Author Gail Z. Martin on preparing to write

I was wondering how to get myself geared up to write, and then I was invited to a Reddit AMA session by author Gail Z. Martin and I figured; ask a professional!

[–]FarsightBlogger 2 points 4 days ago

How do you get yourself geared up to write? Do you read other works for inspiration, listen to inspirational music or simply find a place of quiet calm to prepare?

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[–]GailZMartin[S] 2 points 3 days ago

Deadlines are marvelous for inspiration! I know when the book is due, and then I figure out how many pages I need to do per week, allowing myself a couple of months at the end for revisions. I'm usually pretty good at hitting my quota!

Sometimes I'm in the mood for music. I don't like lyrics/singing when I write, so that means light classical, soft jazz, New Age/Renaissance/Celtic. Sometimes Midnight Syndicate's soundtracks put me in the mood for a creepy scene. Even Gregorian Chant on occasion! If I'm editing, I can go for pop or even play Looney Tunes/Scooby Doo in the background because I know what they're going to say before they say it so I don't really have to listen. TMI? Probably.

You can read the entire AMA here.

Her new book, Reign of Ash, is out now.