Ask the Author: Jennifer Kohout
Answered Questions (6)
Jennifer Kohout
I started writing because I needed a creative outlet, and that continues to be the main part of writing that I enjoy. That, and being able to work anywhere.
Jennifer Kohout
This is going to sound like a strange mashup but I got the idea while watching Black Sails and old episodes of Star Trek Voyager. I liked the idea of a female captain, and there is something about Vane that just does it for me.
Jennifer Kohout
I get inspired by everything - anything. Shows, music, movies, books - even my own fantasies. I like to write about times and places I wish I could visit and the people I would want to meet while I was there.
Jennifer Kohout
Currently, I'm working on a historical romance set in 1718. It takes place during the Golden Age of Piracy so there will be lots of swash-buckling, a dashing hero, a strong heroine, and rum. There must be rum!
Jennifer Kohout
Research, and not just about what you want to write. Research the business of being an author. I love writing, but being successful isn't just about having a great story or a striking cover. Those things are important but so is marketing. Whether you self publish, get an agent or sign on with a publisher, to be successful you are going to have to spend time (and money) marketing yourself.
Also, invest some time and take a look at Scrivener. It's an amazing program that makes writing more efficient. It can also handle exporting your manuscript into just about any format you will ever need. Some editors also work in Scrivener, which makes file sharing easier.
And that brings me to my next point. If you do nothing else, hire an editor. Your best friend might be a grammar nazi but chances are they will either miss things or be too close to you to give you strong, honest feedback. A professional editor will make a huge difference and stop those negative reviews criticizing your spelling.
Also, invest some time and take a look at Scrivener. It's an amazing program that makes writing more efficient. It can also handle exporting your manuscript into just about any format you will ever need. Some editors also work in Scrivener, which makes file sharing easier.
And that brings me to my next point. If you do nothing else, hire an editor. Your best friend might be a grammar nazi but chances are they will either miss things or be too close to you to give you strong, honest feedback. A professional editor will make a huge difference and stop those negative reviews criticizing your spelling.
Jennifer Kohout
Usually, I'll go back and read what I wrote up to that point. Or, I might review a character's description to try and get more in their frame of mind because my best writing seems to happen when I shut up and listen to what the character is telling me.
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