During our year of pandemic, many people, it seems, have turned to writing during their long days at home.
Here at TheBurg, we’ve never before received so many pitches about new books and authors.
Therefore, we decided to ask a few local novelists about their craft and process. All of these writers recently have had books published, so their words are especially timely.
If this story piques your interest, please consider buying and reading their novels. You will get a good read, I’m sure, but also will help support the local writing community here in central PA.
Author: Joel Burcat
Location: Harrisburg
Recent Novel: “Amid Rage,” published February 2021
Website: www.JoelBurcat.com
Describe what you write about and why you write about that subject area.
I write environmental legal thrillers because I know about environmental and legal issues, and I care about the environment. I have also written about many other subjects because they interest me. Mostly, I write to describe people who make a difference and issues that matter.
Tell us how you generate ideas for your novels.
Some of my ideas come from my 40 years of experience as an environmental lawyer. I try to read a wide variety of news stories, and some ideas are “ripped from the headlines” as the cliché goes. Other ideas come from my observations, fears and concerns in life
Give us some insight into your writing process.
I start writing by around 8 a.m., six days a week, and write until lunchtime (whenever it is that I get hungry). Sometimes, I write an outline, but most often I do not. I devote the afternoon to the “business of books.” As I write, there are things I want to write and things I must write. Often, I will let my characters dictate their words (truth). I will also try to imagine a scene (e.g. a country bar) and picture what and who is there. What is the bartender like? What is on the walls? How does it smell? I’ll write down what I imagine. Often, I will dictate a chapter using Dragon dictation software.
What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?
Two things must be at the top of your to-do list:
Read. It is one of the best pieces of advice I can give. Reading a good book is a master class in writing. Reading a not-so-good book is also a lesson in writing. I read in a four-book cycle. (1) A book by a debut author or new author. (2) A book by a tried-and-true thriller writer. (3) Non-fiction. (4) Whatever the hell I want to read. Then I start over.
Write. This is also advice given by every writer, and it is true. I’ve met quite a few aspiring writers who have confessed they are ashamed of their first drafts, so they hesitate to put their words onto paper. The great writer and teacher Anne Lamott in “Bird By Bird” (a terrific writing book) said:
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something—anything—down on paper.”
Just write, people.
Author: Don Helin
Location: Lancaster
Recent Novel: “Missing,” published September 2020
Website: www.donhelin.com
Describe what you write about and why you write about that subject area.
I enjoy reading thrillers, so when I began to write novels, I chose thrillers. With a career in the army and three tours (almost 10 years) in the Pentagon, writing political/military thrillers seemed a natural. My hero is an army colonel who works for the president’s national security advisor. My military background helped me develop realistic plot lines and characters.
Tell us how you generate ideas for your novels.
Ideas are all around us. My first novel is about white supremacists in central Pennsylvania. This is a reality in the rural county where I lived, so I began to research white supremacist groups and decided that was an interesting topic for a thriller.
I’ve always enjoyed traveling to Gettysburg and, on one trip, took a ghost tour. That seemed interesting, so it became the basis for “Devil’s Den.” Once I decide on the topic, I begin research to make sure I can find relevant material.
Give us some insight into your writing process.
I usually begin by developing a premise for the novel. Many of my friends develop an outline, but I’d rather spend time developing the story itself. Once in awhile, I need to go back, but normally I keep moving forward.
I usually develop at least two plot lines so I can switch back and forth between them. When my hero gets in trouble in one plot line, I can switch to another. For example, in “Missing,” I had four plot lines: a high school reunion, a presidential election, abuse in memory units and artificial intelligence. These four plot lines were a lot to research, but I believe the result is more interesting.
What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?
First: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Check and recheck your work before you send it to your publisher.
Second: Writing is an art, but publishing is a business. A novelist must learn how to write a quality novel. The successful novelist must then understand how to work with a publisher to improve and market the novel. If your first novel doesn’t sell, the chances of a second novel being published are slim.
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Location: Elizabethtown
Recent Novel: “The Eyes of Tamburah,” published February 2021
Website: www.MariaVSnyder.com
Describe what you write about and why you write about that subject area.
I write mostly fantasy and science fiction for young adults and adults. These two genres appeal to me because my stories don’t have to be limited by real life. My characters can use magic or travel throughout the galaxy as they overcome the various obstacles—both real and fantastical—to achieve their goals. It’s a great deal of fun.
Tell us how you generate ideas for your novels.
I love to travel, and I frequently spark on story ideas while I’m visiting other countries. For example, “The Eyes of Tamburah” is a fantasy set in a desert world that is so hot on the surface the inhabitants have to live in vast underground cities. Where water—not money—equals power. That was inspired by my trip to the Australian Outback. “For Navigating the Stars,” I sparked on the idea of the discovery that Terracotta Warriors had been buried on other planets when I was in China. Terracotta Warriors in space! How could I not write that?
Give us some insight into your writing process.
When I get an idea for a novel, I immediately think about the characters. To me, they are the most important part of a story. Without them, there is no story. I formulate a general idea of their goals and obstacles and begin writing. I don’t outline, but rather discover the story as I go and often am surprised by my characters’ actions. I love it when that happens!
What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?
Persistence! It’s key for all aspects of writing. You need it to finish a novel, for all the rounds of editing, for finding an agent and publisher, and for marketing and promotion. Even if you publish your book independently, you need persistence to produce the best book possible and to do all the hard work to reach readers. I also teach in Seton Hill University’s MFA program and have plenty more advice about writing and publishing that can be found on my website for free. Here’s a link: www.mariavsnyder.com/advice.php.
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