Ask the Author: Susan Miura
Answered Questions (6)
Susan Miura
When I was a kid, I saw a small group of people standing around a dog that had just been hit by a car. An old lady said "somebody should just shoot the thing. It's gonna die anyway." This became the opening scene in Healer, which begins when my main character is five years old. (The chapter is only two pages - after that she's seventeen.) I couldn't save that dog, but in the book I have Shilo, who is a healer, and the dog has a much better ending.
Susan Miura
I believe you're either born a writer or you aren't. If you aren't, you can still learn to write, but you won't have that passion that makes it an inherent part of your life. If you are a writer, the inspiration is almost always there. Stories, conversations, or scenes fill your head, and you just aren't satisfied until you get them on paper.
Susan Miura
Book 2 of Healer (YA Christian paranormal) and a YA scifi.
Susan Miura
Have other authors critique your work, or hire a professional editor. It's fine to have family and friends read it, but they don't know what an editor is looking for, and they may not be completely honest. If they aren't published authors, they probably won't be able to tell you your characters need more development, you need more (or better) imagery, you've got to much showing vs. telling, etc. Another piece of advice is to join a writers group and attend writing workshops.
Susan Miura
One of the most rewarding aspects is when someone reads one of my books or short stories and tells me what they got out of it, or how they related to it. It's also just an amazing feeling to hear someone say "I loved your book!" It really doesn't compare to anything else.
Susan Miura
If the weather is nice, I go out and walk around the lake. It clears my head and helps me concentrate. Sometimes I'll talk with another author about it. I find that, even if the other person doesn't have advice, I can often move forward after having a conversation.
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