Ask the Author: Sheila Sobel
Answered Questions (9)
Sheila Sobel
I would live in either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. It would be awesome to run a book shop, bakery and tea shop that served up magical treats and readings from all of my author friends. Books could also read themselves if they wanted.
Cats and dogs would always be on hand for ear snuggles and lap warming. This would be a purrfect place for all to enjoy.
Cats and dogs would always be on hand for ear snuggles and lap warming. This would be a purrfect place for all to enjoy.
Sheila Sobel
My summer reading list this year is all about mystery:
"Night School" by Lee Child, "Two Heads Are Deader Than One" by Elena Hartwell, "Uncorking A Lie" by Nadine Nettman , "The Spy Across the Table" by Barry Lancet and the thriller anthology "Matchup."
"Night School" by Lee Child, "Two Heads Are Deader Than One" by Elena Hartwell, "Uncorking A Lie" by Nadine Nettman , "The Spy Across the Table" by Barry Lancet and the thriller anthology "Matchup."
Sheila Sobel
I lead a quiet, non-mysterious life, but after thirty years of working in the film business, I would love to write a Hollywood Who-Done-It! Fancy cars, fickle females, aggravating agents, well-worn casting couches. Jealousy rains over Hollywood like a black velvet pouch of spilled diamonds. How about it? Sound interesting to you?
Sheila Sobel
The freedom. The freedom to go wherever I want to go with words. The freedom to express myself in ways that I never before thought possible. The freedom to write what I want, when I want. The freedom to. . .well, you get the point.
Sheila Sobel
The story line for “Color Blind” started with my love of New Orleans and grew from my desire to explore the intricacies of family histories. The Voodoo? Well, that just adds to the mystery of it all, now doesn’t it?
Sheila Sobel
I listen. I observe. I take mental notes. When I see something or hear something that sparks a creative thought, I do my best to remember it until I can write it down. These days, with everyone using their cell phones in public, oblivious to the world around them, it is easy to listen in because there is no way to get away from it! Standing at the deli counter in my local market always provides at least 50% of one or two interesting conversations; it’s great for either dialogue or character development.
Sheila Sobel
I am currently weighing my options for the next book; it will either be a YA or a Middle-Grade novel.
Sheila Sobel
Read. Read everything you can get your hands on.
Take writing classes. Take all kinds of writing classes: novel writing, magazine writing, mystery writing, character development, there are endless possibilities for learning your craft and honing your skills.
Either join or start a writers’ group, one with writers who understand the nuance of critique, not criticism, a group where you feel safe in revealing your work and your self.
If you are writing for the youth market, the best thing you can do for yourself is to join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). In my opinion, there is no better community for aspiring children’s book writers than SCBWI.
The best advice of all: If you have a passion for writing, pursue it!
Take writing classes. Take all kinds of writing classes: novel writing, magazine writing, mystery writing, character development, there are endless possibilities for learning your craft and honing your skills.
Either join or start a writers’ group, one with writers who understand the nuance of critique, not criticism, a group where you feel safe in revealing your work and your self.
If you are writing for the youth market, the best thing you can do for yourself is to join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). In my opinion, there is no better community for aspiring children’s book writers than SCBWI.
The best advice of all: If you have a passion for writing, pursue it!
Sheila Sobel
I write past it. If I’m working on a chapter and get stuck, I try writing something not related to the book. Or, I just keep writing the chapter, but in a different font or a different color, so that I can go back, find it easily and either rewrite it or delete whatever I wrote during the period of being “blocked.”
Also, a walk around the block with our dogs is an amazing way to become unblocked, as my focus is always on the dogs. After our walks, my writing goes much smoother.
Also, a walk around the block with our dogs is an amazing way to become unblocked, as my focus is always on the dogs. After our walks, my writing goes much smoother.
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