Ask the Author: Chrystal Vaughan
Answered Questions (8)
Chrystal Vaughan
Writing about fiction is more challenging because I have to make sure to keep all the details of my worlds straight; non-fiction is a matter of research and organization, in my experience. I like to mix the two together; it's easier on me, and gives the reader a thrill of recognition when they read some bit of fact or folklore in my books.
Chrystal Vaughan
I'm currently working on several projects; two are sequels, one is a historical novel about Beethoven, and one is a paranormal horror that differs from my first three books. There are other things I'm working on as well, under different pen names.
Chrystal Vaughan
I let it ride. I don't force the writing. I know a lot of famous authors that I look up to say you have to put your rear in the seat and write no matter what, every day. I try to write every day, no matter what. But often, if the story isn't telling itself to me on a particular day, I write something else, like a blog post, a short story, a poem, or anything not related to the work in play. Every story has its day, for me. I let it come to me because the work is better when I do.
Chrystal Vaughan
Creating my characters is one of the best parts for me. I just like making my own worlds. I feel like, when I'm writing, I'm at my most creative, above and beyond anything I can paint, knit, sculpt, or draw. I can conjure a universe and all the things within it from thin air.
Chrystal Vaughan
Don't stop writing. Everyone starts somewhere. And write everything down, no matter how small or trivial or stupid it might seem at the time. You'll need it later, I promise.
Chrystal Vaughan
Currently, I'm working on the sequel to my first book (Sideshow) which is called Straw Houses. I've also got about five or six other stories in various phases of the process.
Chrystal Vaughan
I write everything that comes to me. Sometimes I'm inspired by the people and things around me, events on television, something I've read, or something I see. A piece of artwork, a phrase...anything can inspire me to write at any moment. I never know when it's coming.
Chrystal Vaughan
My most recent book, Conspiracy of Ravens, was inspired by a conversation I had with my daughter about what the different names are for groups of animals. For instance, did you know that a group of cats can be known as a "leap of cats"? We did some research while waiting in the car and found out the name for a group of ravens is a conspiracy. The phrase wouldn't leave my head and lo, a novel was born.
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