Ask the Author: J.V. Hilliard
Answered Questions (7)
J.V. Hilliard
Great question! My favorite to follow is Drizzt DuOrden of the Dark Elf series by Salvatore, but I do like many of the Witcher characters and Mandragoran from the Wheel of Time series. And if you count Strand von Zarovich from the Ravenloft books and D&D modules, then place him at the top.
J.V. Hilliard
I typically either call a friend to brainstorm (which usually helps) or I start to plan BEYOND where my story is currently, which also breaks my log jams.
And as an aside, I find that motivating music helps too.
And as an aside, I find that motivating music helps too.
J.V. Hilliard
Bringing to life characters and plots for all to see and (hopefully) enjoy. Sometimes characters or even ideas for ones only exist in an author's head. Once you put them to paper (or key strokes these days), they are immortalized. Do them (and yourself) that favor. There is no feeling like when someone comes up to you and asks you about one of your villains or heroes, wanting to know why they did or didn't do something. They have life, even if it is only through the shared experience of your novel.
J.V. Hilliard
First, don't be discouraged by the editing process. It's a good thing for you and allows you too see errors or in some cases opportunities to make your story better. Have it beta-read by thoughtful readers, accept the advice of your editors and in the end, do what you think is right for your story. But constructive criticism is necessary so don't be shy about it.
Secondly, find time to write every day. Even if it is notes or organizing your thoughts. Just DO SOMETHING and then writing will become muscle memory and habitual.
Secondly, find time to write every day. Even if it is notes or organizing your thoughts. Just DO SOMETHING and then writing will become muscle memory and habitual.
J.V. Hilliard
I am working on edits for Vorodin's Lair, the 2nd book in the Warminster series while I am finishing The Trillias Gambit, book three in the series. And once a month I publish an episode to my serial, The Element of Time, in Altered Reality Magazine, an online publication.
J.V. Hilliard
That varies. Sometimes it is a good song or listening to the right kind of music (usually Metallica or Five Finger Death Punch). Other times it's a story I've read or a real life event that inspires another story, with a fantasy-adventure twist.
I also love brainstorming with other authors and artists, as usually our shared ideas beget good writing material.
I also love brainstorming with other authors and artists, as usually our shared ideas beget good writing material.
J.V. Hilliard
In part, it was an adaptation of many years of playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends and family. I was able to capture the essence of some the characters and adventures. And in the case of the Daemus/Graytorris relationship, that was inspired by a series of recurring nightmares I had as a teenager. Many of the same scenes I wrote about appeared to me in my dreams about a strange visitor, much like Daemus.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more