Persia’s Comments (group member since May 27, 2011)

Persia’s comments from the Q&A with Persia Walker group.

Inspirational and apocalyptic at the same time? Sounds interesting ...

Adrienna, thanks for the compliment. When I first wrote HARLEM REDUX, I read a lot of literature written during the 20s. I wanted to know what people back then were thinking about, worrying about. I also read books by contemporary historians, old articles in the New York Times, and websites by modern fans of the Jazz era. In short, I found whatever I could find, wherever I could find it.

John, trust me. You aren't the only one who whines. When the writing is tough, I can look pretty sad myself!

I agree./ Journaling is also a great way to keep away (the dreaded) writer's block. And it keeps the writing real.

In introducing himself, John of Maine asked a very good question: "What do you do when the going gets tough?" Short answer, plain and simple: I struggle.

I don't have a support group. I don't belong to a writing group. Many times I wish I did, but for some reason, it just didn't gel for me.

I'm very happy that I'm a member of the New York chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. Their events and events such as Bouchercon always serve to re-energize me. But in between, it's really a struggle.

I write stories set in the 1920s and imbued with a sense of noir, so I sometimes listen to music that puts me "in the mood." Other times, I watch an old black-and-white movie.

Other times, I just sit and write. I don't always love what goes down on the page. Many times I don't, in fact, but at some point that (almost) doesn't matter. What does matter is that something gets down on the page.

My background as a journalist helps me in this regard. I tend to see writing as much as a job as I see it as a creative endeavor. And a job has to be done, irrespective of how one feels. When things are bad, I also tell myself that as a writer, I'm essentially in business for myself. I am the sole producer of "the product." If I don't work (i.e., write), then I'm out of business.

I've asked this question of other writers, too, and the answer always seems to come down to two words: "butt glue."

Now, it's your turn. What do you do?

Hi John! Maine, huh? It's beautiful up there, but a bit chilly sometimes. Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it. And yes, I do hope you love BLACK ORCHID BLUES. (Though I must say, it isn't for the faint of heart.)

What do I do when the going gets tough? That's a great question, so great in fact that I'm going to start another thread on it!

Evangeline, Adrienna, John, Rick, Lukas, Bruce, and Hira, thank you for joining in. Please feel free to tell everyone a bit about yourselves and/or to start a topic thread.

Hi Babydoll,

Thank you for joining in. Looks like we're going to be a small, but intimate group. All the better!

I have all kinds of sources of inspiration, some of them writers, some of them film directors. These days I get as much inspiration from watching old movies as I do from books. From Raymond Chandler to Alfred Hitchcock and the New York Times, inspiration is everywhere for the taking.

Black Orchid Blues is the second in the Lanie Price series. It's a fast ride of fun through a dark house and some say it reminds them of the writing of Raymond Chandler or Walter Mosley. What say you?

What are the joys and frustrations of writing historical fiction? Is it easier or harder to do than writing stories set in contemporary time? Why do authors pick the eras they pick?

Welcome! Please feel free to introduce yourself!