Friday, July 20, 2012

Interview with Heather McCorkle

 

Hey all you readers and writers! Emma Michaels here to introduce our guest author of the day:
Heather McCorkle
Hello Heather and welcome to The Writers Voice!

Do you ever get writers block? How do you suggest aspiring authors overcome their own bouts of writers block? 

Ah to be a writer who doesn't get it! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I do have a few ways to get rid of it though that never fail me. Brainstorming with a friend who knows the story well almost always works for me. When that doesn't work taking a shower usually does. I used to think that was odd until I heard more and more authors say it works for them too!

What do you feel is your biggest writerly fault and how do you deal with it?

That would have to be telling emotions instead of showing them. I go through my manuscript with a highlighter and highlight ever instance where I did this and then fix it so you'll rarely see it in the finished novel unless myself and my editor missed it!

What is your favorite point of view to write from? Do you have any particular reason?

I love to write close third person, which is third person but on a very personal level where the reader is in the character's head at times. I think I love third person so much because it's what I grew up reading.

Worldbuilding is such an important part of writing. What is your world building process like for you?

Very intensive! It's important to me that every detail is covered from culture and traditions to society structures. I do a ton of research and outline everything about my world in a notebook.

What's your writing routine? Do you write in the mornings, nights, daily, or when the mood strikes you?

I don't have a set time expect in the car on the way to work (don't worry, I car pool!). I carry a notebook and pencil and write whenever and wherever I can, even on my breaks at work if I can squeeze it in. Daily goals help keep me on track.

What is your biggest pet peeve in writing?

That I don't have more time to do it! There is so much more to writing than just writing. With research, outlining, character development, social networking, and a day job, it can be tough. But I love it and it's worth all the struggle. :)

To all our readers out there, thank you for following The Writers Voice and happy reading!

12 comments:

  1. Nice interview! I love your world building process, Heather. It really works. :)

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    1. Thanks Linda! And thanks for visiting during my interview!

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  2. Fabulous interview Heather!!! Being your writing partner has taught me SO MUCH about world building. THANK YOU!

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    1. Thank you! You're so sweet. I've learned worlds from you as well. ;)

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  3. These are fabulous questions! My pet peeve is the same. I'm always looking for more time. All the best, Heather!

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    1. If only we could stop time! Thanks Jessica. :)

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  4. You're not the only one who does her thinking in the shower, Heather! What helps me to get past writer's block, too, is rereading the previous chapter before I sit down to write. If I edit first, that usually gets the creative juices flowing. And if *that* doesn't work, a glass of wine usually does. LOL! :-D

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    1. That's awesome Melissa, another shower thinker! Love it. I like your tip, I think I'll try that, both of them!

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  5. I'm a shower thinker too! Great minds think and shower alike. lol.
    I'm a huge fan of Heather's books. Great interview!

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    1. LOL! Indeed they do. You are too sweet, thanks Karen!

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  6. What a fabulous interview Heather! And I share your pet peeve. There is just not enough time.

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    1. Thanks Karlene! And oh yes, the one thing we can't buy!

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