Ask the Author: Alyson Martin
Answered Questions (6)
Alyson Martin
Eh, this one is tough. I think my writer's block has a ton of different causes. So it depends. But generally, I get up and stretch or go for a walk. Some kind of physical activity usually clears my mind and motivates me.
Alyson Martin
Everything, really. My favorite aspect of being a journalist is when I report and think so much that I finally make the connection. I also love when I see a reader make a connection based on something I've written.
Alyson Martin
Just keep going. I think all writers have moments when, because they can't see a perfect end result to their hard work, they question whether they should keep going. I've had these moments. But I've never regretted the follow through.
I think it's important to be mindful of distractions, especially online. Twitter and Facebook can be great tools for reporting and promotion, but they can also lead down time consuming rabbit holes.
I think it's important to be mindful of distractions, especially online. Twitter and Facebook can be great tools for reporting and promotion, but they can also lead down time consuming rabbit holes.
Alyson Martin
Based on my reporting for A New Leaf, I recently launched Cannabis Wire (www.cannabiswire.com). I reported super-extensively for A New Leaf, and I had so many sources (and their stories) and images that couldn't make it to the book. After becoming an expert on cannabis issues, and with so much movement domestically and globally, it made sense to continue reporting and writing about cannabis.
Alyson Martin
I'm not one of those people that needs to be inspired in order to write. Writing is something that I love to do; it's also my livelihood. So I get up and work (write) even when I don't feel like it, because that's what I'd do if I worked in any other field.
I do find many writers inspiring. And I often find inspiration from the longform stories I read on the weekend. Lately, I've also been very inspired by graphic novels and how the best ones are so well-structured.
I do find many writers inspiring. And I often find inspiration from the longform stories I read on the weekend. Lately, I've also been very inspired by graphic novels and how the best ones are so well-structured.
Alyson Martin
I visited southern California for the first time in 2009 and I was struck by the open cannabis sales and use. It was under a liberal interpretation of the one-page 1996 Prop 215. Knowing the sale and consumption of cannabis were both federally illegal, I became fascinated with the dissonance created when state laws disagree with federal.
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