Ask the Author: Leon De Kock
Answered Questions (7)
Leon De Kock
I don't think I could ever write drunk. To start off with, my fingers would never be able to handle the keyboard. For another, I would probably make a complete mess of the story line and get facts wrong.
I do believe that others can write while drunk though. Stephen King is known to have been an alcoholic. How much of his writing was done while under the influence I don't know, but from what I gather from him autobiography, quite a bit. (I hope I didn't misunderstand his autobiography on this point).
The only writing related thing I will do after a few beers is to read.
My cure for writer's block is to edit. Either I'll edit the book I'm currently busy with, or I'll edit old stuff. Sometimes I'll take long walks, or simply sit staring at the accusing face of my computer, drinking coffee.
I do believe that others can write while drunk though. Stephen King is known to have been an alcoholic. How much of his writing was done while under the influence I don't know, but from what I gather from him autobiography, quite a bit. (I hope I didn't misunderstand his autobiography on this point).
The only writing related thing I will do after a few beers is to read.
My cure for writer's block is to edit. Either I'll edit the book I'm currently busy with, or I'll edit old stuff. Sometimes I'll take long walks, or simply sit staring at the accusing face of my computer, drinking coffee.
Leon De Kock
My most recent (published) book is Dream School, which is the sequel to Dream World. The idea for both books came from my own interest in dreams. I find dreams fascinating, and studied them a lot, and wanted to share some of my knowledge and thoughts with other people. Writing a novel featuring dreams seemed like the natural way of doing this.
Leon De Kock
Aha, a simple answer this time. I am inspired by the writings of others. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Terry Pratchett, JK Rowling to name but a few of my favorites.
Leon De Kock
My newest book is a horror called Serenity, which is currently being proofread and edited before I make the final changes. I'm also currently writing a science fiction novel, as well as another It-could-happen-tomorrow type of science fiction horror novel exploring an idea of something horrible that could (realistically) happen to the world tomorrow. So watch out for lots of horror and science fiction coming your way.
Leon De Kock
Begin by setting aside the time that you are going to spend writing, every day. Say to yourself and your family - I am going to write from eight o'clock to nine o'clock at night, do not bother me then.
Lock yourself in your study or bedroom with your computer for that time, and start writing. By making the time commitment, you are making a commitment to write.
Lock yourself in your study or bedroom with your computer for that time, and start writing. By making the time commitment, you are making a commitment to write.
Leon De Kock
I have many strange ideas, weird ideas, wonderful ideas. These are ideas that I just cannot discuss as a normal conversation topic with most of my friends. Being an author gives me the chance to explore these ideas, and lay them before an audience that chooses to read them.
Leon De Kock
I've never had writers block for more than a few days at a time, so I've learned to let it slide. When I do get really stuck on what should happen next, and I really can't think of what to write, I will usually end up editing the part of the book I have written. That means I take a printed hardcopy of the work, a red pen, and a big supply of coffee, and I start editing. Because I know that the editing has to be done, I feel that my time is not being wasted.Going over the stuff I've written in detail helps to sort out what must happen next.
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