If you're on the list to be a featured creator for #ScribesAndMakers #TTMD and have an upcoming book release or other event that you would like people to be aware of, send us a message and we'll do our best to schedule you around that time if it's helpful to you.
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On 5/17 writer, 'Sinister Minutes' podcaster, woodworker, creative cooker, hand drummer, minister, nature lover, storyteller, and kindred spirit @KurtHohmann will be our next featured creator for #ScribesAndMakers #TTMD . If you would like to join in asking him questions, please include the above two hashtags and tag Kurt by typing @ and selecting his name or by typing out his full handle @ KurtHohmann @ writing . exchange without the spaces.
#TTMD #ScribesandMakers
Is your dystopian world visually based on any real places?
My dystopian world is visually based on England in the years 1348/9. The Plague was about as dystopian as you can get while without civilization extinction.
#ScribesAndMakers 4: #TTMD with @willelm
1: What question do you wish you'd been asked, with response?
2: You mentioned you jump POVs a lot, which is something I feel I do too much. How do you ensure equal time, or do you? Do you find it difficult to jump headspace in a single writing session? Is there any particular way you keep it manageable, basically?
#ScribesAndMakers #TTMD Thank you all so much for your questions today. It was a blast talking with all of you!
@VampiresAndRobots @saposcat No problem. There's still time before midnight!
I try to limit myself to only once a day but it's hard. It's not the money, it's the chance that someone is reading it. I try to be realistic about it, there's so much awesome work out there, and just be happy with whatever happens. Hopefully it finds its readers.
Also, I'm not doing any advertising with it though so I don't feel I need to pay attention too much to what works and what doesn't.
@saposcat @willelm ah heck, I was at work all day and didn't get a chance to look at all the questions, so I'll have to ask something that I know no one else has asked....
Okay, since this is your first book, how often are you checking your sales dashboard and rank?
#ScribesAndMakers #TTMD
Thanks to everyone who joined in #ScribesAndMakers #TTMD with @willelm today! There were a lot of excellent questions and it was another fun day.
@ianscraper Thanks!
I'm a notoriously bad planner but I'm hoping to finish up a draft of the spin-off in-world novel this year, then edit/revise first draft of the sequel to Shadow of the Elders in early 2026. I'll have to send that our to alpha/beta readers then and I'll probably work on Book3. Right now I'm mostly focusing on that world because there's a long way to go with it but that might change.
#ScribesAndMakers 4 May
#TTMD
@willelm
Congratulations on your recent release!
What are you plans for the future? Can you already reveal a few ideas for future novels?
@strangeseawolf Nothing is off-limits 😄! I typically have an idea of at least a MC and a scene, usually either an inciting event or a climatic event. Then the plot evolves as I write. I'm a total pantser but I do start with a basic idea of the character and something that's happening. It sounds like we're a bit similar there.
Even the side stories I tend to have a character in mind before their plot really gets going.
@sifaseven Thanks!
I'm probably more Jedi in real life but I find the sith more interesting.
My writing schedule is not a schedule at all 😆. I write mostly when I can, which is usually in short chunks when not responsible for something else. My longer sessions are either late at night or early morning but that's not consistent. I write by keyboard, phone, voice recorder and then transcribed, whatever works for where I am.
2. I do have some story ideas outside that world or that don't have a particular setting attached to them. I typically write down all my ideas in a giant running document when I get them and save them for when they are needed. I have begun some short stories and novellas with other ideas but I never got too far with them. Full length novels suit my style a little better
1. Shadow of the Elders is about 5 story ideas that came together. They were all kind of coming up at the same time and I thought up a character in the situation and it all kind of snowballed from there. As I wrote I included other ideas I had and other characters revealed themselves to me and then it was a book. I can't remember where the idea first came to me.
@saposcat I'm a long-winded person by nature and I find it difficult to write shorter works. The earlier drafts of Shadow of the Elders are even longer! I had to do a lot of trimming and it's still long. 😄
I think in fantasy there's more to flesh out and more tolerance among readers for longer books but I'm actually hoping I can learn to write more succinctly. I have no preference for length of books when reading.
If it isn't too personal @willelm how do your stories develop? Do you have a plot in mind and then create the characters for it or do you have an idea about the characters and then the plot evolves from there?
I know it is hard to distinguish, but for me, I usually have a gist of the setup and the characters but only vague ideas of the plot.
#ScribesAndMakers #TTMD
I have more questions for @willelm too. I don't think it was asked/answered yet.
Where did the idea for your book come from?
And
Do you have new story ideas outside that world as well, and, if so, how do you deal with these ideas, push them away or save them for later?
#ScribesAndMakers #TTMD @willelm
Shadow of the Elders is a long book. Is that your preference, or do you like writing shorter work too?
Yes, too much traffic. I use a voice recorder on my phone often when I'm out and can't write things down. Whether it's stuck in traffic or out at a playground with the kids or wherever, I definitely just let my mind wander about my stories. Recording things been a lifesaver for me getting "writing" time in my busy life.
#ScribesAndMakers #TTMD @willelm
Given your MD location, I'm guessing you spend some non-trivial amount of time stuck in traffic. While use of a keyboard while at the wheel might be unwise, do you ever use these (or other) non-productive hours for idea development? Are there ever "Aha!" moments while parked on the Beltway? If so, do they generally remain with you until you can record them?
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