Ask the Author: H.W. Cumming
Answered Questions (6)
H.W. Cumming
I'm working on the second book - Hartok's return. It's getting ready for the editor's hands by the end of the summer (hopefully). in this book Hartok realizes what he's done and sets a plan to regain his position as Knightmaster in any way possible
H.W. Cumming
For me its about not forcing it - I always try to start with a complete outline of the main plot points in 20-30 lines or less as a guide and then work my way around it. Sometimes I get stuck because i dont like the way something is coming together so i take a break or expand on a plot point ahead in the book by a few chapters and that always helps me clear things up.
H.W. Cumming
Travelling has been a bit part of my inspiration - visiting places with a lot of history, like Rome or trekking through Nepal gives me time to imagine the brothers in unique places and often will become the backdrop to a scene in the books
H.W. Cumming
I'm working on book 2(about 30 pages in) - i'm going to introduce a female lead character in the book - so it should be an exciting adventure for the brothers.
H.W. Cumming
Just remember that it is easier to destroy than to create and that's why everyone is a critic. Finding a way to unleash your creative soul is part of the journey. I have personally tried lots of different ways to express my creativity and writing just sort of found me. My advice is don't typecast yourself and find yourself stuck - let the creative process find your match - that is - maybe you aren't a mystery writer, or a dramatic novelist - maybe you are a poet, or a children's author! - just let the art in you guide you and know that you can be great. It's one of the thing I learned from my professional life in leading people - there is a great role for everyone - the trick is helping them find it for themselves so they can be great.
H.W. Cumming
The book initially started as a bedtime story and then grew into a book. The backdrop for the story comes from my fascination with all things medieval and from imaging a mythical world without the bounds of earth with my brother while we played together as boys. The roots of the story are inspired by the journey kids take from being completely dependent on their parents to becoming increasingly more and more independent and is told from a single dad's vantage point. The most important thing for me was and still is to teach the kids to be good leaders and also to be good people- King Reynold is a reflection of the pride I have in my own kids.
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