Ask the Author: Eldred Buck
Answered Questions (6)
Eldred Buck
A number of things, though 'misconceptions' was a big driver. I was very fortunate to have lived in the Middle East during some fascinating times, particularly when seen from the context of the world that we experience today. Its a part of the world that I visit frequently. Sadly, events and our perception of these events seem to have polarized and entrenched opinions of many and it seems to me there are many misconceptions about this part of the world. I drew upon many of my experiences to write about these, hopefully in an interesting and informative way.
Eldred Buck
Thanks for the question Robin.
Premise is everything and my next novel will be set in more recent times, with a similar theme but with a different context.
Since publishing my debut novel quite a few people have asked me what I was going to write about next time around. Then, just as I’m about to answer them, this line of enquiry is followed up with, “hey, you should write a novel about…” I often think, sure, that sounds very interesting, but what is this particular storyline really about? How did it get there in the first place and where is it going?
It seems to me that more often than not, if something appears totally obvious to me, then I’m most probably wrong. So in a long-winded way, to answer your question, the premise of my next novel is much like my last one; we all make mistakes and for all the right reasons.
Premise is everything and my next novel will be set in more recent times, with a similar theme but with a different context.
Since publishing my debut novel quite a few people have asked me what I was going to write about next time around. Then, just as I’m about to answer them, this line of enquiry is followed up with, “hey, you should write a novel about…” I often think, sure, that sounds very interesting, but what is this particular storyline really about? How did it get there in the first place and where is it going?
It seems to me that more often than not, if something appears totally obvious to me, then I’m most probably wrong. So in a long-winded way, to answer your question, the premise of my next novel is much like my last one; we all make mistakes and for all the right reasons.
Eldred Buck
Validation. The thrill you get when someone takes the time to send an email or a note saying how much they have enjoyed your work. It’s the best feeling, even better than the fine line between heavenly serenity, earthly bliss and a great cup of coffee.
Eldred Buck
I can think of five main pieces of advice I would liked to have heard when I starting to write. Firstly, don’t talk about it and just finish your book. You do this by giving yourself achievable short-term goals and sticking to them. Secondly, do your own research and check and cross-reference your facts; don’t be lazy and just lift them from other fiction writers. Thirdly, enjoy the journey, writing a good book is its own reward, anything and everything else is a bonus. Fourthly, never stop reading; books will inspire and inform you. Fifthly, take all advice about writing with a pinch of salt.
Eldred Buck
I have been fortunate enough to have lived and worked in a number of fascinating places around the globe. As a result of this I have come across some really amazing and genuine people, often in the most unexpected and trying of situations. At the same time, events around the globe seem to have created a chasm of mistrust between people and cultures and yet in my experience, we all have a lot more in common than we are led to think; my novel is about this idea
Eldred Buck
I absolutely love reading and without doubt the greatest inspiration I get is from reading other writers’ works. There are so many novelists that I love and admire, from Anthony Burgess to Joseph Conrad, Patrick O’Brian to Sebastian Faulks, Margaret Atwood to Dashiell Hammett to name just a very few. Fiction writing is always hugely challenging and it can be difficult to maintain the focus and intensity that is required for writing. I find my own energy and enthusiasm for writing is massively increased when I read the works of other writers, who provide the benchmarks for what is possible
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