Ask the Author: Helaine Mario
Answered Questions (4)
Helaine Mario
i've written 2 novels of suspense - 'firebird' and 'the lost concerto.' firebird featured dance and art, and 2 main characters i have truly missed, alexandra and garcia. in 'the lost concerto,' it is classical music that tells maggie's story. i always will adore maggie and her colonel and their story.
so, the conundrum. sequel to firebird, lost concerto, or... introduce new characters. right now i am 1/4 into book #3, 'woman in shadows,' which is about missing art and continues alexandra's story. but the character of an enigmatic symphony conductor is whispering in my ear...
so, the conundrum. sequel to firebird, lost concerto, or... introduce new characters. right now i am 1/4 into book #3, 'woman in shadows,' which is about missing art and continues alexandra's story. but the character of an enigmatic symphony conductor is whispering in my ear...
Helaine Mario
try to write every day. i recently attending thrillerfest in nyc, and 'thriller master' panelists all said that they write 5 (or similar) pages every day. not always easy and i cannot manage it myself, but i truly think it is good advice. i've also found terrific advice and support in 'the writer' magazine. getting feedback from readers you respect is also good. and read books in your genre, they will make you want to be a better writer.
Helaine Mario
i love drawing pictures with words. when i look at a place, a room, the beach, whatever.. i don't see that place, i see a scene unfold before my eyes like a movie. then i try to capture what i'm seeing with words. several reviewers have said that reading 'the lost concerto' felt as if they were seeing maggie's story on a big screen.
the 'other best thing' is creating characters where none existed before. i care deeply for my characters, and i want them to resonate with my readers. hearing that readers laugh, weep, feel, fall in love with my characters means the world to me.
the 'other best thing' is creating characters where none existed before. i care deeply for my characters, and i want them to resonate with my readers. hearing that readers laugh, weep, feel, fall in love with my characters means the world to me.
Helaine Mario
this doesn't happen to me very often - my biggest problem is finding uninterrupted blocks of time to write. but when i do hit a wall, i will take a long walk, listen to music, or read. there is always 'plot' inspiration in the washington post or time magazine. travel magazines are great, and reading books in my genre is also inspiring - they make me want to be a better writer. i also will go to my overflowing files - i've been tearing out articles for years and have files on music, art, world war 2, parenting, health issues... you name it. and finally, if you are writing about a subject - let's say 'art' - you can google it but go straight to the 30th or 40th choices. you will be amazed at what you find, and i am sure something will draw you in.
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