Ask the Author: James Shade
Answered Questions (5)
James Shade
I am first finishing "The Roundhouse" by Louise Erdrich. Then I'm probably going to read the next installment of Annie Bellet's Twenty-Sided Sorceress series, "Hunting Season." After that, I'm probably going to be buried in reading the new RPG rule book, "Starfinder" by Paizo.
James Shade
I have two approaches to writing. First, I try to stick to a word count per day. On good days, that works pretty well, as both projects on which I'm currently working, I have a good idea of where the story is going. Second, I'm a very "mental image" kind of writer. I usually have a couple of scenes in my head and during quiet moments (before bed, in the shower, on the treadmill at the gym) I go over those scenes again and again, visualizing the actions and dialog. Then, when I sit to write, I usually have pretty concrete idea of what the scene is about.
But there are times when I get stuck - usually during transition work, or when I know I need a scene from a certain point of view (a secondary character or a villain maybe) and I'm staring at a blank page. When that happens, there are a couple of things that I try. Sometimes I do a self interview - asking "what am I trying to do here?" "what can make this scene unique/exciting?" That sort of thing. Sometimes I try free-writing - just writing down thoughts without trying to tie anything to the story. If it starts flowing that way, then great, I go with it. Finally, I sometimes switch gears and work on something entirely different - one of my hobbies, some spreadsheet/financials, or scan social media (like my Goodreads or Facebook pages).
But there are times when I get stuck - usually during transition work, or when I know I need a scene from a certain point of view (a secondary character or a villain maybe) and I'm staring at a blank page. When that happens, there are a couple of things that I try. Sometimes I do a self interview - asking "what am I trying to do here?" "what can make this scene unique/exciting?" That sort of thing. Sometimes I try free-writing - just writing down thoughts without trying to tie anything to the story. If it starts flowing that way, then great, I go with it. Finally, I sometimes switch gears and work on something entirely different - one of my hobbies, some spreadsheet/financials, or scan social media (like my Goodreads or Facebook pages).
James Shade
Oh boy... How should I know? I'm still an aspiring writer. I guess I'd say that my advice is to write and find some inspiration that makes you keep writing. Oh, and do it outside of real-life activities that will pay the bills.
Seriously, though. I aspire to write every day. I try to set aside a time block to work on whatever is my current project. Some people use a word count, or a page count. I use a precious 1 1/2 hours that I try to squeeze in alongside taking care of my family, cooking, cleaning, and my day job that pays the bills. Sometimes I fail. I oversleep. Or the dog is sick. Or someone didn't get their homework done the night before. Life interrupts.
But I continue to aspire. And I found a like-minded group of creative people who are in the trenches with me. Their work continues to keep me motivated and enthusiastic.
Seriously, though. I aspire to write every day. I try to set aside a time block to work on whatever is my current project. Some people use a word count, or a page count. I use a precious 1 1/2 hours that I try to squeeze in alongside taking care of my family, cooking, cleaning, and my day job that pays the bills. Sometimes I fail. I oversleep. Or the dog is sick. Or someone didn't get their homework done the night before. Life interrupts.
But I continue to aspire. And I found a like-minded group of creative people who are in the trenches with me. Their work continues to keep me motivated and enthusiastic.
James Shade
I find that my participation in my writers' groups provides a huge amount of satisfaction and inspiration. Whether the group is critiquing my work or the work of one of the other writers, it is such a good feeling to have these discussions to improve our craft. The exchange of ideas, "what if's", and recommendations charges me up and I'm always ready to write or edit when I get home.
James Shade
I'm in the first stages of editing my first horror novel. The idea for this book sprouted from an idea that came to me during a family weekend in a cabin outside of Breckenridge and a challenge made within my speculative fiction writer's group. I layered in some character interests that had been in the back of my mind and added some elements of Native American Ute legends.
I am excited about this project. It is certainly the darkest material I've written, so it has given me an opportunity to stretch both my writing ability and my comfort zone. I plan to release the book next summer.
I am excited about this project. It is certainly the darkest material I've written, so it has given me an opportunity to stretch both my writing ability and my comfort zone. I plan to release the book next summer.
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