Ask the Author: Marcus Brotherton
Answered Questions (7)
Marcus Brotherton
Venae! Thank you so much for your kind words. Definitely working on more adventures. Stay tuned! :)
Marcus Brotherton
Besides Betty and Barney Rubble? Lol ...
In the TV world, Drs. Elizabeth and Henry McCord from 'Madam Secretary.' Their relationship is mega-pressured, but they still make it work with humor, smarts, and verve.
In the book world, Rowdy and Bobbie from 'Feast For Thieves,' because he loves her poetry even though its hideous, and she loves him even though he misses most of life's subtleties.
In the movies, Wesley and Buttercup, because "that day she was amazed to discover when he was saying 'As you wish,' he was really saying, 'I love you.'" Hoooo-weee, that's sheer poetry, baby.
In the TV world, Drs. Elizabeth and Henry McCord from 'Madam Secretary.' Their relationship is mega-pressured, but they still make it work with humor, smarts, and verve.
In the book world, Rowdy and Bobbie from 'Feast For Thieves,' because he loves her poetry even though its hideous, and she loves him even though he misses most of life's subtleties.
In the movies, Wesley and Buttercup, because "that day she was amazed to discover when he was saying 'As you wish,' he was really saying, 'I love you.'" Hoooo-weee, that's sheer poetry, baby.
Marcus Brotherton
I ask myself a combination question: ‘What do I want to say?’ and, ‘What do people want to read?’ The place to begin writing is when those two questions line up.
Also, I have promised the world I will never write a book with any of the following words in the title: softly, meadow, and Amish.
Sorry, but it’s just wrong.
Also, I have promised the world I will never write a book with any of the following words in the title: softly, meadow, and Amish.
Sorry, but it’s just wrong.
Marcus Brotherton
A book that will make all your wildest dreams come true.
Actually I can’t say just yet, because of the contracts. But there’s good stuff ahead. I promise.
Actually I can’t say just yet, because of the contracts. But there’s good stuff ahead. I promise.
Marcus Brotherton
I offer a paradoxical sort of encouragement.
For anyone contemplating writing a book, I’d give two messages: both “you can do it” and “know what you’re getting yourself into,” at the same time.
The caution means that almost anyone can write and publish a book, true, but there’s a high price to pay to do it, for which you need to be prepared.
One of the main problems is that people tend to think that the actual writing of the book is the only battle they will face in the process.
But the writing is only about a quarter of what’s needed.
The second quarter is the job of getting your manuscript published.
The next quarter is relentlessly marketing your book once it comes out, which publishers expect you to do these days.
Then the final quarter is going to primal scream therapy after your book sales fail miserably, because by then you’re depressed and broke and visionless, and insanely jealous of James Patterson—the only scribbler who actually makes money at this game.
But seriously, the encouraging word is you can do it. Study the how-to books first. Attend writers’ conferences by the dozen. Learn the craft and the business of writing. Write in your time, in your way. Pour your blood all over it. Commercial publishing is a mercenary business, but it can be done.
In the end, your book will be beautiful. You will be proud because you have birthed your baby in agony. You have finished your marathon sweaty, with pain-soaked socks.
For anyone contemplating writing a book, I’d give two messages: both “you can do it” and “know what you’re getting yourself into,” at the same time.
The caution means that almost anyone can write and publish a book, true, but there’s a high price to pay to do it, for which you need to be prepared.
One of the main problems is that people tend to think that the actual writing of the book is the only battle they will face in the process.
But the writing is only about a quarter of what’s needed.
The second quarter is the job of getting your manuscript published.
The next quarter is relentlessly marketing your book once it comes out, which publishers expect you to do these days.
Then the final quarter is going to primal scream therapy after your book sales fail miserably, because by then you’re depressed and broke and visionless, and insanely jealous of James Patterson—the only scribbler who actually makes money at this game.
But seriously, the encouraging word is you can do it. Study the how-to books first. Attend writers’ conferences by the dozen. Learn the craft and the business of writing. Write in your time, in your way. Pour your blood all over it. Commercial publishing is a mercenary business, but it can be done.
In the end, your book will be beautiful. You will be proud because you have birthed your baby in agony. You have finished your marathon sweaty, with pain-soaked socks.
Marcus Brotherton
Public figures are supposed to be supremely accessible to their fans these days. But writers are allowed to be oddly reclusive. I’ve started answering my phone by saying, “Absolutely not.”
Actually, the best parts are working in a world full of people and ideas. You’re an artist and you create every day.
Plus, you can snack on waffles and syrup at your desk.
Actually, the best parts are working in a world full of people and ideas. You’re an artist and you create every day.
Plus, you can snack on waffles and syrup at your desk.
Marcus Brotherton
Writer’s block is caused from perfectionism or burnout.
With perfectionism, you’re worried your book will get shredded by the haters. You are correct. If you are good, they’ll find you.
You must learn that your writing is a gift you set free on the waters. Your job is not to defend your writing. Your job is to give it life. You train it and edit it be the absolute best it can be. Then you see it in its grownup form apart from you, graduated from your constant tending, rushing down the river to destinations unknown, ready to entertain, inform, and inspire.
With burnout, the muscle of your creative brain needs to recharge. Go for a walk in the forest. Go see a matinee or phone your best friend from college days and laugh until you’re wheezing and saying “no, no, stop.” Read a portion of ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ or ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ Something from classic literature that fills your tank and reminds you why you write.
I worked as a newspaper reporter for five years, and we were trained to never let writer’s block stop us. All you need to do is write one true sentence. Then another. Even if what you create smells like rotten fish, you can always edit it later and transform your writing into the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
With perfectionism, you’re worried your book will get shredded by the haters. You are correct. If you are good, they’ll find you.
You must learn that your writing is a gift you set free on the waters. Your job is not to defend your writing. Your job is to give it life. You train it and edit it be the absolute best it can be. Then you see it in its grownup form apart from you, graduated from your constant tending, rushing down the river to destinations unknown, ready to entertain, inform, and inspire.
With burnout, the muscle of your creative brain needs to recharge. Go for a walk in the forest. Go see a matinee or phone your best friend from college days and laugh until you’re wheezing and saying “no, no, stop.” Read a portion of ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ or ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ Something from classic literature that fills your tank and reminds you why you write.
I worked as a newspaper reporter for five years, and we were trained to never let writer’s block stop us. All you need to do is write one true sentence. Then another. Even if what you create smells like rotten fish, you can always edit it later and transform your writing into the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
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