Ask the Author: Ellis L. Knox
Answered Questions (5)
Ellis L. Knox
The title came to me more or less out of the blue. I was thinking generally about how young people are "encouraged" to do their best, go to college, achieve great things, yada yada, and how irked I get by such social grooming. I also recalled my own teachers telling my parents how I was not living "up to my potential."
It was an easy sidewise step over into my world of Altearth to posit a young person who showed "great promise" but who didn't live up to it. At around the same time I came upon the Camargue, a region in southern France. As soon as I saw pictures of the place, I knew I had my setting.
To start a story I need at least two elements from the following: character, plot, setting, theme. I had the setting and the beginning of a theme. I created a character by halting steps whose exact details I no longer recall. Somewhere along the line I had the notion that she was not normal but was created by magical means. So the story would be about identity.
After that, it was really all about finding a plot and a character arc worthy of the idea. Still working on that, as of this date (August 2017).
It was an easy sidewise step over into my world of Altearth to posit a young person who showed "great promise" but who didn't live up to it. At around the same time I came upon the Camargue, a region in southern France. As soon as I saw pictures of the place, I knew I had my setting.
To start a story I need at least two elements from the following: character, plot, setting, theme. I had the setting and the beginning of a theme. I created a character by halting steps whose exact details I no longer recall. Somewhere along the line I had the notion that she was not normal but was created by magical means. So the story would be about identity.
After that, it was really all about finding a plot and a character arc worthy of the idea. Still working on that, as of this date (August 2017).
Ellis L. Knox
I do not get inspired. I am driven to write by a terrible harpy of a muse, who tears at my insides whenever I stop writing for more than a few days at a time. This harpy sank her claws into me when I was a teenager and nothing can drive her away. As long as I keep writing, though, she keeps the clawing to a minimum. She doesn't care a fig how well I write, just as long as I keep at it.
Ellis L. Knox
Currently editing a novel, Goblins at the Gates, to be published this fall.
Currently writing a novel, A Child of Great Promise, to be published this winter. Maybe spring.
Currently writing world-building essays for my website.
Currently writing this post, but I'll be done by the time you read it.
Currently writing a novel, A Child of Great Promise, to be published this winter. Maybe spring.
Currently writing world-building essays for my website.
Currently writing this post, but I'll be done by the time you read it.
Ellis L. Knox
Don't stop.
I don't believe there is such a thing as an aspiring writer. There are people who write. Those who merely aspire are not writers. The only way you aren't a writer is if you stop writing.
Being a *published* writer, now that's another story!
I don't believe there is such a thing as an aspiring writer. There are people who write. Those who merely aspire are not writers. The only way you aren't a writer is if you stop writing.
Being a *published* writer, now that's another story!
Ellis L. Knox
I usually try a head fake or a hip check because I really want to get down field, but if I have to, I'll just straight-arm the wretch or run right over him. I've found writers are lousy blockers anyway.
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