Ask the Author: Joe P. Attanasio
Answered Questions (5)
Joe P. Attanasio
My most recent book Sarah was inspired when I researched my second book called "Treasure Trove." I became enamored with the life of a lady named Sarah Bradley that was the great great ancestor of my character in the Treasure Trove story. So, I wrote a book about her. She lived in colonial New York in the late 16th century. She married four prominent men including Captain William Kidd the infamous pirate.
Joe P. Attanasio
I have written mostly historical novels and I wanted to try something where I could be more creative. Something with few boundries, so I am doing a fantasy. Not a sci-fi fantasy, but one on an earth like planet circa eighth to tenth century earth. I wrote 7,000 words the first day and a rough draft. The ideas were flowing freely. It is a long long way from being a first draft but I feel very good about the direction it is taking. It is immensly satisfying so far writing it, to me that is the important part.
Joe P. Attanasio
Read a lot with the intent of discovering what you like, why you like it, and how it is wrtitten. Write a lot, no matter if a story, poem, blog or whatever. Share you writing on sites like Booksie and other where you can get feedback from readers and other writer. Ask for critical feedback if you can handle it without becoming discouraged.
Joe P. Attanasio
I will take this question to mean, "What is the best thing about being an author?" I know the words writer and author tend to be considered the same thing. To "imagine" and then "create" something to be shared with others as a result is very fulfilling. It matters not if it is a blockbuster success or a few people tell you they enjoyed it. The feeling I get from creating and sharing drives me to constantly write.
Joe P. Attanasio
I have not had much of a problem with writers block. My head is swimming with ideas and dialog constantly. The few times I felt that I needed to write something and had trouble doing it, was more a case of "not in the mood" than block. I like to let my stories drive themselves and I often do not scrpit or outline the story. When my mind cannot decide on the next direction I wait a few days and inspiration usually comes. I know that words cannot be forced, a short break from trying works for me.
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