Ask the Author: Debra Erfert
Answered Questions (6)
Debra Erfert
I first wrote a nearly 900 page novel in 2003. That was WINDOW OF TIME. It went through 4 major rewrites since then, where finally it has become a trilogy. In the months before I first started writing that 900 page monster, I had a vivid dream where a woman was being chased and had to jump off an outdoor stairs in order to get away. I believe this stone staircase is in Paris. I've seen it in a movie. This was a reoccurring dream, actually, so it was throughly embedded in my mind as I began writing Lucy James jumping off that staircase in the first couple of pages. Since I wrote it, I haven't had that dream again. Weird, huh?
Debra Erfert
When I sit down to write, I always reread what I wrote the previous day, or week, depending on how many pages or chapters I have done. Getting involved with the characters always inspire me to continue their journey.
Debra Erfert
My current work in progress is WINDOW OF DARKNESS, book three in the WINDOW OF TIME Trilogy. This particular book is proving most difficult to write since I'm having the reader get to know the mind of a serial killer.
Debra Erfert
When I wrote my first story, I didn't have a clue on how to do it. I mean, I had scenes in my head--the characters were ready to get out of my imagination and have their stories told, but being able to write dialogue correctly, or keep in a single point of view was beyond my knowledge. It took time--and a lot of trial and error before I got the technical side of a good manuscript down pat.
My advice to any closet writer:
1) Don't give up!
2) Go to writers' conferences! They're very important. The information you learn there is priceless!
3) If you have an idea for a story, immediately write down the premise--in a notebook, or on your computer, anywhere, just so you don't forget it. It's the same for any scenes or dialogue. Write it down before you forget it, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night. Trust me on this. You won't remember it in the morning. I have a dozen or so ideas waiting for me to get the chance at giving them life.
4) If you have a story written, or even a few chapters, don't, and I repeat don't let your mother be the person you go to for an honest critique. She love you! Do you get it?
My advice to any closet writer:
1) Don't give up!
2) Go to writers' conferences! They're very important. The information you learn there is priceless!
3) If you have an idea for a story, immediately write down the premise--in a notebook, or on your computer, anywhere, just so you don't forget it. It's the same for any scenes or dialogue. Write it down before you forget it, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night. Trust me on this. You won't remember it in the morning. I have a dozen or so ideas waiting for me to get the chance at giving them life.
4) If you have a story written, or even a few chapters, don't, and I repeat don't let your mother be the person you go to for an honest critique. She love you! Do you get it?
Debra Erfert
The best thing about being a writer? I get to do something that I love every single day. How can I not be happy about that?
Debra Erfert
I know writer's blog is very real for some, but I haven't had to deal with it. When ever I sit down to write, my characters are always ready to "speak" with me and tell me what they want to do next.
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