Ask the Author: Ross Ritchell
Answered Questions (6)
Ross Ritchell
Oh, lots of things. Mainly writing little tidbits and trying to see what grabs my heart. I can't write without being passionate about the subject. I still see Middle Eastern events as incredibly important, so likely something in that turbulent, though beautiful and magnificent, region.
Ross Ritchell
Some doors need to be broken down, others bypassed. Writer's block might be a sign that what you're writing doesn't actually have a place in the story you're attempting; other times it might be a sign that you need to access uncomfortable emotions or realize that something your attempting is gold or fool's gold. A block is an obstacle, obstacles are always opportunities. Keep at it, but be ready to cut and run. Writer's block should act as your unconscious telling you there's a problem that needs to be remedied. Don't quit though, that's the worst 4-letter word.
Ross Ritchell
Henry Miller said, "I read to be taken out of myself, to become ecstatic." I believe that's the best thing about being a writer. We're all "stuck in ourselves" to a certain extent, and writing allows the writer to get beyond themselves. They can become a man if they are a woman (or vice versa), young if old (vice versa), etc. It's incredibly liberating and can help blunt painful real-world experiences immeasurably. People say it can be a sort of therapy, and I agree, but it also is just a very nice mental break and exercise. I like to write because I feel productive, because I feel somewhat might benefit from what I've said (even if it's only myself, thats okay too). Writing is freedom. There are few negatives to that ideal.
Ross Ritchell
Learn to see doubt and fear as assets and not detriments. Doubt can be your best editing tool, which is imperative for aspiring writers to harness. You need to be your own best, and worst, critic or others won't waste their time on your work. If something doesn't work or fit, cut immediately. Don't be married to you "genius" because none of us are that brilliant. Beyond that, believe in yourself (corny but true) and read as much as possible. Pay attention to how authors make you feel the way they do, whether good or bad. Learn to read with your ears. Listen to how sentences sound and work, then you can start finding your way and inspiration. Writing is fun, a great deal of fun, but it can be incredibly intimidating and frustrating. Use that to break through psychological blocks, increase self-esteem, and ultimately get the words on the page.
Ross Ritchell
Sometimes I can truly be "inspired" and feel as though I have to write, immediately, whether in bed, on a train, or at work. This often happens during times of sleeplessness, large news events related to war and the Middle East, or simply based on what I'm reading lately or have seen on the news.
Other times writing is something you need to slog through and get motivated for. Doubt and fear are a writer's backseat drivers (or at least in my case), and sometimes you have to use them for motivation. Put some headphones on, listen to good music, or just pretend you'll die any second and you need to decide what you want to say to the rest of the world before it's too late.
Other times writing is something you need to slog through and get motivated for. Doubt and fear are a writer's backseat drivers (or at least in my case), and sometimes you have to use them for motivation. Put some headphones on, listen to good music, or just pretend you'll die any second and you need to decide what you want to say to the rest of the world before it's too late.
Ross Ritchell
I got the idea for the work based on personal experiences, personal interests, and the greater climate of the world around me. I'm very interested in current and past events in the Middle East and certainly concerned with peace for all. These things constantly consumed me, so I had to get the demons out. Elie Wiesel said, "If I hadn't written, I would have exploded". That resonates very much with me.
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