Ask the Author: Will Freshwater
Answered Questions (6)
Will Freshwater
I don't really wait for inspiration to write. Instead, I've disciplined myself to stick to my writing schedule, no matter how motivated I feel on any given day. I'm someone who finds comfort in ritual, so I grab a cup of coffee, turn on my favorite writing lamp, and listen to some mellow music. Re-reading a couples of pages or paragraphs is usually enough to let me pick up the thread and move forward. If not, I go back and re-work/edit. Before long, something pops into my head and I start to type.
Will Freshwater
I've found that a lot of aspiring writers put too much pressure on themselves. There's a misperception that writing is a "natural talent" -- something you are either born with or not. I don't believe that at all. Writing is editing, editing, editing. Setting a schedule and committing to it, is the most important advice I can give to anyone who is serious about writing. Some days I can knock out 1,000 words and another day I can barely squeak out a paragraph, but that doesn't matter. Because I'm writing.
Will Freshwater
I appreciate art and music, but for me, words and the perfect medium to share the thoughts, feelings, and memories swirling around in my head. Finding the right phrase brings a rush of happiness and satisfaction. It's also pretty intense when someone connects with something I've written.
Will Freshwater
I'm actually writing two novels at once. "The Boys of Summer," a prequel to "Favorite Son," tells the backstory of Danny, Max, Bill Woodside and a bunch of other familiar characters. I'm also working on "The Plumb Line," an intensely moving story about a son's reconciliation with his dying father. The novels are night-and-day different (P-Town vs. Charleston), but I'm already invested in the characters, settings, and stories.
Will Freshwater
Have you ever tried to dance without music? It just doesn't work. For me, writer's block is a signal that I need to go out and do something in the real world -- explore the city, meet new people, watch a great movie -- anything that turns up the volume on life so I can find my rhythm and pick up the beat. I also find inspiration reading other great writing. Soaking up words, characters, and stories always gets my creative juices going again.
Will Freshwater
Hello Don! I actually wrote the first chapter as a short story in 2001, after an unexpected meeting with a handsome stranger on the subway. I knew I loved to write, but I was way too caught up in my legal career to pursue it seriously (sounds like John Wells, no?). Moving from DC to Tampa in 2008 was the kick in the butt I needed to write the novel. It took about a year to get the story on paper and another three years to edit, edit, edit, It's a work of fiction, but most of the characters and events were drawn from my real life. I always warn my friends -- don't be too interesting or you'll end up in one of my books! Thanks for the question and for the support!! I appreciate it very much!
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