James Rollins, famous author, was the keynote speaker at the writers conference I attended over the weekend. I found he was generous of his time, funny and most of all approachable. Often he could be found hanging out with other authors drinking his diet coke or giving his opinions about publishing, writing or any other topic that was presented.
At times I could feel Jim Czajkowski--James Rollins real name--hovering below the surface. Jim comes from a large and supportive family, is a veterinarian by trade, and loves adventure. He admits when asked what he does for a living, he says he’s a veterinarian that writes books--great books, I might add. This makes me wonder if when I have multiple books published if I will transition from a business executive to a writer. Only time will tell.
In a breakout session, he was asked several questions related to his writing process. Here is what he shared.
James normally writes about two books a year, which is a stretch, mainly because his work is so research intensive. For each book he maintains two binders, one each for history and science. Although he researches only what he needs, some information can be challenging to get. In particular he mentioned trying to research the space shuttle evacuation plan to provide accurate details when he crashed the shuttle in a scene. Like most authors, many days can be filled with nothing but research and must be limited or else no writing would ever be accomplished.
Five to six pages per day is his writing goal and that includes the days he’s on the road. When he works he writes several chapters, then hands off the work to his critique group he’s been with eighteen years, continues to write, then backtracks when the critiques come in. He calls this a rolling or looping writing style. When the novel is done, it’s done. He admits that he rarely goes back to re-read his book. After a hundred times reading it during the writing process, he pretty much never wants to read it again. Understandable.
He says he doesn't get writers block but added a qualifier. On his computer he has a note, “I give my permission to write crap today.” Just that permission allows him to continue the writing process. From experience, I know it’s easier to edit, than fill a blank page.
The hour spent with James was informal, laid back and informative. He is clearly an intelligent, kind and giving individual. You can find more on James Rollins at www.jamesrollins.com His next SIGMA force book is to come out sometime in late 2010. Check it out!
At times I could feel Jim Czajkowski--James Rollins real name--hovering below the surface. Jim comes from a large and supportive family, is a veterinarian by trade, and loves adventure. He admits when asked what he does for a living, he says he’s a veterinarian that writes books--great books, I might add. This makes me wonder if when I have multiple books published if I will transition from a business executive to a writer. Only time will tell.
In a breakout session, he was asked several questions related to his writing process. Here is what he shared.
James normally writes about two books a year, which is a stretch, mainly because his work is so research intensive. For each book he maintains two binders, one each for history and science. Although he researches only what he needs, some information can be challenging to get. In particular he mentioned trying to research the space shuttle evacuation plan to provide accurate details when he crashed the shuttle in a scene. Like most authors, many days can be filled with nothing but research and must be limited or else no writing would ever be accomplished.
Five to six pages per day is his writing goal and that includes the days he’s on the road. When he works he writes several chapters, then hands off the work to his critique group he’s been with eighteen years, continues to write, then backtracks when the critiques come in. He calls this a rolling or looping writing style. When the novel is done, it’s done. He admits that he rarely goes back to re-read his book. After a hundred times reading it during the writing process, he pretty much never wants to read it again. Understandable.
He says he doesn't get writers block but added a qualifier. On his computer he has a note, “I give my permission to write crap today.” Just that permission allows him to continue the writing process. From experience, I know it’s easier to edit, than fill a blank page.
The hour spent with James was informal, laid back and informative. He is clearly an intelligent, kind and giving individual. You can find more on James Rollins at www.jamesrollins.com His next SIGMA force book is to come out sometime in late 2010. Check it out!
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