Ask the Author: Russell W. Libonati
Answered Questions (6)
Russell W. Libonati
Mostly by reading a really good book. Most recently I read The Martian. It was so good, I wish I had written it, especially since it's the kind of book I WOULD have written. In a way I want to write Andy Weir and ask him to read my book, just because I think he would like it. How would that go over? Some weirdo says, "Hey, go read my book. You'll like it." I'm sure that would go over well.
I do get inspired by other things. Movies, TV, things I hear when I'm out and about. I'm actually not that great at original thinking, but I'm really good with taking an idea, sometimes just an inkling of an idea and changing to something different. I have a bad memory, so I always record my ideas on my phone or in my computer so that I can jump on to the next idea easily when I'm ready for the next challenge.
I do get inspired by other things. Movies, TV, things I hear when I'm out and about. I'm actually not that great at original thinking, but I'm really good with taking an idea, sometimes just an inkling of an idea and changing to something different. I have a bad memory, so I always record my ideas on my phone or in my computer so that I can jump on to the next idea easily when I'm ready for the next challenge.
Russell W. Libonati
Well, I AM an aspiring writer so. . . .
I do think I did something wrong when I put my book up on Amazon. I didn't give it away. I think I would have had more exposure if I had given it away at first. People would have read it and reviewed it and generally promoted it.
I do think I did something wrong when I put my book up on Amazon. I didn't give it away. I think I would have had more exposure if I had given it away at first. People would have read it and reviewed it and generally promoted it.
Russell W. Libonati
You get to create anything you want. Absolutely anything!
That may be the best part, but there are many other cool things. Have you ever met someone really interesting or more likely really odd and thought to yourself, what a character? Yup, he is. Make him one!
Also, you are writing to people that at least on some level think like you. I have a friend that doesn't read for pleasure. I feel sorry for him. The people you write for, read. And if you can categorize your writing well, you will target people that want to read what you write.
That may be the best part, but there are many other cool things. Have you ever met someone really interesting or more likely really odd and thought to yourself, what a character? Yup, he is. Make him one!
Also, you are writing to people that at least on some level think like you. I have a friend that doesn't read for pleasure. I feel sorry for him. The people you write for, read. And if you can categorize your writing well, you will target people that want to read what you write.
Russell W. Libonati
It's probably not a good way to do it, but I start writing a new book. It's hard to go back to the first one, but I have to just keep thinking about what I might do to get through that section. I think about it on the way to work or when I'm doing something tedious. Sometimes, I get the answer from a movie I'm watching, a book I'm reading, something someone says or even from writing on the second book. Since I already know the framework for the story (I never start a book without knowing the whole outline), I usually get excited after getting past the hard part and it flows again. Being excited about an idea is the best muse.
Russell W. Libonati
The book is called Shipbreaker. See explanation in the question above.
Russell W. Libonati
I was watching a documentary on Shipbreaking where these poor saps in India broke apart, with practically their bare hands, ships that had lived out their useful lives. The conditions were horrible. Injuries were common.
I thought to myself. This could make a pretty cool sci-fi story.
I thought to myself. This could make a pretty cool sci-fi story.
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