Ask the Author: Neil McGowan
Answered Questions (4)
Neil McGowan
I think the scariest book I've ever read is Stephen King's Pet Semetary. I first read it about a year after it came out, and I remember having to put it down in a couple of places just to catch my breath. I re-read it again recently, and it still has the power to raise the hairs on the back of my neck. It's the way the normal life of the Creed family is drastically changed in a few seconds, and how that normal life takes a screaming left turn into the stuff of nightmares. It also asks a question about what happens to the soul after death, and the answer in the book is...not very nice. Even King sai it was one of the nastiest books he's ever written.
Neil McGowan
I've never really suffered with this. I have the opposite problem, too many ideas. I occasionally get stuck on a plot point, but I always have two or three short story projects on the go at the same time as a novel; I find that working on one of these for a day or two allows my mind to relax and work through any problems. I also cycle a lot, and find that a great time for writing in my head. It's rare to be stuck for more than a couple of days; I usually come back fired up with enthusiasm. I can only think of a couple of occasions when I've become really stuck on a project, and both times I've taken it as a sign that it's not a story for me to tell.
Neil McGowan
Write a lot and read even more! As broad a spectrum as you can. Pay attention to how stories are constructed, how the author uses language to portray emotion and invoke a reaction in the reader. And don't give up! Writing is easy, but writing well is hard. Good writing looks effortless, and that's the skill, as polishing your prose to that level of clarity is anything but effortless.
Neil McGowan
I'm currently writing a rather dark psychological thriller that mixes ancient Scottish history with a modern day psychopath who is abducting women and leaving behind a mysterious symbol at the site of each abduction.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more