How long did it take you to write the book?
On the whole it took about four years. The problem is the same now as then: not enough hours in the day.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?
I wouldn't call it writer's block in my case. Sometimes I get distracted and end up doing something else or I simply take a day or week or month off because I run out of steam. (This means my brain gets lazy.)
What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?
Don't laugh too loudly, but I get my best solutions or new scenes when I'm shoveling out a stall. I have no idea what the connection is.
How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?
Looking for a publisher can be very discouraging. I had that happen several times before I went with a publisher that offered me a contract after they'd had the manuscript for only a few days. I don't know whether they know that discouraged writers are a good bet to sign or not, but I did. That error in judgement or plain stupidity on my part taught me a lot. It took seven years before I got the rights back, and the book has been republished with a real publisher. Lesson: don't jump into that first contract without thinking about it and asking questions. It will save you a lot of time and aggravation. The trick is that publisher sold authors copies of their books for almost the same price they sold to the public. The money they make is from authors buying their books to resell. But, I am not placing the blame on that publisher. I was ignorant of how to find a publisher, I knew none of the rules of the road to getting published online. I wish I had taken the time to ask questions of other authors. That is the key to finding a publisher that will suit you best. Ask questions. Don't sign without doing so.
Article comments