Ask the Author: J.A. Carter-Winward
Answered Questions (7)
J.A. Carter-Winward
Sure. Thanks for your question. It made me re-think my "Ask me a question" blurb, so thank you. :)
J.A. Carter-Winward
"Most recent book...." no way to really answer that. This is the dreaded question of all time for authors. Usually, it's the more general, "Where do you get your ideas?"
I have several answers, all of which are semi-to-totally untrue:
"Your therapist."
"The morgue."
"My asshole."
"The lady who does your nails."
"My dead cat, Agadeise."
"God."
"Satan."
"Winona Ryder."
"A psychic."
"The wild grasses in Illinois as they blow in the wind during late August."
"The Trix rabbit."
"Your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend."
"Plain Greek yogurt with protein-rich granola mixed in..."
Well, you get the idea.
I have several answers, all of which are semi-to-totally untrue:
"Your therapist."
"The morgue."
"My asshole."
"The lady who does your nails."
"My dead cat, Agadeise."
"God."
"Satan."
"Winona Ryder."
"A psychic."
"The wild grasses in Illinois as they blow in the wind during late August."
"The Trix rabbit."
"Your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend."
"Plain Greek yogurt with protein-rich granola mixed in..."
Well, you get the idea.
J.A. Carter-Winward
I don't understand the question. That would be like asking a newborn what inspires him to breathe the moment the muck of the womb is cleared from his mouth. Whatever that infant tells you? That. That's what inspires me.
J.A. Carter-Winward
Becoming a better writer. Constantly, endlessly. That, and a new novel, a novella, several books of poetry, and a short story collection. Oh, and an album (music). Other than that? Not much.
J.A. Carter-Winward
1) Read Bukowski's poem, "so you want to be a writer."
2) Read books that challenge you. Read writers who leave you with more questions than answers, and finally, read writers whose words cause a shiver in your spine.
3) Learn the rules before you break them.
4) Write because you simply must, or you'll go bat-shit nuts.
5) Listen to people who tell you what you're doing wrong. Choose them carefully and well.
6) Listen to people who tell you what you do right. Same as above.
7) Then parse out, between the two, what resonates, and trust your gut.
8) After all these things? Question yourself again and again. When you get it right, you'll know.
9) If you are positive you know, you probably don't.
10) Start at #1 and do it all over again and again and again.
11) Finally, and without question: cultivate within you an endless compassion and empathy for all human beings, including yourself. If you don't do this, you will not only fail to reach your potential of as a writer, you will also fail to reach your potential as a human being.
2) Read books that challenge you. Read writers who leave you with more questions than answers, and finally, read writers whose words cause a shiver in your spine.
3) Learn the rules before you break them.
4) Write because you simply must, or you'll go bat-shit nuts.
5) Listen to people who tell you what you're doing wrong. Choose them carefully and well.
6) Listen to people who tell you what you do right. Same as above.
7) Then parse out, between the two, what resonates, and trust your gut.
8) After all these things? Question yourself again and again. When you get it right, you'll know.
9) If you are positive you know, you probably don't.
10) Start at #1 and do it all over again and again and again.
11) Finally, and without question: cultivate within you an endless compassion and empathy for all human beings, including yourself. If you don't do this, you will not only fail to reach your potential of as a writer, you will also fail to reach your potential as a human being.
J.A. Carter-Winward
Writing.
Writing, and then getting fan mail with words like these (from a fan email I received just this morning):
"As with so many things that you write, it [your poetry] has a voice that my insides recognize. You understand what lacks words."
I'd like to humbly posit that words are my way of understanding and defining the misunderstood, the undefinable, and the depth of living as an authentic human being. There is solace and liberation to opening yourself to the world's scrutiny. Yes, it's dangerous, and it can be frightening.
It is also the most powerful feeling in the world.
Writing, and then getting fan mail with words like these (from a fan email I received just this morning):
"As with so many things that you write, it [your poetry] has a voice that my insides recognize. You understand what lacks words."
I'd like to humbly posit that words are my way of understanding and defining the misunderstood, the undefinable, and the depth of living as an authentic human being. There is solace and liberation to opening yourself to the world's scrutiny. Yes, it's dangerous, and it can be frightening.
It is also the most powerful feeling in the world.
J.A. Carter-Winward
I'll answer with a poem (how obnoxious)
Blocked
The definition of "writer's block"
is not the inability to write,
it's the absence of passion.
--jacw
I have never been accused of lacking passion, and I don't believe in "writer's block." I believe it is a made-up term for writer's who don't understand the process of writing.
Blocked
The definition of "writer's block"
is not the inability to write,
it's the absence of passion.
--jacw
I have never been accused of lacking passion, and I don't believe in "writer's block." I believe it is a made-up term for writer's who don't understand the process of writing.
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