Ask the Author: Jon Mackley
Answered Questions (6)
Jon Mackley
I've pretty much run out of time for reading for pleasure this year, although this summer I've enjoyed (re) reading Dean Koontz's "Strangers", Suzie Wilde's "The Book of Bera", John Marrs "The Passengers" and Alex North's "the Whisper Man" (Highly recommended). I've also read a lot of books either written in French or set in France while I get into the mindset of my current novel which should be finished in first draft in the next month. I'm currently reading Neil Spring's "The Lost Village".
After this, I'll be focusing on books I need to read for teaching including "1984", "Lord of the Flies", "The Handmaid's Tale", "The Hunger Games" and "Delerium"
After this, I'll be focusing on books I need to read for teaching including "1984", "Lord of the Flies", "The Handmaid's Tale", "The Hunger Games" and "Delerium"
Jon Mackley
These days, when I look in a mirror, I see my father's face looking back at me. He's started to leave fingerprints on the inside of the glass.
Jon Mackley
My the idea for most recent book, The Gawain Legacy, developed when I was studying medieval literature at university. The attention to linguistic detail is so precise, as well as meticulous symbolism and the repetition of numbers throughout. I started wondering whether there could be a message in the text, and this idea developed into a "trail" for the characters to follow..
Jon Mackley
I have two novels in progress - one that's in the final stages before I try to publish it. This is a short novel - around 150 pages - which is in the high fantasy genre. Four main characters: dwarf, elf, human and ... another one. The idea is that it's the first in a series of short novels, along the lines of Michael Moorcock's Elric series.
I have another book that's three quarters finished, which isn't so much "supernatural" as "unusual". The basic premise is perfectly plausible, and the story is how the characters react to it. I imagine that this will be around 100-120,000 words by the time it's finished, and, again, it may be the start of a longer series. Certainly, the principal reason for the "unusual" event won't be explained.
I have another book that's three quarters finished, which isn't so much "supernatural" as "unusual". The basic premise is perfectly plausible, and the story is how the characters react to it. I imagine that this will be around 100-120,000 words by the time it's finished, and, again, it may be the start of a longer series. Certainly, the principal reason for the "unusual" event won't be explained.
Jon Mackley
Look at the place where you're writing. If your desk is anything like mine then it's covered in clutter. Start with the top lefthand side of the desk. What's there? Why is it there? Is there a story attached to it? Is there something in the background distracting you? Try to appeal to all senses. Stop after 500 words.
Now that you've "opened" your writer's "eye", look into your imagination at the place where your characters are standing. What is there around them? It may not be that this is something that you can use in your novel, but it'll help you get closer to your characters for a while. Writing is a craft, and it's a skill, but you can't be expected to get it right without some practice.
I've added a observation about "my desk" on the "blog" page of my website: http://jonmackley.wix.com/mackleyauthor
Now that you've "opened" your writer's "eye", look into your imagination at the place where your characters are standing. What is there around them? It may not be that this is something that you can use in your novel, but it'll help you get closer to your characters for a while. Writing is a craft, and it's a skill, but you can't be expected to get it right without some practice.
I've added a observation about "my desk" on the "blog" page of my website: http://jonmackley.wix.com/mackleyauthor
Jon Mackley
Get a trusted support base - people who you know will give you constructive criticism, rather than false flattery or jealous criticism. If an idea's not working for you, then ask for suggestions.
Keep at it. every writer goes through feelings of self-doubt.You'll at least be in with a chance if you finish your novel.
Keep at it. every writer goes through feelings of self-doubt.You'll at least be in with a chance if you finish your novel.
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