Ask the Author: Keith Robinson
Answered Questions (7)
Keith Robinson
When writing a series, the idea for the NEXT book always comes along as I'm finishing my current work-in-progress.
So, right now, 90% through my current book, I'm getting glimmers of an idea for the next book in the series. It's often a change of pace, so if one book is chaotic with lots of characters, the next might be quieter and moodier. If the current book is in a forest, the next might be on a mountain or at sea. So I change up the setting, pace, and tone a bit. Then, the actual plot itself is a separate issue and often comes after I've established the setting.
My most recent book is no different. I don't know exactly where the idea came from, only that it popped into my head at some point while writing the last book.
So, right now, 90% through my current book, I'm getting glimmers of an idea for the next book in the series. It's often a change of pace, so if one book is chaotic with lots of characters, the next might be quieter and moodier. If the current book is in a forest, the next might be on a mountain or at sea. So I change up the setting, pace, and tone a bit. Then, the actual plot itself is a separate issue and often comes after I've established the setting.
My most recent book is no different. I don't know exactly where the idea came from, only that it popped into my head at some point while writing the last book.
Keith Robinson
I never lack inspiration to write, but I can get MORE inspired when I watch a really good TV show or movie, or read a book, in my genre. You can't force inspiration as such, but you can deliberately put yourself in a position (like watching and reading stuff) where there's a good chance of being inspired!
On the business side, seeing other author successes is always inspiring too. For me, usually that has to do with the cool way they've branded their series rather than the money they're making.
On the business side, seeing other author successes is always inspiring too. For me, usually that has to do with the cool way they've branded their series rather than the money they're making.
Keith Robinson
This is advice most authors agree with but don't hear until after they've published, when it's too late. The advice is simply: "Don't publish your first book."
It makes perfect sense when you've written 5+ novels, because you realize how much better your fifth novel is compared to your first. You grow as a writer, and the first novel or three are part of that growth, that necessary learning curve, so it seems foolish in retrospect to put that first novel out as your debut, because it will eventually become your worst-written novel. Imagine that first book is the first of a series, and it's the one you have to advertise to hook readers into your series. Meanwhile, the most recent book in the series is far better written!
So, by all means write your first book and complete it, but do that as a way of practicing for the book you actually publish as your debut. If you want your debut to be the Big Idea you've always dreamed about, then first write something else and save your Big Idea for later, when you're better.
As a way to practice, don't start ten novels and leave each unfinished because they suck. Persevere with one novel and finish it no matter what. You won't publish this one, but that learning curve (figuring out how to finish it, working on plot, pace, honing your craft, etc) is WAY more valuable than constantly starting over. Work at it until it's as good as it can be. Then you'll be in a better position to write your debut novel.
My debut was Island of Fog (Book 1). It's not my best, BUT it wasn't my first either. Before that, I wrote numerous short stories (which didn't really help much) and started various novels that I didn't complete (very frustrating). I also started AND COMPLETED a 70,000-word novel, which I've never published. I may do one day, but it needs a lot of work first. And that's the point. At the time, that book was amazing to me. Now it's pretty shaky.
The book I actually published first came after all that other work, so at least I quite a lot of practice!
It makes perfect sense when you've written 5+ novels, because you realize how much better your fifth novel is compared to your first. You grow as a writer, and the first novel or three are part of that growth, that necessary learning curve, so it seems foolish in retrospect to put that first novel out as your debut, because it will eventually become your worst-written novel. Imagine that first book is the first of a series, and it's the one you have to advertise to hook readers into your series. Meanwhile, the most recent book in the series is far better written!
So, by all means write your first book and complete it, but do that as a way of practicing for the book you actually publish as your debut. If you want your debut to be the Big Idea you've always dreamed about, then first write something else and save your Big Idea for later, when you're better.
As a way to practice, don't start ten novels and leave each unfinished because they suck. Persevere with one novel and finish it no matter what. You won't publish this one, but that learning curve (figuring out how to finish it, working on plot, pace, honing your craft, etc) is WAY more valuable than constantly starting over. Work at it until it's as good as it can be. Then you'll be in a better position to write your debut novel.
My debut was Island of Fog (Book 1). It's not my best, BUT it wasn't my first either. Before that, I wrote numerous short stories (which didn't really help much) and started various novels that I didn't complete (very frustrating). I also started AND COMPLETED a 70,000-word novel, which I've never published. I may do one day, but it needs a lot of work first. And that's the point. At the time, that book was amazing to me. Now it's pretty shaky.
The book I actually published first came after all that other work, so at least I quite a lot of practice!
Keith Robinson
Not just writing books, but self-publishing those books myself, including the formatting, cover design, and everything -- complete control over my own work. The best thing about being a writer is being the publisher as well.
Keith Robinson
At midnight, the prisoner hid inside the coffin with the corpse and prayed the undertaker would dig him up after the funeral as promised.
When he struck a match, he realized the corpse was the undertaker.
(Admittedly an old idea that isn't mine, but I love it!)
When he struck a match, he realized the corpse was the undertaker.
(Admittedly an old idea that isn't mine, but I love it!)
Keith Robinson
Instead of trying to force myself to write the next part of my book when I'm not feeling inspiration, I get a blank document and just write roughly what happens next and why, and the act of writing that out helps me get into the right frame of mind. It's also a great way to figure out a plot thread if I'm stuck. Writing down the problem and then writing my answer ALWAYS helps, even if I'm asking myself questions as I go along, eg: "...The character then goes to the forbidden realm (how does he travel?) to deal with the fire drake problem but comes away with injuries (what injuries, though?) that prevent him from going on the quest with the others..."
Keith Robinson
Working on BOX OF FABLES (Island of Fog Book 16), which is due out early 2023.
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