Ask the Author: Zara Quentin
Answered Questions (5)
Zara Quentin
When I'm in drafting mode, I try to write at least 500 words per day (usually many more, but if I'm having a bad day and its only 500 words then I give myself a break). I have usually planned and visualised the scene before I start drafting so I have a starting point. If I'm really stuck, I get my notebook out and brainstorm and plan a scene to give me some ideas.
Zara Quentin
I'm a fantasy author, so for me the best thing about being a writer is being able to create strange and fantastical worlds, and go and live in them for awhile. It is giving myself permission to daydream and delve into my imagination and push my creativity to the limit. It's also having a reader come back and tell me how much they've enjoyed my story.
Zara Quentin
My advice is to read a lot, write every day (or at least regularly) and study the craft of story telling. Most writers know how to string a sentence together in a way that is pleasing. What they don't necessarily know is how to tell a story in a way that will keep a reader turning the pages.
Zara Quentin
I find inspiration in many places, but my travels have influenced my writing the most. For me, travelling means experiencing new places, new cultures, new people and going outside of my comfort zone. The places I've been and the stories I've heard along the way (true or not) have sparked ideas in my mind for worldbuilding, plot or characters which have often stuck in the back of my mind for years, before weaving themselves into my manuscripts. I also take inspiration from nature documentaries and photography.
Zara Quentin
I'm currently working on the second installment to my Airwoman series. It's due in 2017.
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