Over the last six months, I have interviewed authors from a wide range of genres -

Historical fiction, sci-fi, short stories, flash fiction, crime, YA, children’s, dark fantasy, poems, memoir, romantic thriller, paranormal, fantasy and non-fiction.

I do enjoy interviewing other authors, asking them questions about their writing process, problems, how they find ideas, what they learn from writing, and how they kickstart their brains in the morning.

It’s been fun and I decided to share some of their answers with you this week.

The top four distractions when writing -

Social Media

It is horribly tempting to just have a look at who has connected with you when sitting in front of the computer, or when the writing flow slows, but it steals precious writing time.

The solution is simple – turn off notifications and don’t peek until your writing session is finished. I assure you this is easier said than done, but after a while it becomes a habit.

Animals

Many writers like to have their writing buddies nearby, but they can be demanding at a crucial moment. Cat’s do tend to sit on keyboards if ignored and dogs will bark if they think you need some exercise or fresh air, which can be a good idea if you’ve been sitting for a while but is annoying if you are in full flow. You can’t turn them off so it’s either fuss, feed, and exercise them before you write, hide away, or learn to multitask. I’m often distracted by the wild birds outside my hut, but as they do not need anything from me, I can smile, and then get back to my writing. Right now, I can see sparrows, magpies, blue tits, gold finches and a robin, pecking, bouncing, and flying in my garden as they search for food.

Household Chores

Ignore those chores, they may be an excuse rather than a distraction. And don’t worry the cobwebs and dust will still be waiting for you when you’ve finished writing. If you don’t mind other people go to a café or library (when you are allowed) or have a designated space to write where you can put on your blinkers and gallop away on your words.

Other People

I’m sure that’s a song title, but I mustn’t be tempted to look it up, not until I’ve finished writing this blog.  

If it is people in your home, then a room, a hut in the garden, or writing when everyone else is asleep is preferable to shouting, glaring, ignoring, or writing them into a murder scene.

If it’s people outside, then earphones with music or white noise can help.

If it’s the local farmer muck spreading in the field next to your writing hut, then I suggest you run back to the house and do something else until it rains.

Where do their stories come from?

Something small, a tiny idea, a sparkle that grows into a treasure.

A character, premise, an observation, a spoken phrase, a memory, a setting, an event, an image, or an ending.

I love how different the answers are and how none of them mention a muse. There is no rule, nothing definite, you just need to pay attention to your thoughts, find what works for you and then write.

What do authors learn from writing?

Voice - it takes time and plenty of writing but gradually the author’s unique voice becomes clear.

Creativity – writing frees the imagination, there are no limits in writing stories. Ask ‘what if’ and find a hundred answers.

Personality – freeing buried memories, exploring relationship choices, humour, a fascination with horror, and how the character’s learning path can be similar to the author’s.

Curiosity – observation of the world and people is vital for an author and research is a huge part of writing.

Subtlety - Finding the balance between subtle messages and moralising when exploring aspects of life and human behaviour.

Strange observations that have ended up in stories.

If a horse trusts you, it might lean on you, forgetting you're much smaller. A story overheard in a café – so be aware we are listening. An elderly lady with something stuck to her shoe.

A mobile phone company complaint. A helicopter ditch in the North Sea. An encounter with a spirit. Aussie ‘ocker’ mates. An inflatable man. Blue Dragon River

If you want to be an author what should you eat for breakfast?

Blueberries and banana with oatmeal, Muesli, Porridge and honey, Pancakes, Toast, Cereal, Boiled Egg, Scrambled egg, bacon and fried potato, Rice crackers with melted cheese, a full Scottish or skip food and just drink Coffee.

I suggest you don’t eat everything on this menu in one sitting or you may burst with food rather than ideas.

I am looking forward to interviewing more authors and enjoying their answers and their breakfasts.