Interview with:William H. Balzac [will592]
WRITING
 | What did you first read? How did you begin to write? Who were the first to read what you wrote? I began like anyone who has a love of books: I read whatever I could get my hands on. I even would sneak into the Adult Section of the local library. I began seriously writing when I was 14 years old. I wrote poems and short stories, with illustrations. My friends & parents were my first readers. |
| What is your favorite genre? Can you provide a link to a site where we can read some of your work or learn something about it? My favorite genre is poetry; however, the Novel has emerged into second place.
My book of poetry has recently been published by Publish America, and is available on Amazon.com.
I have a blog (@Blogger.com) for new poems & excerpts from my novel-in-progress. You can find my blog at http://windsomepoems.blogspot.com. |
| What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write? I write for three hours, each day, usually in the morning. I try to get at least three pages done. This system worked for Flannery O'Connor, and so far it's steadiness & stick-to-it-ness has paid off. I use a binder, and write by hand. The three pages go through a process of revision, as I go.
Before I sit down to write, I read over the previous days work, getting into the flow, the voice. |
| What type of reading inspires you to write? Writers that I've admired have been an inspiration; however, it has taken me a while to read like a writer, and find my own voice. All good writing inspires. |
| What do you think are the basic ingredients of a story? The situations a character finds himself in has to find resonance with the reader. The tone has to match the theme of the story. There has to be a driving element, a cohesiveness, to the story (It cannot play games with the reader..no such thing as loose ends.) |
| What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person? First Person is what I'm writing lately. The Novel I'm working on is a "Fictional Memoir," set in the 1980's Art world of The Village, New York City. |
| What well known writers do you admire most? I have many favorite writers. Admiration's Short-list would include, John Irving, Salman Rushdee, and John Gardiner ("The Sunlight Dialogues). Stephen King has always been on my reading list, as well as Poe & Lovecraft. Robinson Davies is magical--an excellent storyteller. There are so many, this list could be an endless scroll. |
| Deep down inside, who do you write for? I write for the joy of writing. I love creating characters. I hope others will enjoy my work. |
| Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force? Most definitely, when writing, you open yourself up to some inner churning; this takes the form of emotions, or subtle areas of "self" you realize your "character" are living through story-telling. Experience, is a good platform for seeing elements you might not have given voice to before. |
| Does reader feed-back help you? Yes! Reader feedback (even the most harsh/critical) is well worth listening to.
I've modified my writing (through, revision) based upon commentary from readers.
It is very helpful to have some good readers. Without a doubt, it keeps you focused upon the work. |
| Do you believe you have already found "your voice" or is that something one is always searching for? I've found my "voice"..and, it's become so much a part of what I put on paper. |
| What are you working on now? I'm working on a second book of poetry. This one is a sequel to "The Wind Shall Hear My Words...," entitled, "...and The Stars will speak them."
I'm also busy upon a Novel-in-progress, which I hope to have completed in 2010. |
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682 visits Whohub
William H. Balzac
Deer Park, New York
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