Ask the Author: G.L. Jackson
Answered Questions (1)
G.L. Jackson
Two distinct questions, both difficult to answer. Story ideas generally unfold for me slowly, over a period of time. I usually get some sort of insight into the character before I get an insight into the plot. Usually the character is enough to go on, so I close my eyes and start writing and see what happens. Once in a while, that works and I find something worth pursuing.
Holding onto the details of the story idea is very much like waking from a dream. I can see snippets but not the whole picture. I never see the whole picture until the story unfolds as I write it. I work more coherently if I'm able to outline the whole thing, but that doesn't seem to be my lot in life very frequently.
As far as character names go, there's no real process to it. I usually have a visual in my mind of what the character looks like, and the name tends to follow along quite readily. When I'm struggling to name a character, it's a sign that I might not be ready to write about them yet.
Holding onto the details of the story idea is very much like waking from a dream. I can see snippets but not the whole picture. I never see the whole picture until the story unfolds as I write it. I work more coherently if I'm able to outline the whole thing, but that doesn't seem to be my lot in life very frequently.
As far as character names go, there's no real process to it. I usually have a visual in my mind of what the character looks like, and the name tends to follow along quite readily. When I'm struggling to name a character, it's a sign that I might not be ready to write about them yet.
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