Ask the Author: Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Answered Questions (5)
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Do you write in a journal? A writing journal is a good means to build up your writing muscles--it's like getting into shape physically. You have to practice, practice, practice.
A writing journal differs from a diary. Write to prompts. Or just take ten minutes and write about something you're observing. Nature, people, a place. Or story snippets. Don't think about publication to start with, just write. Little revelations about the world around you.
Once you've gotten to the point where you feel confident then start crafting pieces and track your word count. Don't obsess about how many words you're writing--the main purpose of tracking your word count is to build an understanding of your process and establishing in your head what your writing flow feels like. What amount feels easy? What amount can you hit with a little bit of a push? What amount actually wrings you out and drains you?
A writing journal differs from a diary. Write to prompts. Or just take ten minutes and write about something you're observing. Nature, people, a place. Or story snippets. Don't think about publication to start with, just write. Little revelations about the world around you.
Once you've gotten to the point where you feel confident then start crafting pieces and track your word count. Don't obsess about how many words you're writing--the main purpose of tracking your word count is to build an understanding of your process and establishing in your head what your writing flow feels like. What amount feels easy? What amount can you hit with a little bit of a push? What amount actually wrings you out and drains you?
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Telling stories and making up worlds! One reason why I am a science fiction and fantasy writer is that I enjoy making alternate worlds feel real to the reader. It goes beyond renaming coffee and calling a rabbit a smeerp or something like that. It's thinking about the rules for magic and their implications. What does happen in a world overtly run by corporations that has a disruptive new technology? What would a space-faring civilization have to think about in everyday life? I can play with the "what-ifs" while breathing life into real characters who interact with their environment--and seeing how this environment impacts them.
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Miles and Ekaterin Vorkosigan from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan books. They have to go through a lot of challenges before they finally can become a couple, and, once together, become equal partners in the adventures they face. Both are strong people and function independently of each other, but still love and cherish their partner without being snarky.
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
I am veering from my regular sketchy outline to create a rough six-page matrix for Netwalk's Children. Hopefully I'll get this done by the end of the week, then spend what's left of February and most of March burning my way through the rough draft.
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
In my experience, writer's block is caused by one of two things: either you've let the well that recharges your writing go dry, or your worldbuilding isn't working. Recharging your creative center is crucial--self-care is important. I burned the candle at both ends for several years trying to do too many things, and I just couldn't keep up the pace. I was fortunate enough to have the support of good writing friends to get through it.
Story problems will also manifest in writer's block. That kind of problem is best submitted to a trusted friend to help you through what's not working in your story. Cherish your friends who let you brainstorm with them, because they are like a rare metal and hard to find.
Story problems will also manifest in writer's block. That kind of problem is best submitted to a trusted friend to help you through what's not working in your story. Cherish your friends who let you brainstorm with them, because they are like a rare metal and hard to find.
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