Ask the Author: Carl D. Smith
Answered Questions (6)
Carl D. Smith
The sense of accomplishment of seeing where a basic idea/outline goes once you develop and finish it. A lot of times a writer starts with a scene, builds a set up for that scene, then fleshes out the characters involved... eventually an entire world is built. Nothing beats the feeling of stepping back and seeing where that first unassuming spark of inspiration has lead you.
Carl D. Smith
I'm not afraid of working on multiple projects, in case one gets cold. I also try to use iPhone apps like iA Writer to be productive when the moment strikes. A lot of people think a writer should just gush words daily. Its okay to have input days. Read a little, play some video games, go for a walk. Its all a cycle, the spark will return if you don't fret over it.
Carl D. Smith
Write every day. Simple as that. Even if is is just a few paragraphs while you let the internet or TV distract you. If you don't write, you aren't a writer.
Carl D. Smith
I'd love to answer that with "whisky" and leave it at that... but, that's not very helpful. I've never had trouble with ideas and outlines, but to actually sit and write is sometimes the hardest thing to do. I try to envision the reaction of readers to the story; the dialog that will start because of my story. Or, the dialog I hope it will start. That motivates me to write. If I don't finish the product, no one has a frame of reference for discussion.
Carl D. Smith
I'm working on a longer format story about the world's only superhero, who is in a state of retirement, and how he deals with the emergence of a new super hero in the form of a younger, cruder, unwilling vessel. It explores finding meaning in your life, the allure of fatherhood, and dealing with become older/obsolete.
Carl D. Smith
My secret love is ancient Rome, and I regret not studying it formally in college. As for the horror elements, its a very poorly veiled homage to Lovecraft, and his way of showing the effects the "bad guys" had on the protagonists. Also, I am obsessed with sea tales. Nostromo, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and so on.
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