Ask the Author: Val Neil
Answered Questions (7)
Val Neil
Take a shower, go to bed, take a drive, do chores while listening to music - stuff that allows my brain to work its magic.
Val Neil
I've been working on the sequel to Dark Apprentice. Wrote most of it in Fall of 2019 and then you know what happened. It hasn't been a good year and a half.
Val Neil
I have a million books on my TBR list, so obviously I'll be picking something completely random that's not on there.
Val Neil
She walked barefoot across the carpet. A minefield of Legos awaited.
Val Neil
Getting the voices out of my head. Getting to write the thing I want to read. Laughing at my own jokes when rereading. Watching in delight/horror when one of my characters decides to do something immensely stupid.
Val Neil
Finish the first draft. Accept that it will be crap. The real magic will happen in revisions. Find critique partners who can give you honest feedback, but also keep your vision in mind. Your book won't be for everyone so don't try to impress everyone.
I'm biased toward self-publishing, but you should research both traditional and indie and decide which is best for you. There are up-front costs with self-publishing and not everyone can afford that, but you have the benefit of writing what you what without gatekeepers holding you back.
I'm biased toward self-publishing, but you should research both traditional and indie and decide which is best for you. There are up-front costs with self-publishing and not everyone can afford that, but you have the benefit of writing what you what without gatekeepers holding you back.
Val Neil
I back up to the last point the story was flowing and try again. Usually it's caused by my subconscious telling me something isn't working--either I'm writing myself into a corner or not much is happening.
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