More Author Insight: Intimidating Ideas

Have you ever gotten an idea you were afraid to write or didn't feel ready to write? Did you ever take it on?

"A few years back, I was going to write a book about a gay teen who makes the decision NOT to come out to his friends and family. I wanted it to drive home to straight kids how their actions can terrify gay kids, but I just couldn't get my brain-fangs to sink into the story, so I didn't do it. It's not that I was afraid -- I just couldn't figure out how to write it without making it seem like I was discouraging gay kids from coming out, and that certainly was NOT the message! I think about it every now and then, so I may come back to it." - Barry Lyga, author of I Hunt Killers. 

"Whoa. Great question. No, the ideas I was afraid to write usually turn into the best ever. I just close my eyes for the first few chapters." - Huntley Fitzpatrick, author of My Life Next Door. 

"Yes! And yes, I took it on. Defiance comes out this August and was one of those 'this might be too big for me' books. I believe every book I sit down to write should feel too big. I want to always push myself to the edge of what I'm capable of doing." - C.J. Redwine, author of Defiance.

"'No, I just get ideas that I don’t have the time to write." - Lissa Price, author of Starters. 

"Yep, that would be the sequel to Erasing Time.  (A time travel dystopia under my pen name, CJ Hill. It’s coming out August 28, 2012 ) See, I hadn’t actually planned on writing a sequel to that book but the publisher asked for one.  I knew it would end up being a book that was primarily action and most of my other 19 novels are romantic comedies. I’m much better at witty banter than I am with futuristic shoot out scenes.  Also, I don’t like killing off characters. It makes me feel guilty. However, if you wave enough money in my direction, I’ll write just about anything. (Okay, just kidding about that. Life is too short to write books I don’t like. I dug down deep and found my inner kick-butt heroine. There is one lurking in all of us.)" - Janette Rallison (AKA C.J. Hill), author of Erasing Time. 

"Sort of. If I get an idea like that, I put it on the back burner and let it stew for a while (weeks, months, years). Normally, the longer I let a story like that wait, the MORE I want to write it—and that kinda motivation gets me through the difficult bits (and the self-doubt that)." - Sarah Maas, author of Throne of Glass. 

"I have an idea for another fantasy series, but while I'm working on the Grisha Trilogy, it's hard for me to imagine going through an entirely new process of world-building. I'm taking notes and when the time comes, I'll dive in." - Leigh Bardugo, author of Shadow and Bone. 

"Definitely. I have one right now. It’s so potentially good, but it’s dark and has a few societal elements that I would have to get just right. I would have to do some research. On a less serious note, I have a young reader idea that I’m really excited about, one that would be great for my 6-year-old, but I don’t feel ready to do that one yet either. I really want to, though."  - Kevin Emerson, author of The Lost Code. 

"It's funny you should ask that.  I was excited but totally afraid to write what will be my third book, but when I pitched the idea to my agent and editor they both loved it enough to push me to do it, and I'm so glad.  I think it's going to be the best one yet!" - Jessi Kirby, author of In Honor. 

"Yes, I’ve had those ideas. Some I worked through, and they’re part of my published work. Some I’ve written but haven’t tried to publish. Some I haven’t written yet. 


Being ready, that’s the key. When I finally care more about the issue than about what anyone else might say about my covering it, then I’m ready." - Jennifer Hubbard, author of Try Not to Breathe.

"When I first thought I would attempt to write a book, I began working on a pretty serious story. I don’t want to get into too much detail as I may write it one day, but I think it was too big of a topic for me to attempt for my first book. I also really liked reading fun books as a kid/teen (and as an adult!) and this was too dark in tone. I do think about that book every once in awhile, and when I’m ready to tell it, I’ll know." - Elizabeth Eulberg, author of Take a Bow. 

"Absolutely. The very first book I wanted to write is still something in the back of my head, but I'm not brave enough to write it." - Cara Lynn Shultz, author of Spellcaster. 

Come back Tuesday to learn the authors' thoughts on social media!

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