Ask the Author: Ruth Rotkowitz
Answered Questions (5)
Ruth Rotkowitz
I am working on a prequel to ESCAPING THE WHALE. Readers have asked me about my protagonist's background and how she became the way we see her. This got me inspired to do a prequel. It's coming along!!
Ruth Rotkowitz
The best thing about being a writer is the total immersion in another world, the world and characters you are creating. Everything else falls away. As you write about this world and these characters, you find ideas and means of expression bursting forth from your insides. It is amazing what you discover you have inside you.
Ruth Rotkowitz
There are two ways to deal with writer's block. One is to give in to it. Sometimes you need a little time off! Let it wash over you, do other things, read a lot, and it will pass and you will feel the urge to write again. Accept it and don't stress over it. Another approach is to dig in -- just sit down and make yourself write! Even if what you are writing is junk, you are loosening the bonds that were holding you back, and you will eventually be ready to work on your real stuff again. Journaling works for many writers -- writing about your writer's block!
Ruth Rotkowitz
Inspiration just comes to me, all the time. I wish I had the discipline -- as well as the time -- to follow up on all the ideas crowding my brain. If I feel stuck at some point in a story, I just imagine several scenarios I could pursue until one seems right. Other times, I just have to wait it out. There might be a fallow period with no inspiration, but that spark always comes back!
Ruth Rotkowitz
Thank you for asking. I am working on a prequel to ESCAPING THE WHALE. Readers gave me the idea for it by telling me they would love to know more about my protagonist's background.
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