Ask the Author: H.G. Howell
Answered Questions (8)
H.G. Howell
Not a literary couple, but my favourite would be Ray and Debora Ramone from Everybody Loves Raymond. They show, with some minor exaggeration, the truth of married life. It's not all roses and candy canes or happily ever afters. There is frustration. There is anger and hostility and screw ups. They are perhaps one of the most relatable television couples I have ever had the pleasure to watch.
H.G. Howell
It is an exciting prospect for sure!
H.G. Howell
In the case of The Spark the title was just an easy fit; the whole plot of the story was generated by a single "spark" of inspiration. Not only did the title fit in that regard, but it also speaks to the overall story as a single event "sparks" a chain reaction to propel the story forward.
Generally speaking I prefer to know the title as I am working on the story as it becomes a talking piece; it's easier to get people excited for the work in progress when they know what it is called.
Generally speaking I prefer to know the title as I am working on the story as it becomes a talking piece; it's easier to get people excited for the work in progress when they know what it is called.
H.G. Howell
Music tends to be my go to vice to help get inspired. Typically classical, as is the case for The Imperial War series; or even ambient electronic music paying homage to the great nether of space for deep sci-fi. Another good component for inspiration is setting. No, not the setting of the story but rather the setting in which you write. If I am at home I will put a pot of tea on. If in public, I immerse myself in coffee houses or beneath trees.
H.G. Howell
The Spark started with a literal 'spark' of an idea. For years, I envisioned varying scenes but could never find a story to connect, or build upon. In 2011 I was introduced to the NaNoWrimo challenge. Looking through their forums, I came upon the adopt-a-sentence sub-forum. This section was dedicated to sentences authors couldn't build on, or connect to anything of substance. There were many great lines, and some better left for the cutting room floor. One sentence, however, ignited my imagination;
"He stepped out into an angry world."
All of a sudden a story of a mad man controlling the weather patterns of the world, damsels in distress, and a placid government filled my mind. Next thing I knew, all my disparate stories in the past now had a home. The rest, as they say, is history.
"He stepped out into an angry world."
All of a sudden a story of a mad man controlling the weather patterns of the world, damsels in distress, and a placid government filled my mind. Next thing I knew, all my disparate stories in the past now had a home. The rest, as they say, is history.
H.G. Howell
Write. As tired as that may sound, writing is truly the key to hone your craft. Also, I suggest only working with a loose frame work for chapter/novel plots; allow the story to grow naturally within simple guidelines. This will give your tale a sense of what I like to call 'organic structure' as it marries the fluid, natural growth of flyby writing whilst maintaining a coherent plot. Finally, don't stress about forcing themes into your work. It will happen all on its own.
H.G. Howell
When I cannot get through a scenario I will often break for a day or two - sometimes even a week! This gives my mind a chance to reset while also giving myself a fresh outlook on the chapter.
H.G. Howell
As of now I am in the first draft stages of writing the follow-up to The Spark. I am expecting a fall '16/ winter '17 release.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more