Ask the Author: A.R. Knight
Answered Questions (6)
A.R. Knight
I saw a similar setting - early 20th century but with fantasy elements - and thought it would be a fun environment to explore. Then I looked at the conflicts happening at that time (WW1, disease) and used those to build the setting.
The story itself came out of that setting. Though I believe it can go either way. A great character arc can be dropped into any setting you want, really.
The story itself came out of that setting. Though I believe it can go either way. A great character arc can be dropped into any setting you want, really.
A.R. Knight
Write every day.
First thing in the morning after breakfast. It's getting words down.
Also try a variety of writing methods. If you don't feel you can type, try using a mic and dictating. Don't want to sit down? Use a recording app on your phone and go for a walk. You'll be surprised at how changing up your writing state can increase your productivity and get you through tough spots.
First thing in the morning after breakfast. It's getting words down.
Also try a variety of writing methods. If you don't feel you can type, try using a mic and dictating. Don't want to sit down? Use a recording app on your phone and go for a walk. You'll be surprised at how changing up your writing state can increase your productivity and get you through tough spots.
A.R. Knight
The ability to pursue any idea you have. With words, anything is possible. Want a time machine? Bam, you can write one. Want to fly to the Moon? You can do it through the eyes of your characters.
It's hard to overstate the freedom this brings. And if a story doesn't come together, you don't have to publish it. There's no reason not to try.
It's hard to overstate the freedom this brings. And if a story doesn't come together, you don't have to publish it. There's no reason not to try.
A.R. Knight
Two main things:
1. People will think it's great that you wrote a book. People also, after congratulating you, will move on. Write without fear. Use a pen name if you'd prefer, but don't hold back out of concern for what others think.
2. Find your daily habit. That 30 minutes or an hour a day that you can start writing and do it. Don't take weekends off. If life's busy and all you can jot down one day is a sentence, that's fine. You're still making progress. You'll get there.
1. People will think it's great that you wrote a book. People also, after congratulating you, will move on. Write without fear. Use a pen name if you'd prefer, but don't hold back out of concern for what others think.
2. Find your daily habit. That 30 minutes or an hour a day that you can start writing and do it. Don't take weekends off. If life's busy and all you can jot down one day is a sentence, that's fine. You're still making progress. You'll get there.
A.R. Knight
In order to prevent getting trapped in a genre, I'm currently working on the last book in my Riven trilogy, an urban/steampunk fantasy. It's been fun to write in 1st person for this, though I think I prefer 3rd generally - not being able to switch POVs means I can't jump into the heads of fascinating characters!
Next up will be a different sci fi series. Similar in genre to Wild Nines, but completely different characters and story. Because variety and all that.
Next up will be a different sci fi series. Similar in genre to Wild Nines, but completely different characters and story. Because variety and all that.
A.R. Knight
There's no single answer to this question, but in general I get motivated to write in order to finish working on one story so that I can start the next. There's always so many ideas, and often the next one is more attractive than the current project, so the impetus is always there to finish and move on.
Also, caffeine. It's a miracle drug.
Also, caffeine. It's a miracle drug.
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