Yes. I don't deal with them. Everyone is as unique as their fingerprints. Their opinion of my writings do not mean I am a good or bad writer it simply means they enjoyed or did not enjoy my writing. To think everyone is supposed to enjoy what I do is arrogant on my part. I simply appreciate the fact that someone chose to use their time to read one of my books and chose to use more of their time to review it.
Yes. 1. write backwards. If you know the ending write it and the rest of the book will come to you as you write (at least ti did for me). 2. Take a break. Go for a walk or drive. You might experience something or someone or a place that will give you ideas. 3. Look at your social media feed, usually there is someone sharing too much information you can use.
No. I wrote for the fun of it. I never thought I would write as "a job." It never occurred to me. I was focused on being a multi-artist (singer, chef, visual artist, actor).
When you write a story (book, play, film, poem, song, etc) and it changes someone's life. The depressed is depressed no more, the racist is no more a hater, the abuser is no longer abusing, etc. Writing should help someone become a better person.
Research and read before getting into the craft. Constantly read everything for not only inspiration, but for education. Reading is the best form of education (as is experience). No such thing as overnight success. Use this as a way of exercising your patience muscles so they can be strong. Before you start the journey sacrifice all your wants (Netflix, cable, Starbucks, etc) and save your money like crazy. Whether you publish traditionally or self-publish you need a lot of money. I mean lots of it. You also need time so less TV and more reading and writing.
I started writing when I was about 8 years old. Mostly songs at first. I come from a musical home so it was natural for me to start off writing songs. I then wrote poems and prayers. I mostly wrote when I was emotionally charged (happy, angry, sad, elated, etc) it was my outlet. I then started writing short stories simply because I had ideas I wanted to share. I then started writing plays because I would get ideas and knew if I didn't write them no one else would. I basically write to share my thoughts. It is the best way I can share them. I believe people understand my thoughts more if I write them instead of speak them.
