Ask the Author: Joss Landry
Answered Questions (5)
Joss Landry
I guess the best advice I can give you is not to let discouragement smack you in the back. You'll have tons of critiques and would-be-know-it-alls popping up in your life. Some you hadn't heard from in a long time. Remain confident and focus on your art. Writing is not something you decide to take up one day. Writing chooses you, even when you think to write was actually your idea. The idea to write means you were chosen and you must stand, and write your name on the board.
Beside your name, write: I Am An Author. I prefer the word author to the term writer. Being a writer means you are exercising your right to scribble on paper or type inside a word program. Becoming an author means you have or are going to publish what you wrote. So all you aspiring writers, consider yourselves authors. You'll get there.
Beside your name, write: I Am An Author. I prefer the word author to the term writer. Being a writer means you are exercising your right to scribble on paper or type inside a word program. Becoming an author means you have or are going to publish what you wrote. So all you aspiring writers, consider yourselves authors. You'll get there.
Joss Landry
I used to say, the best thing about being a writer was working your own hours, and allowing the cares not to sideswipe you too hard. I have since discovered that writing gives me the privilege of escaping to my own world, equal to reading. Imagine being able to create your own environment, dress it up with people you like, villains you can handle, situations you need to solve and happiness that will make you tear with joy. Nowhere else can you find this other than within the pages of a book ... you wrote.
Joss Landry
I cheat, and I never get writer's block. What do I do? When an idea for a story comes along, I look for the pictures of my protagonist online. I research their location, where they live and their education and beliefs. After writing a couple of pages on the main characters, (1-2 pages on the subs) I load all these pictures, dwellings, schools, maps to and from, city favorites (things to do there and best restaurants) the best websites and pics and when you look at all the material you've amassed, trust me. There will be no writer's block.
I prefer doing this to making an outline. Words can't help you find other words. But pictures will. Remember the saying? A picture is worth a thousand words. You'll have your choice of words and story with all these pics.
I prefer doing this to making an outline. Words can't help you find other words. But pictures will. Remember the saying? A picture is worth a thousand words. You'll have your choice of words and story with all these pics.
Joss Landry
This is an excellent question. How does one get inspired to write? I struggled with this thought for years. Here's what I discovered, for me anyways. I was always a mother first, a wife and this took up all of my devotion. Once my children became old enough, liberated, the stories I had unconsciously shelved for years sprung forth, and I began writing. The inspiration is always there, inside you. You simply need to find the time and the wide-eyed innocence to allow the inspiration to filter through. Trust me, when you smile and learn to inhale and exhale deeply, you won't need to find inspiration to write. It will find you.
Joss Landry
I traveled to Mexico and was overwhelmed with the Pacific Ocean, the first time I gazed at the turbulent waters. I was born close to the Atlantic Ocean, the gulf stream warmth benefit, and the tame attributes of the Eastern Sea always a pleasure. I am a beach bum type of gal.
While in Mexico, the idea of Barnum came to mind. I sat down and wrote the first five chapters in the middle of the night when others were sleeping. Then... nothing. Two years later one morning, Barnum revisited me and ... did he have a story to tell!
While in Mexico, the idea of Barnum came to mind. I sat down and wrote the first five chapters in the middle of the night when others were sleeping. Then... nothing. Two years later one morning, Barnum revisited me and ... did he have a story to tell!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more