Ask the Author: J.A. McLachlan
Answered Questions (11)
J.A. McLachlan
I like my life here and now. But I wouldn't mind a few DAY trips to meet some historical figures, like Shakespeare, Socrates, Jesus, Dostoyevsky, to name a few. I'd probably be disappointed, though. Traveling back in history would mean I, as a woman, would become a second-class citizen at best, and my historical heroes would probably ignore me. Best to admire such giants from afar, I think. As for imaginary worlds, like Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games- love the books but a day in the middle of a war against monsters and mutts? Happier to read about them.
J.A. McLachlan
That's a very good question. I don't write mysteries, so I don't think in those terms. I am more interested in the psychological mystery of how people think and why they do what they do. But I do write some of my experiences into my books, in one way or another. I have put the experience of losing my father when I was young into The Occasional Diamond Thief, and a brief spell of PTSD into The Salarian Desert Game, although those aren't the main plots of either book.
J.A. McLachlan
I'd have to say, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. They're both such complicated characters and so intense about everything, even when they're wrong.
J.A. McLachlan
Well, that's a different question to ask an author. I'm not in the medical profession, so I can only say that I guess it depends on the country. I don't imagine any reason they shouldn't, but I expect they'd want to be careful about not giving any medical advice online. In Canada our doctors don't compete for clients the way they might in some other countries, so I doubt they'd need to advertise on social media. A personal FB page, of course, is their choice.
J.A. McLachlan
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for stopping by. I started writing when I was seven - maybe eight - short stories and poems. In university I had several poems published... then I stopped writing, got married, worked, had children... One night when my kids were in high school, I woke up from a very vivid dream - the kind that is so "loud" and so interesting you just lie there with your eyes closed wishing you hadn't wakened, trying to keep dreaming even though you're awake because you really have to know how it ends. And I knew I had to write that story. When I finished it, I sent it to TOR, and they wrote back, "Not too bad. Send us your next one."
No, that first one hasn't been published, but I keep meaning to re-write it - only other projects keep coming up, and it does need a major re-write. I will get to it, though. If you see a book by me titled "Crossing at Zenith", you'll know the story behind it.
Thanks for stopping by. I started writing when I was seven - maybe eight - short stories and poems. In university I had several poems published... then I stopped writing, got married, worked, had children... One night when my kids were in high school, I woke up from a very vivid dream - the kind that is so "loud" and so interesting you just lie there with your eyes closed wishing you hadn't wakened, trying to keep dreaming even though you're awake because you really have to know how it ends. And I knew I had to write that story. When I finished it, I sent it to TOR, and they wrote back, "Not too bad. Send us your next one."
No, that first one hasn't been published, but I keep meaning to re-write it - only other projects keep coming up, and it does need a major re-write. I will get to it, though. If you see a book by me titled "Crossing at Zenith", you'll know the story behind it.
J.A. McLachlan
Persistence and being determined to keep improving your craft are more likely to lead to success than talent without persistence and hard work.
J.A. McLachlan
The way I feel when I've written a passage and I know it's good. The worst thing about being a writer is when I've written a passage and I know it doesn't work for some reason.
J.A. McLachlan
By reading a good book or coming across an interesting idea I'd like to explore.
J.A. McLachlan
I don't have writer's block. Sometimes after completing a book I'll take a break, but never for long. And sometimes I have to struggle with a part of a story where things slow down. When that happens, I 'think-tank' with other writers I know or take a few days break while my unconscious mind mulls it over. If that doesn't work, I do what Hemmingway suggested: sit down at the typewriter and bleed. Write whatever comes to mind to get past that section, and worry about editing it later.
J.A. McLachlan
I'm currently working of two projects: a YA science fiction novel and an historical fiction novel from the 14thC.
J.A. McLachlan
Many of my ideas come from research. Some come from experiences in my life and some from dreams I have!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more