Ask the Author: M. Scott Snelten
Answered Questions (6)
M. Scott Snelten
The idea for my first book, Trial By Fire, came from standing on the corner of Cordova and King Street in St. Augustine. While I stood at that intersection admiring well-known landmarks, I had an unmistakable moment of intuition that there was a captivating story to tell about America's oldest city. Strangely enough, I believed it, and I endured until I completed the novel. Simply stated, I followed a hunch.
M. Scott Snelten
I, like many people, love music. I doesn't matter which genre I listen to, it affects me profoundly, visually and imaginatively.
One day while I was at the gym listening to a genre called Dubstep, the song Nothing Has Been Broken by Bassnectar blared over my earphones. It mesmerized me, I went into a trance, and a video appeared in my mind of a possible science-fiction story between teens and robots (and one that I hope to bang out soon). I never expected the surprise vision, but the music inspired it nonetheless.
Furthermore, the more a writer fine tunes his or her craft, the more sensitive he or she becomes to available story ideas.
One day while I was at the gym listening to a genre called Dubstep, the song Nothing Has Been Broken by Bassnectar blared over my earphones. It mesmerized me, I went into a trance, and a video appeared in my mind of a possible science-fiction story between teens and robots (and one that I hope to bang out soon). I never expected the surprise vision, but the music inspired it nonetheless.
Furthermore, the more a writer fine tunes his or her craft, the more sensitive he or she becomes to available story ideas.
M. Scott Snelten
I am currently working on the second novel in the Clara Dune series. It is tentatively named Hole of Souls, and it takes place in Argentina. (Yes, I made a travel-research trip to South America.)
I'm giving myself a big challenge: Finish researching it in October--and writing it in November, so I can participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I have a comprehensive computer file of characters, plot notes, and symbolism waiting to be put to use. I can't wait.
I'm giving myself a big challenge: Finish researching it in October--and writing it in November, so I can participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I have a comprehensive computer file of characters, plot notes, and symbolism waiting to be put to use. I can't wait.
M. Scott Snelten
First, there is no one, single path to becoming a writer. There are so many different, valid paths. It takes humility, ardent passion and untold patience to find your way. I am weary of anyone who says "It's easy."
In the early stages, I had no clue how to become a writer; however, I knew that I loved renowned writers like Dante Alighieri and John Milton, and, of course, Dan Brown (who has his own way of adding a classic touch to a modern tale).
I read a lot of how-to books. Unfortunately many of them were garbage. I know that's harsh language, but I'm being honest. In terms of writing structure, I really benefitted from reading The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, the topic of the hero's journey from Joseph Campbell, and the topic of plotting a six-stage screenplay structure from Michael Hauge.
Additionally, writers need to familiarize themselves with the terms of the business. One super-informative book is Business for Authors: How to Be an Author Entrepreneur by Joanna Penn. It answers practically every question--you never even knew to ask.
As you may have figured out by now, a writer must consider the art, structure and business of writing. It's a lot of work, but the passion to be a writer and tell meaningful stories carries you through.
In the early stages, I had no clue how to become a writer; however, I knew that I loved renowned writers like Dante Alighieri and John Milton, and, of course, Dan Brown (who has his own way of adding a classic touch to a modern tale).
I read a lot of how-to books. Unfortunately many of them were garbage. I know that's harsh language, but I'm being honest. In terms of writing structure, I really benefitted from reading The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, the topic of the hero's journey from Joseph Campbell, and the topic of plotting a six-stage screenplay structure from Michael Hauge.
Additionally, writers need to familiarize themselves with the terms of the business. One super-informative book is Business for Authors: How to Be an Author Entrepreneur by Joanna Penn. It answers practically every question--you never even knew to ask.
As you may have figured out by now, a writer must consider the art, structure and business of writing. It's a lot of work, but the passion to be a writer and tell meaningful stories carries you through.
M. Scott Snelten
There are many great things about being a writer. For me, the first is discovery and the second is self-discovery. I love uncovering information that makes me go "ahhhhhh" and I love finding a way to give it life in a story.
While researching Trial By Fire, I discovered so many historical facts about the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain and an an eighth-cenury king named Pelayo. Then I found even more intriguing facts about St. Augustine, Florida (the oldest European-founded and continually-occupied city in the United States). The more interesting points of this research were that these historical points seemed like pure fantasy--but they weren't. It was a miracle that my findings fit so perfectly into a novel. In fact, many readers were surprised that so much of this "fantasy" novel had such deep historic underpinnings.
Researching and writing provide a wonderful adventure.
While researching Trial By Fire, I discovered so many historical facts about the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain and an an eighth-cenury king named Pelayo. Then I found even more intriguing facts about St. Augustine, Florida (the oldest European-founded and continually-occupied city in the United States). The more interesting points of this research were that these historical points seemed like pure fantasy--but they weren't. It was a miracle that my findings fit so perfectly into a novel. In fact, many readers were surprised that so much of this "fantasy" novel had such deep historic underpinnings.
Researching and writing provide a wonderful adventure.
M. Scott Snelten
All of my life, I've had a vivid imagination. As soon as I listen to inspiring music, my imagination flares, and my emotions rise often to the point of tears. Because of that, I haven't experienced writer's block, although I am sympathetic that some writers do experience it.
If I do get stumped (as I did with many sections of my novel, Trial By Fire) I have this belief system that the answer is out there -- and it will find me.
When I began writing Trial By Fire, I simply told myself that I was the one to tell this story. I had faith that it would work out.
So, if one day I am stumped by writer's block, I will hand it over in faith -- and what for the answer.
If I do get stumped (as I did with many sections of my novel, Trial By Fire) I have this belief system that the answer is out there -- and it will find me.
When I began writing Trial By Fire, I simply told myself that I was the one to tell this story. I had faith that it would work out.
So, if one day I am stumped by writer's block, I will hand it over in faith -- and what for the answer.
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