Ask the Author: K.C. Mitchell
Answered Questions (6)
K.C. Mitchell
Since I'm still an aspiring writer, I don't know that I'm the right person to answer but here's what I've learned so far... My 1st book, The Tapestry of A. Taylor, was simply my effort to put on paper an idea created in a dream I had. When I awoke, I kept adding to the premise of that dream until it took on a life of its own. I wrote it for fun, never expecting to actually publish it. However, once I put it out there readers' responses prompted me to keep writing, hence the sequel, The Weaving of A Warrior, and my other 2 (unrelated to The Tapestry Series) novels.
Once I decided to publish though, I spent some time researching how I wanted to do so. Because I didn't want to give up my rights to my creative works (and perhaps because I'm a wee bit of a control freak), I decided to self-publish. At the time, there was a huge shift in the publishing world from traditional to self publication. The time just seemed right and it was perfect for my personal situation.
So, my advice is to do some soul searching to decide what and how you want to write and your purpose for writing. Figure out who your audience is (or will be) and which mediums you'll need to reach them. For me, I write mostly for women, who I know want inspiring and yet entertaining stories, the convenience of reading from a digital device or a paperback, and not paying too much money for each book. So, self-publishing was my answer.
If you are writing a text book, historic documentary, or educational tool, then traditional publishing might be better suited to your specific needs.
Hope this helps! Good luck to you!!!
Once I decided to publish though, I spent some time researching how I wanted to do so. Because I didn't want to give up my rights to my creative works (and perhaps because I'm a wee bit of a control freak), I decided to self-publish. At the time, there was a huge shift in the publishing world from traditional to self publication. The time just seemed right and it was perfect for my personal situation.
So, my advice is to do some soul searching to decide what and how you want to write and your purpose for writing. Figure out who your audience is (or will be) and which mediums you'll need to reach them. For me, I write mostly for women, who I know want inspiring and yet entertaining stories, the convenience of reading from a digital device or a paperback, and not paying too much money for each book. So, self-publishing was my answer.
If you are writing a text book, historic documentary, or educational tool, then traditional publishing might be better suited to your specific needs.
Hope this helps! Good luck to you!!!
K.C. Mitchell
Sometimes I just sit and brainstorm all that I want to get out of my head. Other times, I leave the writer's desk behind and get out of my routine.. enjoy a walk outside or do something that stirs my creative juices. I pretty much am so "full" of ideas that I don't have blocks so much as just moments of stagnation of which ideas to place where within the work I'm currently writing.
Right now, I'm writing my 3rd book in The Tapestry Series. While I've had the plot in my thoughts for a few years, I have not been able to actually sit and begin it until recently. I find that I'm having to revisit my setting, characters, etc from The Tapestry of A. Taylor and The Weaving of A Warrior to get back in the mindset. Once I get started though, it's hard to stop.
I've found that motivation (for anything) never comes until some action begins. So even if what I write while unmotivated is unusable later, it helps me to get in the grove to write anyway.
Hope this helps!
Right now, I'm writing my 3rd book in The Tapestry Series. While I've had the plot in my thoughts for a few years, I have not been able to actually sit and begin it until recently. I find that I'm having to revisit my setting, characters, etc from The Tapestry of A. Taylor and The Weaving of A Warrior to get back in the mindset. Once I get started though, it's hard to stop.
I've found that motivation (for anything) never comes until some action begins. So even if what I write while unmotivated is unusable later, it helps me to get in the grove to write anyway.
Hope this helps!
K.C. Mitchell
The best part about being a writer for me is that I get to live "in my fantasy world" as my dad calls it. I have so many novels to write that I constantly think about and add to throughout my day. I have completed a 3rd novel (completely unrelated to The Tapestry series) that I put on hold in order to write the sequel to The Tapestry of A. Taylor. Once I publish The Weaving of A Warrior, I am excited about dusting it off and editing it for publication by Christmas 2014!
K.C. Mitchell
I am currently working on the sequel to The Tapestry of A. Taylor. I had an idea of how I wish Abriella's story would continue; however, I also had lunches and dinners with enthusiastic, supportive readers and asked them how they saw the story continuing. Oddly enough, I received a huge variation of answers. It fueled my imagination, not only for this sequel, but for others to come. I am about 80% finished with the rough draft of The Weaving of A Warrior and hope to debut it by August 2014!
K.C. Mitchell
I am fortunate in that I always seem to be inspired! As I go about my day, I tuck back antidotes or situations I witness. For instance, watching an older couple sitting on a park bench at the park makes me wonder how their story began. If I have time (and don't feel I am intruding upon them) I may even ask them. If not, the visual of them will stick with me and I think about what I would like their story to be and how it may end.
K.C. Mitchell
When I finished The Tapestry of A. Taylor, the protagonist had unfinished business. Readers voiced an outpouring desire for a sequel. Abriella Taylor needed closure and hope. As I am writing the continence of her story, I weaved many circumstances that either happened to me or came from my dreams. The original book was inspired by a dream I had almost 13 years ago. I guess I need to find out what I'm eating on the nights I have these vivid dreams!
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