I wanted to add a FAQ to my website and thought these would make for a good blog post. If you have any other questions or things you want to know about me or my process, put them in the chat!
Do you get writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Yes, some. It is more a passion/drive issue rather than not having any ideas. Many people get stuck because they fear what they put on paper is junk. That happens to all of us. I am a proponent of just getting words on the page and then getting rid of the junk during editing. Statistics are on your side. If you put down 150,000 words, some of it will be good.
Do you do an outline?
At times in my life, yes. Currently, not so much. I might outline the next few chapters if the muse hands me an idea I can’t capture in one chapter, but I have given up trying to map out a whole book. I’ve come to enjoy letting the characters write the story. If I try to outline, I find I get in the way. I may try to plan where they ultimately end up, but the journey is the story. I like to think that I write how Bob Ross paints- no sketches, just paint on the canvas. That way, there are no mistakes, just happy accidents 🙂
Who are your favorite authors?
Clive Barker, Pearl Buck, Frank Herbert, Charles Dickens, Jack London, Jules Verne, Alexandre Dumas. I admire Stephen King for his output and success, but I’m often disappointed with his endings.
What are your favorite books?
Barker- The Damnation Game and Imagica. Buck- The Good Earth. Herbert- Dune. Dickens- Oliver Twist. London- The Sea Wolf. Verne- Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Dumas- Count of Monte Cristo.
What is your process?
I work on my writing every single day. If I’m not putting words on the page, I am researching or working on marketing/ promotion. I dedicate 6 pm-8 pm for this work. I sit in my living room on a comfy couch with warm light and do what I can to move a story forward. I start with an idea and a character and let them grow. Once the spark is there, I write at least 1,000 words daily until I finish the first draft. I let it rest a bit, then do my first read-through. I go through the book several times and get more focused with each pass. Once I can get all the way through without significant changes, I run it through spell-check and Grammarly. I then search for overused or undeeded words and eliminate as many as possible (I have an extensive list of these). Finally, I format the polished draft for publication. From the first word to pressing publish, it takes me about 6-8 months.
What is your inspiration?
I can find inspiration anywhere, but I am a visual person, so interesting scenery tends to get my creative juices flowing. The Absolution of the Morning Star series sprung to life from an image that popped into my mind. It was of an old tree struggling to grow in the light falling through a fissure in a cave. This scene needed an observer, so Erikson Gray was born.
What is a common trap for a writer?
I want to say not to care about what others will think and just write what you want to write, but that’s selfish. Authors are entertainers, and you have to have an audience to entertain, but this can be as little as one person. Focus on that person and write a story you think they would like to read.
What is your writing kryptonite?
Getting pulled into the rabbit hole of research.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep going and prevent your day job from taking priority over your dreams. Write every day, even if all that comes out is junk. You will get there eventually.
What is the difference between a writer and an author?
We are all writers. You tell a story when you put words on a page, even if it is just a work email. An author decides they want to share these stories with a broader audience. I used to think an author was someone who published with a big publishing house—that conception has changed.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
If they are constructive, I learn from them. If not, then I sigh and move on. I only have a few reviews (they are tough to get without using a service), so when one bites, it bites hard. Some people will like my work, and some will hate it. Most will not form a strong opinion. The pinnacle is getting to the point where you don’t read reviews and don’t care, but that comes from getting a solid pool of positive feedback to build your confidence. I’m not quite there yet.
What is the most challenging part of your process?
Editing, for sure. After reading your novel 6-7 times, you grow to hate it a bit, which is tricky because once complete, you must promote it. Passion wanes, and motivation is key.
How long have you been writing? When did you start? How many books have you written?
I completed my first novel while living in China in 2005. I was 23 years old. I’ve written 12 books but have only published 4, with my 5th, Noonday in the North, coming out soon (the rest is where I learned all the things not to do).
What is your advice for someone just starting out?
Write one page at a time. Set easily obtainable goals. Approach writing a novel like climbing a big hill. Focus on your feet, not the destination, and just keep moving.
Who is your favorite character you created?
Wendell, the One Eye from the Absolution of the Morning Star series, is my favorite, but most of my creations have a spot in my heart (and a few do not). Wendell is a complicated person. Technically he is a villain, but you can’t help but like him. That is why he is so effective.
Some more answers to interesting questions can be found here!
Cheers!
Author Scott Austin Tirrell 
I find it interesting to learn about other writers. Great post!
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Well done, Scott. Good questions and informative answers. Now I’m thinking about creating an FAQ page for my blog!
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From the Stephen King I’ve read, I’m inclined to agree that he’s not good at endings. XD
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As a writer of poetry I don’t get reviews, just acceptances and the other thing. I smile at the acceptances and dismiss the others. It’s easier to grow a hard shell as a poet and after a year or two I found that the negatives tended to bounce off. Apart from growing hard, I find that having plenty of work in then pipeline is a good strategy too – no time to brood.
Sorry I’ve not been round much – Happy New Year
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Loved reading about your writing process. Thank you for your inspiration!
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As another indie fiction author, I’m always interested in other thoughts about writing – this was interesting throughout Scott, and abundant with good advice.
Reading the part on a “common trap” for writers – about how you need to be writing for someone other than yourself, I found myself remembering how William Blake, who never made money from his poetry during his lifetime, and was mocked by some poet peers for calling himself a poet, said he had decided to “write for eternity” – to people of the future. Today he’s considered to be one of the greatest of the romantic poets.
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Thanks! The best part of the ebook universe is that once you hit publish, it is there conceivably forever. The thought of someone reading one of my stories long after I am gone is just an awesome thought. I may never become famous, but anytime someone reads one of my books, I share a bit of me with them, and that’s pretty neat. It’s a touch of immortality.
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I found this very interesting, Scott. It is interesting how many of us work in similar ways. Good advice and motivation.
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