to do with the chapter. Often times the block comes from not having a clear enough idea in my head about what I'm doing. Reestablishing the outline and focusing on specifics will usually do the trick if a little sweat didn't.
No matter what, write every day whether you are in the mood or not. You can always edit later, but getting something down is the key.
No matter what, write every day whether you are in the mood or not. You can always edit later, but getting something down is the key.
Mark Henrikson
If you have an idea for a story, jot it down. Write a short paragraph about what each chapter will be: characters involved, how it moves the plot forward, any twists, etc.
I usually find if I try and picture the whole book at once it is too much to handle. There are a lot of gaps to fill in and taking it one high level summary chapter by chapter helps me start eating that whale one bit at a time rather than staring at the HUGE helping and not knowing where to begin.
I usually find if I try and picture the whole book at once it is too much to handle. There are a lot of gaps to fill in and taking it one high level summary chapter by chapter helps me start eating that whale one bit at a time rather than staring at the HUGE helping and not knowing where to begin.
Mark Henrikson
Book 5, the series finale, in the Origins series. As of mid July I am about half way done with the first draft.
Mark Henrikson
I make it a habit to write every day whether I’m ‘in the mood’ or not in order to keep my rhythm. The books I write try and blend my two passions of science fiction and history together. Sometimes I will be visiting a historical site like the Colosseum in Rome, or battlefield museum. Hearing about actual events that took place there I will a lot of times mentally picture my characters being involved. Other times I have been watching television shows like “Myth Busters” with my kids and had something they were proving or disproving spark an idea for an action sequence. I’ve also been sitting in church listening to a sermon that set off a debate in my mind that translated to an ethical issue or debate between my characters.
A lot of times my wife will see me feverishly jotting down notes on an information pamphlet, a bulletin handout, even a musical or play program. Sometimes just a random quote I hear will spark a whole scene in my mind that I need to jot down before it slips away. Long story short, I find my inspiration to write comes from all around me at sometimes predictable, but often times random moments.
A lot of times my wife will see me feverishly jotting down notes on an information pamphlet, a bulletin handout, even a musical or play program. Sometimes just a random quote I hear will spark a whole scene in my mind that I need to jot down before it slips away. Long story short, I find my inspiration to write comes from all around me at sometimes predictable, but often times random moments.
Mark Henrikson
When I drew up the Origins series, I knew book 4 would take place inside the events of World War II. The trick was finding notable, yet not iconic, historical figures for my characters to be and then decide how they would interact with legendary or notorious people like FDR, Hitler, or Stalin. That time period was so rich with action, horror, deceit and bravery that the book practically wrote itself once the big character decisions were made.
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