Thread: Does anyone know where/how to find published authors, to ask them questions?

I had decided my characters needed meat on their bones, i.e., development, and went looking on the internet for advice on how to go about this.

However, I found so much “advice” it made my head spin.

It occurred to me the internet makes experts of us all, regardless of track record.

What’s really needed is access to published authors, authors who are willing and able to talk.

But where/how do we find them?

There are several on this site, Edna.

I've never tried it, but I'm aware of a site called "Listorious" which enables the user to interview twitter users, including authors.

Originally Posted by Baron

There are several on this site, Edna.

To paraphrase Olly, in his recent Lounge thread about ladies and mushrooms, how did I know you'd find that thread title irresistible?

"Published" can mean a lot of things. But I think I know what you mean OX. I do know a couple of successful traditionally published authors who have sold a good number of books -- one, enough so that she makes her living doing it. Their books have been through the vetting process, through agents and at well known publishers. I plan on picking their brains about the publishing process when I'm ready, but I can't really see either of them offering me advice on character development that isn't boiler plate -- that is without them having read my book -- and that's a lot to ask.

Originally Posted by JosephB

"Published" can mean a lot of things. But I think I know what you mean OX. I do know a couple of successful traditionally published authors who have sold a good number of books -- one, enough so that she makes her living doing it. Their books have been through the vetting process, through agents and at well known publishers. I plan on picking their brains about the publishing process when I'm ready, but I can't really see either of them offering me advice on character development that isn't boiler plate -- that is without them having read my book -- and that's a lot to ask.

You're giving the impression that there aren't such writers on this site, Joe. I can assure you that it isn't the case. There are several here who have been published by the traditional route, including two (that I know of) who are newly published. In the bookshop you'll see at least a couple of titles that have been on the best seller lists.

Originally Posted by Baron

You're giving the impression that there aren't such writers on this site, Joe. I can assure you that it isn't the case. There are several here who have been published by the traditional route, including two (that I know of) who are newly published. In the bookshop you'll see at least a couple of titles that have been on the best seller lists.

And I suppose they could be on here very day offering awesome advice on character development, and I’ve just missed it.

Originally Posted by JosephB

And I suppose they could be on here very day offering awesome advice on character development, and I’ve just missed it.

At least two of those are regular contributors to the site, Joe.

Oh, I guess I have missed it. Anyway, it looks like OX just needs to do a little detective work and he’s in business.

Well over the next couple of months we're featuring members who have been published by the traditional route in the guest chats.

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

I had decided my characters needed meat on their bones, i.e., development, and went looking on the internet for advice on how to go about this.

However, I found so much “advice” it made my head spin.

It occurred to me the internet makes experts of us all, regardless of track record.

What’s really needed is access to published authors, authors who are willing and able to talk.

But where/how do we find them?

The best way to find authors or editors who are willing to talk and answer questions such as yours is to track down the writers conventions - either generic or genre-specific, or to select some authors you particularly want to approach and look for them on the larger sites (eg Facebook).

Despite what many may think, successful writers are not all paranoid hermits locked away behind million-dollar security systems. Most are still listed in the phone book under their own names (that might be problematic if you only know the pseudonyms), and most are what we might call "real people", with "real lives".

That means, total strangers calling up or writing in for advice on how to improve their writing are just as likely to receive:

Get thee to a creative writing class!

- as they are to obtain the specific information requested.

Others can tell you how they would develop your characters; some may even couch their views as "what you should do is ...". But really, only you can develop your characters in the way that suits your voice in the story.

You've decided they need development; now be more specific about it - what development does each character need?
What's missing in their lives?