Ask the Author: John Achor
Answered Questions (5)
John Achor
New baby shoes. Never worn. (Hemingway I think)
John Achor
Tough question ... the first couple that popped into my mind was Nick and Nora Charles -- the hard drinking couple in The Thin Man series (movies, as I recall there was only one Thin Man novel. It may well be time to introduce another couple of mystery solvers.
John Achor
The second Casey Fremont mystery is on the way, so I am editing the manuscript (mss) for my third mystery novel. Writing is a lot more fun that editing, but there is no way to escape that chore.
My first step is to have a software program read the mss aloud. I pick up many errors that way. Along with that, I'm running chapters through a critique group I meet with.
Next, I'll have Perfect It (a Microsoft Word add in program) go through the document looking for words I've used too often or in a different context.
Then I will read the mss through looking for plot glitches. That only leaves reading the galley proofs before the printing process.
My first step is to have a software program read the mss aloud. I pick up many errors that way. Along with that, I'm running chapters through a critique group I meet with.
Next, I'll have Perfect It (a Microsoft Word add in program) go through the document looking for words I've used too often or in a different context.
Then I will read the mss through looking for plot glitches. That only leaves reading the galley proofs before the printing process.
John Achor
I agree with many writers who don't believe there is such a thing as writer's block. Generally, as I write, one chapter leads to the next chapter leads to ... If I look at the screen and nothing is there, I figure I ran out of steam because I don't know where to take the story line next.
When that happens, I take a break to think about the plot and where it needs to go. My next step is to outline two or three chapters ahead to get the juices going. Most of the time I do not outline the plot ahead.
I do like to have an outline of the story, but for the most part I outline behind my writing. Recently, the light bulb came on and I realized I had missed a great scene that would toss a big stumbling block in front of my protagonist. Having that "behind" outline made it easier to locate the spot where that scene could be inserted -- without a lot of research.
To outline or not to outline - try each and go with what works best for you.
When that happens, I take a break to think about the plot and where it needs to go. My next step is to outline two or three chapters ahead to get the juices going. Most of the time I do not outline the plot ahead.
I do like to have an outline of the story, but for the most part I outline behind my writing. Recently, the light bulb came on and I realized I had missed a great scene that would toss a big stumbling block in front of my protagonist. Having that "behind" outline made it easier to locate the spot where that scene could be inserted -- without a lot of research.
To outline or not to outline - try each and go with what works best for you.
John Achor
To be honest, I do not remember where the idea came from. Perhaps, like Athena, who popped out as an adult fully clad in armor from her daddy's (Zeus) head, the idea popped into my head. Look around, daily life offers a plethora of possibilities. A seemingly meaningless event can produce a short story or novel. Once the idea takes hold, I sit down and start the writing process. I've been asked how does one write a novel - answer: sit down at your computer, start typing and don't stop until you type "the end." Find the time to write, keep writing until it's all down on "paper."
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