Ask the Author: James Sabata
Answered Questions (3)
James Sabata
I don't believe in "inspired to write" as most define it. For me, ideas are everywhere. Every person, every place, every object has a story. I just people watch and I listen to others. I talk to anyone I can about seemingly unimportant things until something in me starts to ask questions about something I heard. That's my inspiration. The questions. I don't set out to find stories. I set out to learn about others and listen to them. The stories find me while I'm doing that.
James Sabata
Never stop learning. You don't know everything. Stephen Kind doesn't know everything. Attend conferences. Talk to other writers. Read things outside of your comfort zone. Read things you don't agree with.
And never take reviews personally.
And never take reviews personally.
James Sabata
I do not believe in writer's block, so it's really easy to deal with. It only gets in your way if you let it. If you don't believe in it, it can never get in your way. I'm always working on multiple projects. If one isn't working, I go to the next. Work on what IS working while still juggling to ensure your hit deadlines, and you'll be solid.
Writers always think they need inspiration, but the truth is that most just need discipline. It's my belief that if it's important to you, you'll find a way to finish it. If it's not, you'll find a great excuse. Writer's block seems to be as good an excuse as any other for many writers but I feel we do a great injustice to people who are just starting out by convincing them that this monster exists. Let's teach them how to be productive instead. They can figure out how to make excuses on their own.
Writers always think they need inspiration, but the truth is that most just need discipline. It's my belief that if it's important to you, you'll find a way to finish it. If it's not, you'll find a great excuse. Writer's block seems to be as good an excuse as any other for many writers but I feel we do a great injustice to people who are just starting out by convincing them that this monster exists. Let's teach them how to be productive instead. They can figure out how to make excuses on their own.
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