Ask the Author: Barry W. Litherland
Answered Questions (4)
Barry W. Litherland
I'm not sure 'inspired' is the right word. Writing is a habit formed over time. I write 800 words a day as a minimum. It's a relatively easy target which is often exceeded. When the novel is flowing I can produce 2000 words or more. When it's not I re-read and edit the previous chapter and build a way back into the book. I like the point where the novel takes on a life of its own and I have to rein in the characters because they start to take the book in a direction I hadn't planned. Then I need to think and decide whether to follow them or turn their heads in my own direction. Maybe that's inspiration.
When I'm struggling with the narrative direction or with character I find an hour's concentration, often on an exercise bike, sees me though.
When I'm thinking through a new book I pace about a lot, jot things down, become moody, restless and difficult and do a lot of exercise - the more mindless the better.
When I'm struggling with the narrative direction or with character I find an hour's concentration, often on an exercise bike, sees me though.
When I'm thinking through a new book I pace about a lot, jot things down, become moody, restless and difficult and do a lot of exercise - the more mindless the better.
Barry W. Litherland
I've got two novels underway at the moment. The Garret Room is with my editor and is a crime novel about a young man searching for some sort of justice and closure after a bereavement. The journey takes him from the dark world of the Glasgow homeless to the Northern Highlands where he finds solace and, ultimately, trust. The darkness and filth of the underworld follows him but is finally defeated in an exciting denouement.
The second novel is untitled at present ('At the Shadow's Edge' maybe?) and is lying dormant after its second draft. I'll return to it in a few weeks. It is written in the first person present and flits from childhood to adulthood as the narrator gradually reveals a tragedy which has affected all the main protagonists and influences their behaviour as they are embroiled in a tale of corruption and criminality. It's a fast moving, character driven narrative and is probably the best thing I've written to date.
The second novel is untitled at present ('At the Shadow's Edge' maybe?) and is lying dormant after its second draft. I'll return to it in a few weeks. It is written in the first person present and flits from childhood to adulthood as the narrator gradually reveals a tragedy which has affected all the main protagonists and influences their behaviour as they are embroiled in a tale of corruption and criminality. It's a fast moving, character driven narrative and is probably the best thing I've written to date.
Barry W. Litherland
My latest book, as yet unpublished, was the result of a recent obsession with 'point of view'. I wanted to write something in the first person, in the present tense and to use just one narrator. It didn't work out. I needed two narrators because my key protagonist just couldn't be everywhere. I also wanted to create a narrative which flashed from childhood to adulthood, where there was an underlying tragedy which affected the main characters in childhood and which had repercussions in their adult lives. The first draft flowed beautifully. I don't think I've ever written as quickly or as successfully. The story is pacey, full of distinct characters, tragic and yet humorous. If I hadn't written it, I'd have to read it! Second draft complete, it will now lie in hibernation for a few months before I redraft and then get a professional edit.
Barry W. Litherland
Never had it. If I'm not writing, I'm re-drafting or testing out an idea as a short story. If anything I have too many ideas and sometimes I have to slow down and think things through. On more than one occasion I've set out on a new journey (figuratively speaking) only to find myself in a dead end or going somewhere uninteresting. I've had to learn to spend more time thinking - usually by going for walks along the coast or in the mountains of the Scottish Highlands where I live. Strangely enough, some of my characters do the same when faced by difficult decisions or when they need space to think.
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