Ask the Author: W.J. Lennox
Answered Questions (5)
W.J. Lennox
1. Being able to put my vivid imagination and creative energy into writing a story that I really care about, and then having the opportunity to share it with potentially thousands of readers across the globe is an amazing feeling, if a little scary. Okay quite a lot scary, but for a self-published author, seeing your work on major ebook stores or in print for the first time is a glorious moment that should be cherished.
2. I find researching ideas and getting the first draft down on paper a very satisfying part of writing. There's no greater feeling than when you're in the zone and your fingers can't type fast enough.
3. There are few careers that gives you the flexibility to write at a time that works for you, no office politics and bitching, and where you can start your working day in your PJ's. It doesn't get better than that!
2. I find researching ideas and getting the first draft down on paper a very satisfying part of writing. There's no greater feeling than when you're in the zone and your fingers can't type fast enough.
3. There are few careers that gives you the flexibility to write at a time that works for you, no office politics and bitching, and where you can start your working day in your PJ's. It doesn't get better than that!
W.J. Lennox
To my surprise, I had more to say on this subject than I initially intended, so have decided to turn this question into a longer blog post instead as can't go into the depth I would like to here. Will post my thoughts on this shortly. Thanks.
Update - If you'd like to hear my thoughts on the this, please visit my blog:
http://www.wjlennox.com/Home/BlogArti...
Update - If you'd like to hear my thoughts on the this, please visit my blog:
http://www.wjlennox.com/Home/BlogArti...
W.J. Lennox
I'm currently working on book 2 of the Crystal Keeper Trilogy. I must admit I'm loving writing this one, which promises to be a meatier and darker book than the first in terms of the storyline, characters and length. It gives the reader both a broader & deeper sense of the world of Galidom with its diverse cultures, religions and politics, and which will take Josie on an epic journey across its vast kingdoms. I've decided on the book title and working on some ideas for the cover, but don't wish to give anything away at this stage - spoilers and all that.
I've still got a fair bit to go on the first draft, not quite half way and feeling the pressure already. I wish I could write at a faster rate like many authors can, but I have to make my writing fit in with the rest of my crazy life, and sometimes it can be hard to find the right balance.
Right now, it's the school summer holidays, so my peaceful world is shattered by two noisy boys! Feeling twitchy as haven't been able to write for a couple of weeks. It's been a very busy time between getting my new website ready for launch, planning a book promotion and organising a family holiday. Will be desperate to get my fingers back on the keyboard once I'm home again. This book won't write itself!
I've still got a fair bit to go on the first draft, not quite half way and feeling the pressure already. I wish I could write at a faster rate like many authors can, but I have to make my writing fit in with the rest of my crazy life, and sometimes it can be hard to find the right balance.
Right now, it's the school summer holidays, so my peaceful world is shattered by two noisy boys! Feeling twitchy as haven't been able to write for a couple of weeks. It's been a very busy time between getting my new website ready for launch, planning a book promotion and organising a family holiday. Will be desperate to get my fingers back on the keyboard once I'm home again. This book won't write itself!
W.J. Lennox
Hmm... some days are easier than others. I usually find that even when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about a scene, a particular character or I'm spending time researching ideas for places, names, mythical creatures and ancient mythologies. I often wonder if anyone was to look at my search history, they might think I've got more than a few screws loose.
I'm a very visual person and need the story to form images in my mind while I write. I see writing much like painting but with words, carefully building a foundation layer by layer until the story is brought together to form a complete picture. I have developed a bad Pinterest addiction, but I find certain images do help me flesh out ideas. I also love people-watching as I'm nosy by nature, and just can't stop myself eavesdropping on random strangers conversations or making up their life story in my head.
Also, allowing ideas to percolate for a day or so before puts me in a good head space to get into a flow state from which the rest of a scene or chapter just unfolds organically, sometimes taking me in a direction that I didn't originally plan or expect.
Of course, there are days when I'm either not feeling physically well, in a bad mood, or suffering from bouts of crippling anxiety and self doubt as most new authors do. On those days, it can be hard to get in the right head space, so I either force myself past it by disconnecting myself from other distractions, social media being the worst culprit and carry on regardless.
When that doesn't work, I step away from the keyboard and focus on something else for a bit. The only problem with that is I'm usually plagued by guilt as my writing time is already squeezed by keeping my kids and the house in order. That said, I often find that when I'm not thinking about writing a difficult scene, I'll have a eureka moment when I least expect it, such as hovering or cleaning the bathroom!
Most importantly, as long as I have a cup of tea in my hand, a comfy place to work and sweet silence, then my fingers are itching to start tapping away.
I'm a very visual person and need the story to form images in my mind while I write. I see writing much like painting but with words, carefully building a foundation layer by layer until the story is brought together to form a complete picture. I have developed a bad Pinterest addiction, but I find certain images do help me flesh out ideas. I also love people-watching as I'm nosy by nature, and just can't stop myself eavesdropping on random strangers conversations or making up their life story in my head.
Also, allowing ideas to percolate for a day or so before puts me in a good head space to get into a flow state from which the rest of a scene or chapter just unfolds organically, sometimes taking me in a direction that I didn't originally plan or expect.
Of course, there are days when I'm either not feeling physically well, in a bad mood, or suffering from bouts of crippling anxiety and self doubt as most new authors do. On those days, it can be hard to get in the right head space, so I either force myself past it by disconnecting myself from other distractions, social media being the worst culprit and carry on regardless.
When that doesn't work, I step away from the keyboard and focus on something else for a bit. The only problem with that is I'm usually plagued by guilt as my writing time is already squeezed by keeping my kids and the house in order. That said, I often find that when I'm not thinking about writing a difficult scene, I'll have a eureka moment when I least expect it, such as hovering or cleaning the bathroom!
Most importantly, as long as I have a cup of tea in my hand, a comfy place to work and sweet silence, then my fingers are itching to start tapping away.
W.J. Lennox
My inspiration for the Crystal Keeper trilogy came from finding a small piece of black and silver pumice stone on a beach in Normandy. My idea for the protagonist, Josie and other minor characters stemmed from a generic mix of people I have known over the course of my life.
Parts of the storyline are based on my own personal experiences, and the Edinburgh setting is a firm part of my Scottish roots as well as my second home. It is this sense of familiarity that evokes a more vivid sense of place in bringing the story to life.
The fantasy world of Galidom evolved from my imagination, building and shaping it piece by piece to create diverse cultures, mythology and politics. As a fantasy writer, world building and back story are essential in creating a unique story that will transports the reader to a another place or time. I take a lot of my inspiration from the world around us and its rich and colourful history.
Parts of the storyline are based on my own personal experiences, and the Edinburgh setting is a firm part of my Scottish roots as well as my second home. It is this sense of familiarity that evokes a more vivid sense of place in bringing the story to life.
The fantasy world of Galidom evolved from my imagination, building and shaping it piece by piece to create diverse cultures, mythology and politics. As a fantasy writer, world building and back story are essential in creating a unique story that will transports the reader to a another place or time. I take a lot of my inspiration from the world around us and its rich and colourful history.
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