Ask the Author: Brett Armstrong
Answered Questions (4)
Brett Armstrong
Oy! I'm a total goof. I'm so sorry, I didn't see this sooner! If it is helpful some point down the line for another reading challenge, August is my birth month as it happens.
Brett Armstrong
I seem to always be in a state of revising a couple unpublished novels I completed some time ago. In addition, I have two other sequel novels (one a sequel to Destitutio Quod Remissio) and the other part of near future thriller series that is yet unpublished.
Then there is the free serialized companion novella for DQR I'm releasing called A Light Undimmed. I'm midway into Part II of III for it and finding every bit of it a pleasure. Some of my earliest writing was doing stories in serials during our journal time at elementary school. I always liked that format so I wanted to give readers of DQR a little more of that world and some of its characters, as a sort of thank you.
Then there is the free serialized companion novella for DQR I'm releasing called A Light Undimmed. I'm midway into Part II of III for it and finding every bit of it a pleasure. Some of my earliest writing was doing stories in serials during our journal time at elementary school. I always liked that format so I wanted to give readers of DQR a little more of that world and some of its characters, as a sort of thank you.
Brett Armstrong
Thankfully, I haven't had to face writer's block in earnest. My issue is usually too much to write and not enough time to write it all. A close approximation, though, is when the writing isn't fluid and I'm not careening through page after page of what feels like the very best of what I can write. At those moments, I try to keep writing. Pick the most interesting snippet of story I know will be coming and try to build out from there. See if it sparks something and connect the tissues of the high points in the plot later when the words are coming more readily and even the most banal happenings can be made important and interesting.
Brett Armstrong
I really think it's two-fold. When done right, it's like getting to be a brush in God's hand. Being used to create something of beauty, that can inspire, inform, and entertain others is a phenomenal privilege.
Along those same lines, I also see writing novels as being somewhat similar to being an explorer. As a writer you get to have the first look at a new world, one you can't help but want to invite others to see as well. At times writing can feel very much like you're just another reader getting an advance copy of a book you would want to read. That may not seem sensible at first glance, but most writers admit there are times the story seems to be writing itself and you're just there for the journey.
Along those same lines, I also see writing novels as being somewhat similar to being an explorer. As a writer you get to have the first look at a new world, one you can't help but want to invite others to see as well. At times writing can feel very much like you're just another reader getting an advance copy of a book you would want to read. That may not seem sensible at first glance, but most writers admit there are times the story seems to be writing itself and you're just there for the journey.
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