Ask the Author: C.J. Morrow
Answered Questions (6)
C.J. Morrow
My most recent book (The Illusionist) was a follow up to my first (The Finder). I still had more of the story to tell, although the first book was finished, the characters wouldn't rest until their continuing adventures were told. I will be writing a follow up novella or even a series of novellas using the some of the same characters next year.
The idea for the book I'm currently working on, my RomCom, came rom a short story I had published many years ago. It wasn't funny, nor meant to be but the essence of it wouldn't go away. I have been told I am a naturally funny writer - time will tell - apparently being cynical and grumpy is a telltale trait. My RomCom isn't either of these things.
The idea for the book I'm currently working on, my RomCom, came rom a short story I had published many years ago. It wasn't funny, nor meant to be but the essence of it wouldn't go away. I have been told I am a naturally funny writer - time will tell - apparently being cynical and grumpy is a telltale trait. My RomCom isn't either of these things.
C.J. Morrow
The people who live in my head inspire me to write, mainly because they never shut up.
I'm also inspired by situations around me, things that have happened to me in the past; I was once held hostage by a nutter with a knife for two hours - not in any of my books yet, but...
Items in newspapers, magazines, to be honest I have an overactive imagination, so I can be inspired by the slightest thing.
I'm also inspired by situations around me, things that have happened to me in the past; I was once held hostage by a nutter with a knife for two hours - not in any of my books yet, but...
Items in newspapers, magazines, to be honest I have an overactive imagination, so I can be inspired by the slightest thing.
C.J. Morrow
I am currently writing a romantic comedy. It's set in England, the main character, Ella, has had a tough time, her mum's died, she's been cheated out of a promotion at work and the guy she's lusted over for months has just performed an unpleasant song about her, in public. At the time of writing this, (Aug 2014) I have written 70% of the first draft. I publish excerpts from it every week on my blog. The title is The Spring of Life, but it's possible this might change. Feedback has been good and I'm told it's funny.
C.J. Morrow
Creating worlds. Watching those worlds take shape and form, become real before my eyes. I don't mean 'other' worlds, although my first two books do have an 'other' world, I mean the world your characters inhabit.
Creating characters is fun too, although I do find that the take on a life of their own and frequently surprise me. I am astonished when they do or say something I wasn't expecting.
Seeing your books for sale, holding one in your hand - tangible proof.
Finishing a book - that's the best thing.
Creating characters is fun too, although I do find that the take on a life of their own and frequently surprise me. I am astonished when they do or say something I wasn't expecting.
Seeing your books for sale, holding one in your hand - tangible proof.
Finishing a book - that's the best thing.
C.J. Morrow
Write and write and just keep writing. Make time. Don't save writing until all the other things are done - like chores. Take yourself seriously, even if no one else does. Believe in yourself.
Create a plan for your book and write to it. I have each chapter mapped out on a card, I write to that card. I know where a chapter starts, I know where it has to finish, I know which key plot elements have to be included. I am lucky I have help with my plan, because, for me, this is the difficult part. I have a story editor with a sharp, analytical mind. Then I let my characters do the work - talking, thinking and behaving. Often they surprise me.
Create a plan for your book and write to it. I have each chapter mapped out on a card, I write to that card. I know where a chapter starts, I know where it has to finish, I know which key plot elements have to be included. I am lucky I have help with my plan, because, for me, this is the difficult part. I have a story editor with a sharp, analytical mind. Then I let my characters do the work - talking, thinking and behaving. Often they surprise me.
C.J. Morrow
To be honest I don't really suffer from writer's block, what I do suffer from is lack of time. Characters are in my head chattering away all the time and the only way to silence them is to write their words down. This is when I run out of time. It's very crowded inside my head.
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