Ask the Author: Jill Shultz
Answered Questions (6)
Jill Shultz
Wildlife biology has always been my favorite science; when I worked as a science writer, I preferred that topic to all others. I've been wrestling with some of the emotional and scientific questions in this book for a long time, especially the nature of wildness.
I love wolves, but truthfully, I'm fascinated by all wildlife, though definitely more oriented toward predators than prey. I settled on wolves because of their sociality and the complicated relationships people have with them.
If I could pick a superpower, it would be shapeshifting.
Sorry it took so long to answer! Promise to do better.
I love wolves, but truthfully, I'm fascinated by all wildlife, though definitely more oriented toward predators than prey. I settled on wolves because of their sociality and the complicated relationships people have with them.
If I could pick a superpower, it would be shapeshifting.
Sorry it took so long to answer! Promise to do better.
Jill Shultz
Something piques my curiosity enough to trigger research. When that uncovers juicy material, then it often starts fermenting. Characters usually come to me first, followed by their big problems.
Often I'll use music as inspiration, especially when I want to develop a particular rhythm or speed for a scene.
Did that answer your question sufficiently? Or did you mean how do I start my writing day?
Sorry it took so long to respond. Promise to do better.
Often I'll use music as inspiration, especially when I want to develop a particular rhythm or speed for a scene.
Did that answer your question sufficiently? Or did you mean how do I start my writing day?
Sorry it took so long to respond. Promise to do better.
Jill Shultz
A science fantasy novel about a wolf biologist in Yellowstone who's desperately fighting to protect what she loves most. The fantasy element involves werewolves, specifically a pack of radical environmentalist werewolves.
This book should delight readers who love wolves and wildlife biology. Flying the geek flag high on this one.
Sorry it took so long to answer! I promise to do better.
This book should delight readers who love wolves and wildlife biology. Flying the geek flag high on this one.
Sorry it took so long to answer! I promise to do better.
Jill Shultz
Read voraciously and widely, preferably in different genres. Try to establish a consistent writing habit. I fall down on that one and really suffer for it.
Connect with writers in your genre who are close to your skill level. Whether you want a critique group or not, it's good to have friends who understand your experiences.
Learn about the craft of writing, using whatever method suits you best: workshops, books, conferences, etc. -- and of course, practice! Know that some teachers are a bit forceful about the "right" way to do something. Readers care about the story you deliver, not the process you used to create it, so don't twist yourself into a knot trying to adopt a method that's not right for you. Experiment, and give different ideas a fair trial; you'll eventually discover the methods that work best for you.
If you decide that you want to publish, then treat this like the career it is. Learn about your options. There's no one right approach; many writers now choose the method that works best for a particular project.
Don't give up! Perhaps you'll need to work harder than other writers you know. So what? No one writes novels because it's easy, since it isn't. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible about why you want to write and then don't lose sight of those goals.
Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Nourish your creativity by doing things that bring you joy.
Feel free to send more specific questions. I'm so sorry it's taken so long for me to respond and promise to do better.
Connect with writers in your genre who are close to your skill level. Whether you want a critique group or not, it's good to have friends who understand your experiences.
Learn about the craft of writing, using whatever method suits you best: workshops, books, conferences, etc. -- and of course, practice! Know that some teachers are a bit forceful about the "right" way to do something. Readers care about the story you deliver, not the process you used to create it, so don't twist yourself into a knot trying to adopt a method that's not right for you. Experiment, and give different ideas a fair trial; you'll eventually discover the methods that work best for you.
If you decide that you want to publish, then treat this like the career it is. Learn about your options. There's no one right approach; many writers now choose the method that works best for a particular project.
Don't give up! Perhaps you'll need to work harder than other writers you know. So what? No one writes novels because it's easy, since it isn't. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible about why you want to write and then don't lose sight of those goals.
Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Nourish your creativity by doing things that bring you joy.
Feel free to send more specific questions. I'm so sorry it's taken so long for me to respond and promise to do better.
Jill Shultz
Two things: getting the chance to interview really fascinating people (most recently, a wolf biologist) and when the characters really come alive and I hear their voices clearly in my head, sometimes even dream about them.
So sorry it's taken such a ridiculously long time for me to answer! I hadn't received questions for a long time and forgot to check. Promise to do better now.
So sorry it's taken such a ridiculously long time for me to answer! I hadn't received questions for a long time and forgot to check. Promise to do better now.
Jill Shultz
If I can't write at all, then I try to change my perspective, usually by spending time outdoors. If I'm struggling with a particular scene, then I may switch to another scene, or even an entirely different form of writing. Switching things up, relaxing, inspiring myself with other arts (especially music), or brainstorming with a friend.
Above all, try to remember that confusion and discomfort are a natural part of learning, and writing is a form of discovery. I know it feels terrible! Try not to dwell on that.
I'm so very sorry that it's taken such a long time for me to answer! I hadn't received any questions for a long time and hadn't checked. Promise to do better now!
Above all, try to remember that confusion and discomfort are a natural part of learning, and writing is a form of discovery. I know it feels terrible! Try not to dwell on that.
I'm so very sorry that it's taken such a long time for me to answer! I hadn't received any questions for a long time and hadn't checked. Promise to do better now!
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