"Do you prewrite or organize ideas before writing, or do you just go with the flow?"

mahlerfan said...

“Do you prewrite or organize ideas before writing, or do you just go with the flow?”

I use an outline for longer works, but for short works, I don't require one. I’m always collecting and organizing story ideas in my head but it helps for longer projects to put them down on paper, even if it’s just rough notes. For the Dead Earth collaborations, Mark and I keep thinks mapped out at least a short ways ahead so that we both know where we’re going--that way we don’t head off in two entirely separate directions and make a mess of things.

However, I always keep in mind that an outline is not written in stone. In other words, I’m not strict with my structure once it’s been created. If the story takes on a life of its own and begins to run outside the lines, the plotting can always be adjusted to accommodate this new direction.

One thing about “going with the flow,” I think it’s fine if it suits you. I know that some writers feel an outline would stifle their creativity (I don’t believe this; I think there’s plenty of room for creativity, even within a single sentence). However, if you as a writer find yourself losing momentum halfway through your story, or feel your endings are weak, you may want to consider planning ahead. Or, of course, you could always rewrite the whole story using your first draft as a sort of outline. I’ve read quite a few books where the story just sort of petered out, as if the author had no proper ending in mind and hadn’t cared to create one. 

Thanks for the question, mahlerfan.

--DTW 5/11/12

“Who or what is the biggest influence on your writing?”

Neal Hock said...“Who or what is the biggest influence on your writing?”

I gave this question considerable thought before answering because it caused me to analyze my nine years as a writer.

As I look back on my published works, my influences become clear to me. No matter if I had horror, mystery or science fiction concepts in mind when I began a story, what my work most strongly reflects overall is a background in adventure fiction—let’s call it “pulp.” I credit those boyhood favorites: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber and  Michael Moorcock, writers who provided all the thrills and excitement a suburban, D&D-playing lad could wish for.

If you look at our Dead Earth books--especially Vengeance Road and the forthcoming Sanctuary--which are usually categorized as horror or post-apocalyptic sf, they are mainly composed of action sequences. And this attraction to fast-paced, forward motion shows in the pulp style of writing as well, a style that comes naturally to me.

One more influence that can’t be denied are superhero comic books. I adore those brightly garbed, bigger-than-life characters; they are like the mythic heroes of old. And if you crave non-stop action, then comic books are another perfect form of entertainment.

Tarzan, Conan, Elric and Batman: writing characters like these is in my blood.

Thanks for the question, Neal.

--DTW 5/8/12

15 Permuted E-books for Just 99 Cents Each!!

Wow! Now is the time to stock up on some great horror e-reads over at Permuted Press. 15 e-books are now available for just .99 apiece. This includes Dead Earth: The Green Dawn by Mark Justice and me! Act quickly before this sale ends; click the link below.

SAVE HERE!!

--DTW 5/2/12

Ask DTW

I'm always happy to answer any questions you have about writing, my books or whatever else is on your mind. Feel free to submit them to me and I'll answer them right here on my blog, if appropriate. Don't be shy.

STALINGRAD by Accept

Accept’s new CD titled Stalingrad is another winner from this legendary heavy metal band. I’m not sure they’ve topped their last album, Blood of the Nations, but they’ve come damn close. These two CDs together are a one-two punch that cannot be ignored by fans of heavy music. For a band that started in the late 70’s, this is a very impressive feat and all concerned have earned the right to stand tall. 

Amazing.

Stalingrad

Blood of the Nations

Accept

--DTW 5/1/12

Mo Hayder's GONE

I've been singing the praises of thriller writer Mo Hayder for years. And now her recent novel Gone has won a 2012 Edgar! So naturally, when I saw it at the store today, I snagged a copy.

AMAZON

--DTW 4/29/12

DIME DETECTIVE by Randy Chandler

Here's another pre-order for you to think about: Randy Chandler's DIME DETECTIVE. Randy has put out consistently fine horror tales and now here's a hard-boiled novel for us to savor. Take one look at this cover and you might just fall in love. Oh, and today (4/29/12), you can get it on your Kindle free! The link is beneath the image if you'd like to check out this baby.

AMAZON

--DTW 4/29/12