Ask the Author: Michael J. Lawrence
Answered Questions (6)
Michael J. Lawrence
I was reading up on character arc and wrote a short story as the most literal interpretation of the advice possible. It evolved into what eventually became Legend of the Massif.
Michael J. Lawrence
I always have ideas on what to write about, but I guess the strongest inspiration to actually do it is when I see a good movie that gets me all cranked up.
Michael J. Lawrence
Legend of the Paladin, a novelization of the machinima The Last BFR. "What can a man do when he must choose between loyalty and duty?"
Michael J. Lawrence
Plan plan plan. Plan your story! Learn what story structure is and how to build a plot. Learn what character arc means. Master the basics. Be a professional about it. Be a craftsman, not an artist. As for theme: if you have something meaningful to say, let your characters convey your message with their actions.
Most important thing: write what is true to your heart. Everything else is just ascii.
Most important thing: write what is true to your heart. Everything else is just ascii.
Michael J. Lawrence
You get to create worlds and have people live in it according to your personal ideals. Once you realize you can create a character, beat the hell out of them and then give them the power to prevail, it's kind of fun. Writing fiction can be very expressive and sometimes the only way to say what you mean.
Michael J. Lawrence
Plan plan plan. Plan your story. Plan the structure, plot, characters and theme. If you can, sketch out the subplots as well. Before I write a single word, I already know what each scene is and what it's supposed to do. For a novel, planning is essential. I didn't come close to finishing a novel until I learned to plan one. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could write a novel without planning. Stephen King does it, but that's him.
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