Lots more excellent questions here…to read the original post that started this whole thing, click here.

To read the first installment of the Q&A, click here.

To read the second, click here.

Onward…

Jay Says:

I’m reading my 33rd book for this year. I’ve read fiction, non fiction, religious, advice and always watch for a “new” author. I’m glad to learn about your books and will be reading one soon.

My question is this, do you think 33 books read since January 1 is enough to qualify me as an avid reader? I tend to let chores go when I’m “into” a good book. Jay Davis

Hi Jay—I certainly do, and good for you. I tend to lose track of the number of books I read each year, but it’s probably around 60. It used to be more. I review a couple each month for Horrorworld.org, and usually slip into one or two others that I don’t review.

Unfortunately that makes both of us very nearly “freaks” in this day and age. There are far too many distractions for most people to read that much. That’ fine (to each his/her own), but it does worry me a bit because I’m a writer, and writers need readers. I think during the next twenty years there will be some radical changes in the publishing industry. Will it survive? Sure. But what form emerges after the smoke settles, I don’t know.

Teri Haire Says:

Hi Nate,

I just read your DearReader letter. Like you I had started to slow down on the number of books I read. After signing up to DearReader my list of books to read has grown and I am now finding time to read. Or I should say making time to read. I have not read your book, but it is now added to my list.

From time to time I think about what it would take to write a book. I have always been a reader. Most of the time, (with the exception of thinking I was to busy to read) I would have a book at work, one at home and one in my car, you never know when you find yourself in a Starbucks alone, a book makes good company. When my thoughts go to writing instead of reading, I never seem to be able to settle on a subject. So many things go through my mind. So, my question is: How do you make the choice of subject for a book?

Thank you for your time,
Teri Haire

Hi Teri—Making time to read is the key, isn’t it? It’s easy to do other things; switch on the t.v., do some cleaning, call a friend, chat online…at least for me, it’s not that I enjoy doing those things more than reading. They’re just potential time-eaters. You have to make the effort to avoid them, if it helps you find time to read (and write too, for that matter).

Your question about choice of subject is similar to one that a lot of others ask: where do you get your ideas? I’ve written quite a bit about this in earlier interviews, and in an earlier question from Laura (in the first installment), but basically my stories arise from some compelling image or spark, and then go from there. I have to be interested in the story myself to find it worthwhile to explore.

The first book I ever completed began when I woke in the middle of the night with this image in my head of a man searching the woods for a dead body. It stuck with me, and I started playing the “what if” game: who is this man? Who is he looking for? What happened to this person? What if the killer were still out there? So I began exploring these questions, and about three months later I was writing the end.

I always have many more ideas than I have time to write. Right now, for example, I have five different novel ideas that I think are compelling enough to work on, and they range from several thousand words already written to nothing more than a collection of notes. From these ideas I’ll choose to focus on one, either because it’s more interesting to me than the rest, or because I think it’s got the best chance of becoming a saleable novel.

Jacqueline S. Says:

My husband and I are avid readers and that’s what brought us together. Cumulatively, we read about 3-4 books a month on just about any subject. He likes suspense, drama, sci fi, and I’ve always leaned toward business books and mystery.

I think the DearReader column is a great way to get people back into reading books and not just their e-mail. I look forward to Suzanne’s AuthorBuzz section every week just to check out what’s new and to get some ideas on what to read next.

My question to you is: At what point in your life did you become passionate about books? And at what point did your passion turn into writing?

Hi Jacqueline—I responded to this in other answers, but I’ve always been a bookworm. I’ve read (and been read to) since my early toddler years, and I’ve written stories my whole life. I think you have to have this sort of love for books if you want to be a successful writer. It’s got to be in your blood; this business is just too darn hard otherwise.

Leslie Says:

I am curious about the dollars and cents aspect of being a writer. What do you claim for tax purposes? Can you write off books, travel, fees, etc. used for research purposes (or at least a portion of that)? How much would you say it costs you to write a book in terms of supplies, research, travel, etc.? Is there a book or four that you read, web sites you consulted, or classes you took to help you get those details settled, or was it trial and error, mentors, and tax consultants?

Hi Leslie—I’m no tax expert, so I can’t really say for sure what’s ultimately appropriate in terms of a write-off. I let my accountant handle that. But I have written off books if they’re directly related to writing or the business of writing, and I’ve certainly written off travel if it’s to a writers’ convention or workshop. I don’t travel much for research (thank the Net for that), so I don’t think it costs all that much to write a book. The real costs come leading up to and immediately after publication, when you travel to book signings and events to promote the book, that sort of thing.

Mary Says:

This is so cool - to be able to write to an actual writer!!! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

Hi Mary—I actually find it cool that I get to hear from readers, who actually want to hear what I have to say—so thank you!

Amber Says:

Nate-

I am not exactly sure how to pose my “question”. I have been kicking around the same book idea since I was in the 8th grade, which is a long time even though I am only 24. Of course, the characters have developed and the plot has progressed as I have matured, but the basic concept is still there. I love to read and to write and I feel obligated to put this “never-ending story” to paper but I have one problem (this is where you come in). I can get the plot and the characters out, the skin and bones if you will, but my problem is the in-between stuff. The extra stuff that makes a book flow, that keeps you reading. So, I guess my question is, how do you get the filler that makes a short story into a novel?

Hi Amber—oh, boy, that’s a good one. You know, I think it’s a very common problem. I wish I could come up with an easy answer for you. All I can say is that practice helps. There’s no shortcut. You learn by doing—and by reading lots of books, to see how others do it.

My first completed novel seemed very flat to me. There wasn’t enough life there, enough “meat.” I let a friend read it and I remember that her reaction was very similar. It was ok, but it just didn’t seem compelling. So I went back and filled bits and pieces in, fleshing out sections that I felt needed more suspense, more drama, more life. I added scenes from characters who were previously only mentioned in passing. I bulked up existing characters’ thoughts and added details to the environments they were experiencing. When I was finished, it was like a completely different book.

I gave it to the same friend, and she stayed up all night to finish it. She literally couldn’t put it down, and raved about it to me afterward. I knew I was onto something then, and it taught me a lot. The lesson here is, revision is part of the process, maybe more important than the first draft itself. The first draft is to get the story down on paper; the second and third draft is to carve that story up, and then polish until it shines.

ellie says:

Does your environment influence your writing process? How much reading do you do to inspire your writing?

Hi Ellie—Sure it does, in a couple of different ways. Over the short term, I need a quiet space away from distractions, away from noise, where I feel comfortable. It’s the only way to get in the right frame of mind. Ideally I need long chunks of time set aside as well, to get into the flow, but with my current schedule it’s hard to find more than an hour or two. So I make do.

And over the long term, where I am certainly influences what I write about. Bloodstone takes place in a small town in Maine, much like the town where I grew up. My second novel, The Reach, takes place in Boston, close to where I am now.

I do a ton of reading. I find it helps keep my brain in the right frame of mind. It’s almost like learning a foreign language—you’re training your mind to work and think in a certain way.

pearl Says:

I admire your creativity and writing skills. To be able to concentrate and put your thoughts in a coherent manner takes a great deal of imagination and perseverance. Did you always have this ability or was it acquired over time?

Hi Pearl—I think that it’s similar to any other profession. A good writer might have been born with wiring that’s more amenable to crafting a good story, but the skills still have to be built and polished through repetition. The more you write, the better you get. I think almost anyone is capable of becoming a competent writer over time, and a fair chunk of people could be great at it. But you have to dedicate yourself to it in a way that will weed out all those but the most committed (another word for insane, by the way, which is oddly appropriate).

sharon Says:

Writing is a wonderful profession but do you have to travel and meet with agents etc. or can you work alone?

Hi Sharon—You don’t HAVE to travel much at all, but there are certainly benefits to doing so. Writers’ conferences are great places to meet other writers, editors and agents and network. Lectures and book signings also help you get to know other people and learn more about the business. It is a business, after all, even if many writers would prefer to view themselves as artists. That’s all fine and good until the book is finished, and then it’s a product just like anything else.

Ultimately, the most traveling you do is when you’re promoting a new novel. Booksignings, meetings and other events are very important, particularly to newer writers who are trying to build a fan base. That’s where I am now.

As far as agents and editors are concerned, most of that business can be done over the phone or by email. You might have a lunch together every once in a while, but it’s not all that often.

Patty Says:

I so relate to your letter regarding people need to read more & not lose that great feeling you get when you’re in the middle of a good book, have to put it down & then are so excited to pick it back up again.

By the way, what book did you read when you shut off the phone ringer & turned off your laptop?

Hi Patty—glad you enjoyed the column. I hate being interrupted when reading a good book. See the answer to Terry’s question in the previous installment for more about my choice of book—Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris.

Anna Davis Says:

Hi, I just wanted to say that I was so intrigued by the type of books you wrote, that I have them on order at my local bookstore and library now. Every now and then I need a departure from the romance novels I love to read. Thanks for giving me something new to read! My question for you sir, is how would you suggest a budding writer to delegate time to write? I ask because as a mother of three, I’m also a part-time student at the local university and the hubby is currently pursuing his Ph.D and it’s so hard to just jump into my writing when I’ve got our boys all over me. Anyway, thanks for taking time to read my comment. I can’t wait to start on Bloodstone when I get it. Take care.

Anna Davis

Hi Anna—I can relate to your problem, having a day job, three kids of my own, and a wife who works full time and is enrolled in a PhD program as well. It’s not easy. It helps to have a supportive spouse. Even if he’s not able to actually DO much at the moment to help you, as long as he understands what you’re trying to accomplish, and doesn’t resent you for it, that’s a big step.

Beyond that, you just have to carve out time whenever you can. Even with our busy lives, there are things that can be skipped. Your favorite t.v. show. That hour-long phone conversation you had with your friend from Texas. Lunch hours that are spent doing something other than writing. You get the idea.

Other than that, you can try getting up before everyone else in the morning and fitting in an hour or so of writing. Or, if you’re more of a night owl, stay up a bit later when the house is quiet. The important part is to schedule a regular time for you to get something done.

As someone else mentioned earlier, write just 500 words a day, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they add up.

Stephen Lambert Says:

Good Morning Mr. Kenyon;

I am an avid horror reader and I have added yourself to my list of favorite authors alongside Barker and Shirley.

I, myself have been writing horror for a few years now and though the thought of getting published is a distant one, I would like to have my work critiqued one day.

My question to you is two-fold; How long had you been writing before you were published? At what point in your writing career did you believe that your writing could stand out against other writers of the same genre?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Stephen Lambert

Hi Stephen—glad to have your support! Those are two impressive names in Barker and Shirley. Two of the best around.

I think some of your first question has been answered already. I’ve been writing my whole life, but my first publication wasn’t until college. Even then it was in tiny magazines that didn’t pay anything. My first pro sale was to the Terminal Frights anthology, back in 1994 or so. After that, I published one or two more stories in decent magazines, and then I got pretty burned out on the whole grind and stopped submitting entirely, although I didn’t stop writing. I moved to the Boston area, got a “real” job, got married and started a family. It wasn’t until about 2 years ago that I decided I wanted to get back in. That’s when I shook the dust off Bloodstone, which I’d written several years before, gave it a good hard edit and sent it to Ed Gorman, who passed it along to Five Star.

And that was it. After all those years, one sub, one book deal. Funny how things work out.

In terms of your second question, at least for me, there’s a weird sort of schizophrenia that goes on when I compare my work to others. Sometime I think my writing is the best stuff in the world, and sometimes I can barely stand to look at it. The strangest thing about this is that it’s often a reaction to the same exact story, just a different day and different mood.

Tammy Says:

Thanks so much for your Dear reader. As a mother of 2 I require the kids to read every day. I grew up reading and loved to escape with a great book. But I have not been reading any over the last 8 months due to a car wreck and the pain in my neck if I hold it still too long. But I am going to get back in the habit this week. There is nothing greater than a quiet house with everyone curled up with a book. And we always have great discussions after because both kids want to tell me about their book.
Thank you,
Tammy

Hi Tammy—I’m sorry to hear about the accident, and I agree with you—nothing better than a good book. Have you tried listening to books on tape?

Janice Turner Says:

I just read your Dear Reader column. I have one simple question for you. How do you keep your ideas fresh and different from what is already out there. Many times I sit down to think about things to write and all I come up with is ideas I’ve already seen on television or read in books.

Hi Janice—That’s a tough one. It’s not in the initial idea, necessarily, because pretty much every story has already been written. The devil, so to speak, is in the details. Fleshing out a character, dealing with the complexities of plot, bringing your own life, experiences and perspective into the book to make it shine. Those are the things that make something new and unique.

So don’t fret so much about coming up with an idea nobody else has ever done before. Just start writing something that interests you, and see where it goes. I guarantee that it will be something only you could write.

Judy Sorensen Says:

I really enjoyed you “Dear Reader” email this morning. It made me smile because we just had rain this weekend after going without for a month at least. Sitting in my living room, I was thinking this is what I wish for on those rainy days that I have to leave for work. Finally I can actually sit with a good book and read while listen to the rain falling outside my window.

I really don’t have a question for you, but I would like to tell you how much I envy you for your talent….Thank you for writing for us. Judy

Hi Judy–thanks for the kind words! Without people reading my novel, I wouldn’t have the same satisfaction or feeling of accomplishment. As solitary an act as writing is, I consider the entire experience of publishing to be a more collaborative effort. So thank you, and all the others who make reading a part of their lives.

Jean (the Queen of Laundry) Colson Says:

Just thought I’d pass along a different viewpoint (regarding curling up with a good book): I am an audio book reader — exclusively (although I do read “Dear Reader” samples each week day on my computer the old-fashioned way). Don’t know if it’s because I’m now old, or what, but I have so much trouble staying awake if I’m on my bed reading (which is where I always used to read) but now with my old & faithful Walkman (I still prefer cassettes over CD’s as the player for cd’s is EVER so much heavier than my Walkman) I can “read” a book anywhere — I have my earbuds in my ears in my photo for my State of Florida identification card (I’m a non-driver); I listen while doing laundry, cooking/baking/all manner of kitchen duties; and, best of all, I have my teeny ear buds in when I go to bed — so I just get to have some fabulous reader read to me before sleep — and if I have to get up during the night, no problem getting back to sleep, I simply re-wind the tape and the ever-patient reader begins again…

So, dear author, when you make an audio book deal, make sure you get one of the excellent readers out there to “do” your book! Some of us will be eagerly waiting…

Thanks for listening & writing,

Jean Colson

Hi Jean—you know, I don’t think enough people are aware of how wonderful it is to read a book on tape. It’s really a unique experience, sort of halfway between reading and listening to a performance. When I was very young we didn’t have a television, and I used to sit and listen to records of old Disney movies and stories. I think that this experience really helped me develop my visual memory and creativity. Because I wasn’t watching the movie, I had to make up what I thought it looked like on screen. Years later, I remember seeing the actual movie, and I thought it was so strange because I had these memories of what it should look like that were nothing like the reality.

That’s all for tonight. Tune in tomorrow for the final installment, and then it’s time to draw the contest winners!

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