Ask the Author: Greg Lampman
Answered Questions (7)
Greg Lampman
Uh...Elandera. That was easy!
Greg Lampman
Take one look at the creatures of Elandera, and you can pretty much guess where the inspiration came from. But the character design is about the only common aspect. As for the story, I don't really know what inspired me. I've always been a fan of the whole 'worlds collide' idea, so it probably came from that. Thinking that there could be many things out there far beyond our understanding, just waiting to be found...or waiting to find us.
Greg Lampman
Honestly? I never really wanted to write. Kind of happened by accident. I've always been a graphic artist (as can be seen with the many creatures from the books), and one day I decided I wanted to do something with them. So I came up with a story. One thing led to another, and now there are three books in the Elandera series, with many more to come. That's not to say I was a natural at writing. Far from it. Like any other art form, I had to work hard at it to really perfect my craft.
Greg Lampman
Right now, I'm working mostly on promoting Elandera and getting the franchise into as many hands as possible. Once that's done, I will begin to take a more focused approach toward working on the fourth book in the series.
Greg Lampman
Things will not always be easy, so make sure you're having fun with what you're doing. Creating your work, while frustrating at times, will be the most enjoyable part of the entire process, so make sure you take advantage of that. Though reviews and opinions are important to the development of your creation, don't spend too much time on them. Take what you can from them (good or bad) and move on. If you have confidence in what you've created and in your own abilities, it will show.
Greg Lampman
Honestly, it's just fun. Being able to create anything that other people can enjoy is an amazing feeling, be it printed media, or any other kind of art form. Writing gives you the opportunity to share your ideas with others, and having them become a part of what you have created is truly something special.
Greg Lampman
Just take some time off and think about things as you go. Don't pressure yourself. Sometimes getting away from the computer screen can do wonders, and you never know where that much-needed 'inspiration' will come from. Give yourself the chance to come across it organically.
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