What do you wear when you're writing?

[pbray]

What do you want to know about me? What do readers want to know about an author? I'm putting together a new list of FAQ's, and I'm looking for ideas on what I should include.

I have my own list of questions that I'm working from, based on the email that I've received over the years, but these seem boring. Do people really care how long it takes me to write a book or where I get my character names from?

And yes, I have been asked about what I wear. I blame this one on the romance author who stated that you needed to wear romantic clothing in order to inspire you as you wrote. I never saw a reason to follow that bit of advice, though I have been known to wear my RWA "Finish the Damn Book" t-shirt when occasion warrants.

Comments

Enquiring minds

[califmole.livejournal.com]

Is there really a secret handshake for getting published?

Seriously, how about how long it took you to sell your first book? And did you get your agent before or after you were published?

Readers or writers?

[wen-spencer.livejournal.com]

One I get (and had myself a young writer) was "how long is a novel?"

Otherwise, where do you get your ideas? When do you write? How long did it take you to get published? How long does it take you to write a novel? Are the characters based on people that you know? Hmmm....I know there are lots more -- it depends on who you talk to and what you write. If you write SF&F, and talking to a "normal" person, you usually get "oh, I don't read that stuff...my (brother,son, cousin, girl at work) reads that all the time) and then only mild interest.

I have to admit in a tough crowd, I'll talk about meeting Neal Gaimen briefly.....

Re: Readers or writers?

[fancythat2.livejournal.com]

One I get (and had myself a young writer) was "how long is a novel?"One I get (and had myself a young writer) was "how long is a novel?"

Hahahaha! I just asked her that a couple of days ago! Did I remember to thank you nicely, Ms. Bray? Thank you!

Cheers,
JD

Questions for the Author...

[fancythat2.livejournal.com]

Wow, where do I start?

I'd imagine you would wear what ever the heck is the most comfortable to write in, I do. Duh, uncomfortable clothes/shoes are a little visit to hell!

Are you prepared for the flood? Here you go.

1. Yeah, how long DID it take you to write that first book, its genre?, how long did it take you to write it?, Did it get rejected?

2. You have a day job, do you work full time? Do you keep your day job because the writing career is a bit of feast or famine?

3. Is it very difficult to get a fantasy manuscript published as a novice novelist?

4. Do you know the current going rate for a first novel contract? As I don't know your sense of humor, let me just clarify that, how much?

5. How many folks do you run your rough drafts by? Before your editor, I mean. Do they help with idea clarification?

6. How do you write? Do you write it all out first then go back and edit? or edit the days work as you go?

I'm sure I can think of more questions for you later. Do you feel pounced upon? You did ask. grin.

Cheers,
JD

Re: Questions for the Author...

[fancythat2.livejournal.com]

Actually, you're kind of spooking me. I was just thinking about what questions I would like to ask you just this morning.

Cheers,
JD

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Well I didn't say I'd answer them all, merely that I was interested in them :-)

Though seriously, thanks to those who posted, and anyone else should feel free to chime in. I'll post the FAQ on the livejournal here before it goes up on the website.

[jlawrenceperry.livejournal.com]

Describe the environment in which you write. Post pictures of the workspace online. Do you play music or work in silence? What music if any?

(not a great FAQ but it is something I like to know about authors. It's the one burning question I have for Robert Jordan if I ever get the chance.)

What books do you like to read yourself?