Ask the Author: Alyssa Richards
Answered Questions (6)
Alyssa Richards
I don't know that I believe in mental blocks. I believe in the enigma of the creative process. I think ideas come through when we're ready to receive them. And do right by them. So, maybe a distraction helps us to receive the ideas, the next piece of the puzzle. Creativity seems to be dynamic, organic, alive. If we stare too hard at it, we choke it. A walk through the forest, skipping rocks in the stream, reading a classic. Those could be considered distractions, I guess. I tend to think those are necessary activities that draw us further into the creative process.
Alyssa Richards
I agree w/ Margaret Mitchell's statement that GWTW ('s overriding appeal) is about survival. "Gumption" or the fight within us, is essential to survival. Margaret used to tour pre-Civil war plantations in the area with her mother and they discussed the massive change that that generation went through. How some survived and went on to prosper and others did not. She made that evident in Rhett's quote to Scarlett about (gumption-less) Ashley: “It isn’t losing their money, my pet. I tell you its losing their world – the world they were raised in. They’re like fish out of the water or cats with wings. They were raised to be certain persons, to do certain things, to occupy certain niches. And those persons and things and niches disappeared forever when General Lee arrived at Appomattox.” I think GWTW makes us aware that when it all falls apart (and as Rhett said, "this isn't the first time it fell apart and it won't be the last...") we have to choose if we're going to be an Ashley (morose w/ nostalgia) or like Scarlett (determined and courageous.) Personally, I believe we should not fear, and march boldly forward.
Alyssa Richards
I first read GWTW when I was a young teenager and then we watched the film as a class in Civics. I haven't read it since then, but now that we're discussing it, maybe I will. I toured Margaret Mitchell's home in Atlanta not too long ago. I enjoyed reading how she infused her lead character Scarlett with what she called "gumption". She and her mother often discussed that quality often when Peg was young. Here is her quote, I hope you enjoy it, too! “If the novel has a theme it is that of survival. What makes some people come through catastrophes and others, apparently just as able, strong and brave go under? It happens in every upheaval. Some people survive; others don’t. What qualities are in those who fight their way through triumphantly that are lacking in those that go under? I only know that survivors used to call that quality ‘gumption.’ So I wrote about people who had gumption and people who didn’t.”
Alyssa Richards
Yes! :)
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Alyssa oxox
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www.AlyssaRichards.com
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Alyssa Richards
*New Release* FORCED PERSPECTIVE -- A Novel of Psychological Suspense
Harper Brown has spent the last 20 yrs reliving the worst night of her life. Now she’s finally in a good place, her secrets are well-hidden and she and Nick are growing closer. But when a cryptic note appears in her window, she learns that some secrets just won’t stay dead. https://books2read.com/AR-Forced
Perfect for fans of:
*shady husbands
*family secrets
*serial killers
*Savannah dripping in Gothic atmosphere
*endings that make you look at the book in a whole new light
Harper Brown has spent the last 20 yrs reliving the worst night of her life. Now she’s finally in a good place, her secrets are well-hidden and she and Nick are growing closer. But when a cryptic note appears in her window, she learns that some secrets just won’t stay dead. https://books2read.com/AR-Forced
Perfect for fans of:
*shady husbands
*family secrets
*serial killers
*Savannah dripping in Gothic atmosphere
*endings that make you look at the book in a whole new light
Alyssa Richards
I like Nora Roberts' perspective that writer's block doesn't exist. She says if you're worrying about what you can't write, then you're not at your keyboard writing. Or something along those lines. She believes in commitment to the craft and daily discipline. I do as well. Like any other job out there, writing requires you to show up every day. If you're in a place where all you can do is show up and write crap, then show up and do that. The process will lead you to a better place.
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