Writer's Block (It's not what you think)

[jpskewedthrone]

So this afternoon I was invited by Rachel Faulks to talk to a group of high school writers who call themselves the Writer's Block. I had alot of fun, talking about how I write, how I got published, the process of getting published. They also asked alot of good questions, alot of fun questions, and in general I had a good time.

They did ask how I handled writer's block . . . and I told them you just have to keep writing. Either keep pounding on the wall on the story you're currently working on, or switch to a new story, whatever is currently on fire in your head. And if nothing is on fire in your head, write whatever comes when you sit down at the computer or typewriter or whatever.

I think the group had alot of fun as well. I'm hoping they ask me back next year. It was obvious some of them had read the book and enjoyed the characters and were looking forward to book 2. It's nice to get some fan feedback (one of them asked how I felt about fan fiction . . . a question I've never had before and that caught me off guard), ACTUAL fan feedback, as opposed to fan reviews or critic reviews, etc.

Yes, I admit it, I bathed in the fandom.

Ok, that just sounded too weird. I'm stopping now, before it gets even weirder.

Comments

[fireun.livejournal.com]

and your fanboys/girls continue to multiply. *cackles*
sounds like you had a great time! awesome!

i am curious now to know how you do feel about fanfiction. i am usually kinda "eh..." about fanfic for actual books and the like, even movies, but actively participate (with great enthusiasm) in anime fanfic. (oddly enough, thats how some artists/authors get started) so, oh ye published author, what is your take on the topic?

Fanfic

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I don't mind fanfic at all. It caught me off guard because I hadn't even considered that someone would want to write fanfic in my universe. The idea of having fans at all is still new to me. So fanfic in my universe is fine with me as long as:

1) You say somewhere that it's fanfic set in the universe of Joshua Palmatier's The Skewed Throne or something to that effect. (In other words, give me credit for creating the universe.) And:

2) You play respectifully in that universe.

I think authors who have people writing fanfic in their universe should be flattered that their world is so alive in someone else's mind that they feel compelled to write about it.

(I may post this comment as a main entry in my LJ, just so you know.)

[aeriedraconia.livejournal.com]

*grin* Go you!

[endelarin.livejournal.com]

Speaking to writing groups is the best! They're totally enthusiastic, they get your passion because it's the same as theirs, and they understand the hard work involved in creating fiction. And teenagers, yet! You were blessed. Teens are great.

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

It was definitely alot of fun. Avid fans give off so much energy, you can't help sucking it up and feeling an urge to sit down and write more afterwards.

Writer's Block

[ileftawhileago.livejournal.com]

Hello. It's me. Rachel. Writer's Block had a blast and we all love you, and we'll definantly ask you back, but since we only have one meeting left this year it'll have to wait...silly time. You made everybody's day. I want the second book. I'm rambling. goodbye.

Re: Writer's Block

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

Good to hear from you! I'd love to come back, but it can wait until the fall. I figured there weren't too many meetings left to go.

PS--I sent you email.