Behind the Pages: My Answers to Common Questions Asked of an Author

Welcome, dear readers! Today, I'm diving into the world of writing, creativity, and the connections that bring authors and their readers together. It’s time for an Author Q&A, where I will answer questions I often hear, share insights into my writing process, and reveal the inspirations behind some of my stories. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s get personal!

The Inspiration Behind the Writing Process

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, "Where do you find the inspirations that fuel the ideas behind your writing?" Inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. For me, it often comes from everyday life experiences - people I meet, places I visit, news articles I read, and even the music I listen to.

The world is filled with rich narratives waiting to be unearthed. For instance, a couple years ago, I intended to attend my High School's 50th Class Reunion. Social Anxiety talked me out of going. Afterwards, I got to thinking, what if there was a different, equally compelling reason for someone to not attend a class reunion. While I was kicking that idea around, I came across an old newspaper article about a cousin of mine in Alabama who had slipped off the edge of a cliff and plunged to his death in the Tennessee River. It was ruled an accident. But I got to thinking, what if his death was not an accident? What if the Protagonist in my book knew what really happened and that, not social anxiety as in my case, had kept him from returning to his home town for so many years? Those thoughts led to my Literary novel: Rhodesville: secrets - death - going back home. Similarly, a fifteen-minute conversation with a stranger over breakfast at a cafe helped inspire Only He Could See, a short story in my The Mirror, and a Familiar Blue: A Collection of Short Stories book.

Every author has a unique source of inspiration, and appreciating the ordinary can lead to extraordinary stories. In fact, according to a survey of authors, more than 70% say that real-life experiences fuel their creativity. Those real life experiences also help make a fiction novel or short story more believable.

How Do You Overcome Writer’s Block?

Next up is a question that many writers face: "What do you do when you hit a wall or experience writer’s block?"

Ah, the dreaded writer’s block! It happens to the best of us. I’ve learned that the key is not to force it. Instead, I take a break and look around me. I do my best creative writing in public settings. Looking up from my Chromebook, I will observe the people around me. This serves two purposes for me:

1) I am a people watcher. I observe their look and the way they interact with others, along with their mannerisms - the way they walk, how they stand when engaged in a conversation, etc. Information I can draw upon for development of characters in my writing.

2) By mentally straying away from my writing, I allow my subconscious to chip away at breaking the block, possibly writing the next scene for me.

Another way I break a writer's block is by turning to other writing projects. I currently have five books started. The next book I plan to publish, in this case The Killing Continues - Book 2 of my 'killer on the loose' Series, is the writing project I stay focused on. Switching away from it, if I have a block, allows it to take a breath, relax, and work itself out.

In fact, a study found that taking breaks can increase productivity by up to 25%. Sometimes, allowing your mind to wander freely can rekindle the creative spark and provide the mental clarity needed to push through.

What’s Your Writing Routine Like?

Readers are often curious about the daily habits of their favorite authors. "What does your typical writing day look like?"

I don’t follow a strict routine. Therefore, I don't have a daily writing routine. I don't impose word quotas or demand I write so many pages when I sit down to write. I try not to force the process. That can lead to writer's block as well as take the fun out of writing. I try to "write" at least once a week. For me, writing is the creative portion of writing which I prefer to do in a public setting. Three or four days a week, I do the "business" part of writing. For me, the business part of writing is proofreading, editing, making notes such as ideas and continuity issues, doing research, updating my website, writing my blog posts, and anything else that is not the creative part of writing, but necessary to an author.

I believe flexibility is important. For example, on days when creativity flows, I embrace that and write until my thoughts run dry. On my non-writing days, I make notes in my note app when creativity strikes. Those bits and pieces of creativity can be fleshed out the next time I sit down to write. I often work out scenes of a novel when I am in bed for the night. Or when I shower. I was stuck for an ending to my Literary Novel - Shadow Comfort. I labored over the right ending every time I sat down to write. Then, one morning in the shower, the ending came to me. As soon as I got out of the shower, I made a note of it. That "gift of thought" in the shower is the ending to the book. Adaptability keeps the creative process alive and thriving.

Characters: How Do You Create Them?

One question I often hear is, "How do you create your characters?"

Character development is a crucial aspect of my writing. I usually base characters on real people I’ve known or observed. For instance, one character, Rick in my latest novel, is inspired by a close friend who I grew up with. Rick's influence on my life has inspired me to include him in all of my novels except the first one which is about my grandparents. And yes, his real name is Rick.

People I know and observe have quirks, emotions, and backstories that help craft relatable figures in my fiction. In my opinion, Stephen King is the best at creating unique, memorable characters. Occasionally, I think of him and his character development style when I am trying to create a unique, memorable character.

Sometimes, I create detailed character sketches to understand their motivations and weaknesses. By fleshing them out, readers can truly connect with these characters, making for a more enriching reading experience.

What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Writers?

Ah, a classic question! "What advice would I give to someone just starting their writing journey?"

My advice is simple yet important: read, read, and read some more! And read everything, not just the genre you choose to write. Reading other people's writing gives you a foundation to build on. Pay attention to their characters, dialog, and structure of a story. Reading other written works helps you decide and develop your own voice.

Additional advice: write, write, and write some more! Don’t hesitate to put your thoughts down on paper (or screen). Embrace your voice and let it shine. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, regular practice can enhance writing skills significantly.

Finally, and this is the most difficult thing to do because writing is so personal, don’t shy away from constructive criticism. For most writers, especially those just starting out, surround yourself with a writing community - whether it’s a local group or an online forum. The support and feedback from fellow writers can offer valuable guidance and boost your confidence.

The Importance of Reader Feedback

Another common query is, "How do you incorporate reader feedback into your writing?"

Reader feedback is incredibly valuable to me. It helps me understand how my stories resonate with an audience. After all, writing is more than just putting words on a page; it’s about connecting with readers.

I consider reviews and comments as tools for growth. While not every piece of feedback needs to be taken to heart, listening to my readers has allowed me to refine my craft. Studies show that authors who engage with their audience see a 40% increase in positive reactions to their work.

What Are Your Future Writing Goals?

Many of you have expressed interest in my upcoming projects.

I am constantly working on new material and exploring different genres outside my comfort zone - the 'killer on the loose' Series is written in a genre I have never tried before. Stretching my creative muscles is thrilling. In fact, I’ve set a goal to publish three adult thriller novels this year.

Setting clear publication goals keeps me motivated and reminds me of the journey ahead. Whether it’s completing a new novel or interacting with readers, I always have something exciting on the horizon! My website is the best way to keep up with my current and future writing projects. For those of you not reading this post on my website, the address is:

https://ronnielrichards.wixsite.com/author

Encouraging Ongoing Reader Interaction

Finally, I want to highlight the importance of ongoing interaction with all of you. I love hearing from my readers - your thoughts and opinions mean the world to me! So please don’t hesitate to reach out with your comments and questions. Whether you want to discuss character development, plot twists, or share your writing experiences, I’m all ears!

Wrapping Up

Thank you to everyone who have ask questions about my writing process over the years. The questions open up a unique opportunity for me to connect with you further and share insights into my writing journey.

Remember, a story is never truly complete without the engagement of its readers. I encourage you to continue asking questions, sharing your thoughts, and participate in discussions. You may do so, by commenting on this post. I also have a Contact page on this website with a comment box.

Together, let’s keep the conversation alive and the creative juices flowing. Keep reading, keep writing, and let’s embark on this literary adventure together!

Next week, Hurricane Sandy plays a role in my post!