I am asked, “A book begins as an idea in the writer’s imagination. Eventually, this grain of sand turns into a pearl. What was the grain of sand that fired your imagination?”

I respond:

Orwellian signs in the DC Metro: “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.” See what, exactly? Commuters staring empty-eyed at phones while moving like zombies across the platform? What would big brother have us report, and to whom would we report it—the harried, overweight station manager? The Department of Homeland Security, established in the months after 9/11, maintains a stranglehold on our conscious lives more than a decade later with signs that mistakenly suggest we can root out terror from our midst.

Yet even as our government has us jumping at shadows over unspecified ‘others,’ the real threat to our peace and security operates entirely out in the open: What has the government done to prevent the next mass murderer from opening up in yet another bloody round of gun violence?

“Thoughts and prayers?” Yet another Orwellian bromide, with no effect.

Author and writer support guru Marylee MacDonald walked me through this and nine other questions on her blog this week. Take a look at my thoughts on writing and publishing:

How did you approach turning this idea into a manuscript, and eventually a book? Did you take classes, read books, or just plunge in?

Authors today have many options when it comes to publication. Did you work with an agent, find a publisher through other means, or self-publish your book?

Who is your ideal reader? Who would particularly enjoy your book/s?

A book begins as an idea in the writer’s imagination. Eventually, this grain of sand turns into a pearl. What was the grain of sand that fired your imagination?

These and more questions at https://maryleemacdonaldauthor.com/ten-questions-ben-east/ 

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