Ask the Author: K.J. Backer
Answered Questions (6)
K.J. Backer
I think being a writer means you have to find what works for you. I believe we all have our own methods that work. When I sit down to create, I never have an empty page. I am always able to write and fill the blank space. It is a fun outlet for me, and I love my characters.
That said, I can only do so much. Presently, I am promoting my first book, in the process of publishing my second, and brainstorming/jotting quick scene ideas for book three. I haven't gone full writing mode with the third yet, because getting book two out in the world has to be my focus--at least for this and next month. I plan to dive in to the third book late Fall/Winter, and that will be my sole focus.
I think we as writers--artists--are pulled in many directions, and instead of feeling guilty about not writing every day, we instead should give ourselves a break and deal with the other issues/goals/events before turning back to the work. Or at least that's my take on it. I focus on one main goal at a time, and "go all in". You need to be focused for writing so if there are extraneous tugs on your psyche you'll not be at your best. I know that about myself, and that I'm distracted this fall with other things (PUBLISHING THE SEQUEL). Writing time will come, and I'll be ready for it.
That said, I can only do so much. Presently, I am promoting my first book, in the process of publishing my second, and brainstorming/jotting quick scene ideas for book three. I haven't gone full writing mode with the third yet, because getting book two out in the world has to be my focus--at least for this and next month. I plan to dive in to the third book late Fall/Winter, and that will be my sole focus.
I think we as writers--artists--are pulled in many directions, and instead of feeling guilty about not writing every day, we instead should give ourselves a break and deal with the other issues/goals/events before turning back to the work. Or at least that's my take on it. I focus on one main goal at a time, and "go all in". You need to be focused for writing so if there are extraneous tugs on your psyche you'll not be at your best. I know that about myself, and that I'm distracted this fall with other things (PUBLISHING THE SEQUEL). Writing time will come, and I'll be ready for it.
K.J. Backer
I would ABSOLUTELY travel to Tar Valon (from the Wheel of Time) and become an Aes Sedai (Green Ajah). I'd join the Dragon Reborn battling dark friends, Forsaken, and help with the Final Battle.
#nerdalert IT WOULD BE EPIC! ;)
#nerdalert IT WOULD BE EPIC! ;)
K.J. Backer
This summer, I continued my re-read of The Wheel of Time series. I'm now on book 10, and loving every minute of it. Beyond that, I've been on an audiobook kick, since I am now having Nav'Aria produced for audio! :) I've been checking out other narrators, and focusing on audio work a bit more this year.
K.J. Backer
Just write. Puts words on paper. The rest will come!
… and then, once you have a complete first draft, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!! Editing, publishing, lit agents, cover art, indie publishing... you must research it all, and make sure you choose the right thing for YOU and for your project.
… and then, once you have a complete first draft, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!! Editing, publishing, lit agents, cover art, indie publishing... you must research it all, and make sure you choose the right thing for YOU and for your project.
K.J. Backer
Now that Book 1 (Nav'Aria: The Marked Heir) is out in the world, I am diving full-steam into the sequel (Nav'Aria: The Pyre of Tarsin).
Release dates and writing updates can be found on my website, and/or in my newsletter. Learn more at kjbacker.com!
Release dates and writing updates can be found on my website, and/or in my newsletter. Learn more at kjbacker.com!
K.J. Backer
My grandpa left me a painting of a gritty unicorn when he passed away. We always loved staring at it, and discussing the meaning behind the painting.
That, coupled with my love for Fantasy and my time spent as a student teacher/substitute teacher gave me all the material needed to craft a tale centering around an insecure, brooding teen and a parallel fantasy universe where evil reigns and unicorns, nymphs, centaurs, and man battle for their Land... and for peace.
I wrote a blog post on my website that dives into this question further. Check out kjbacker.com for more!
That, coupled with my love for Fantasy and my time spent as a student teacher/substitute teacher gave me all the material needed to craft a tale centering around an insecure, brooding teen and a parallel fantasy universe where evil reigns and unicorns, nymphs, centaurs, and man battle for their Land... and for peace.
I wrote a blog post on my website that dives into this question further. Check out kjbacker.com for more!
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