Ask the Author: Ferne Arfin

“Ask me a question.” Ferne Arfin

Answered Questions (8)

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How do you get inspired to write?

Ferne Arfin No idea what inspired me to write. I've been writing almost from the day I learned to read.

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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Ferne Arfin It was inspired by a story of her early life told to me by my grandmother. The minute she told me her story, I knew it was the kernal I was looking for to build a novel around. But it took me many years to find a way to turn her anecdote into a fully fleshed-out novel. The story haunted me for years. But it was just the inspiration. It is not actually the story of Tunnel of Mirrors.

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Ferne Arfin I know it's a cliche to say that writers write. But it's true. Stop talking about the book or the story you want to write and just write it. A lot of writers talk a good story but when it comes to writing down...well, it's all talked out.

One thing that I don't think is emphasized enough is that writers also read. A lot. Read all kinds of things - novels, short stories, plays, film scripts, diaries, biographies. Reading is a kind of fuel. You're exposed to all kinds of techniques and ideas.

But I do suggest that you read between bouts of writing and not while you are writing. If you read books - whether you admire the writing or not - there is a danger that you might be over-influenced by another writer's style, techniques or structure. So don't read and write at the same time.

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How do you deal with writer’s block?

Ferne Arfin I try to prevent it by leaving my work with an unfinished sentence, or the first sentence of the next chapter when I finish work for the day. If I am really stuck, I just leave for a while and do something different. My story is usually simmering in my subconscious and it will eventually drive me back to my desk,

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