Twinkle by SJ Parkinson Guest Post
Twinkle by SJ Parkinson Guest Post
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I’ve never had a time when I was stuck that badly. I’ve encountered situations during a novel where I hit an unexpected road block in the plot because of a change I had made earlier, but once I worked out a solution it was back to writing. I run the stories through my head again and again making small changes each time. As time goes by I work out most of the plot issues and character interactions. By the time I’m done that process I have the book in my head and just need to type it out with the appropriate character interactions and dialog.
My biggest issue is a lack of productive time. The present list of book projects I have numbers over a dozen at the moment. All have developed character lists and outlines. I could sit down and write them today assuming there were no distractions. However, as I need to promote/advertise my previous books, correspond with press/reviewers /fans, maintain my social media and website, a lot of my time is spent dealing with non-writing matters. I’m also married and my wife (justifiably so) expects a portion of my time as well. Then there are groceries, bills, and the other mundane aspects of life we all encounter. I promised myself I would write a page a day regardless of my other obligations. On some days keeping that promise can be a challenge.
Story ideas occur to me all the time. When on vacation in Puerto Rico, my wife and I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy. After the show, she went to use the bathroom and I waited for her while leaning up against the wall near the exit. By the time she rejoined me, I had already thought of a new science fiction novel inspired by the people standing around me.
How did you start writing?
I think I’ve always been a writer. I’d sit under a tree on a summer day as a child and imagine various stories. In grade school I remember composing a short story about a shark and a diving bell that got a B+. My first short story in high school English class was only eight pages, but I remember treating it very seriously and obsessing over every sentence. The impact of my scintillating prose was immediate; they held me back a year, and put me into remedial English.
In retrospect, it was the kick in the pants I needed. By the end of the next year, I’d not only worked my way back to where I should have been, I’d also made it into the advanced classes. From that time on, writing has always been a part of my life.
I joined the military and traveled all over the northern hemisphere. I served in several war zones and was awarded medals, ironically for both war and peacekeeping. Some of my experiences eventually make their way into my books. I began writing a weekly article for a local newspaper on computers and got several articles into various magazines. I began writing The Legionnaire: Mask of the Pharaoh in 2008 and told no one, including my fiancée (now wife), until I surprised her with the first paperback copy in 2012.
Several other novels have followed. Winning several international awards, getting supportive reviews from my readers, and encouraging messages from friends and well-wishers are all the reward I need. Luckily, I write because I love it. If I wrote for fame, or money I’d be disappointed. In the end, I write books that I would like to read. If others enjoy them as well, then that’s great.
About SJ Parkinson:
Mr. Parkinson was an Air Force avionics technician, a decorated veteran of the Persian Gulf War, and several United Nations peacekeeping missions. He has lived overseas in numerous countries and travels extensively. His novels have been praised for their realism and sold in fourteen countries, winning multiple international awards.
Awards: Three “Outstanding in Genre” Gold Seal awards from Red Adept Publishing and Kindle Book of the Month award Oct 2013 by the People’s Choice Book Awards.
Website: http://sjparkinson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJ_Parkinson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Parkinson/228716213898027
Google+: https://plus.google.com/104993789048415208166/posts
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