"It was the best lesson in preserving all the work you do that might seem like shit at the time but a decade or so later can be polished up and integrated in such a seamless way." Darius Antwan Stewart talks "spark files" and his absolutely gorgeous debut, Be Not Afraid of My Body.
My favorite tool for this "sparks" process is Scrivener. All my bits and pieces contained in this lovely spot where I just have to scroll around and flip between them. Makes writing my weekly newsletters so much easier. Oh, and second (or tied for favorite) is my spiral bound grid journal that stays by my side for these notes!
Yep! I love this program. I use each file as a "box" to keep thoughts, writings, etc for each project. And each box can have folders that can hold sections of the project. It's cool, but only available on your local computer, so I also use Google Keep on my phone for if I'm out and about and need to make a note (and can't write for whatever reason).
Love "bits and pieces" ... I can practically taste it. And 'spark files' ! Have basketfuls of those... conversations in emails, on Linkedin, here of course, and more than anything, all those moments and experiences of real life and in-person conversations. That's what life's about, in the end, isn't it.
Great stuff, Cat, as always. Very excited about this series!
Looking forward to interviewing you about your debut, man, as and when!
Ha! Fingers crossed.
If it happens, I'll simply explain to your readers how following the PCSYL playbook led me to stardom and megariches.
My favorite tool for this "sparks" process is Scrivener. All my bits and pieces contained in this lovely spot where I just have to scroll around and flip between them. Makes writing my weekly newsletters so much easier. Oh, and second (or tied for favorite) is my spiral bound grid journal that stays by my side for these notes!
Extremely interested to hear this because my spark file system sucks and I'm in the market. You'd recommend Scrivener?
Yep! I love this program. I use each file as a "box" to keep thoughts, writings, etc for each project. And each box can have folders that can hold sections of the project. It's cool, but only available on your local computer, so I also use Google Keep on my phone for if I'm out and about and need to make a note (and can't write for whatever reason).
I just finished reading Demon Copperhead. The character lives in Virginia near Knoxville.
It's a beautiful part of the world. I've driven through several times.
Love "bits and pieces" ... I can practically taste it. And 'spark files' ! Have basketfuls of those... conversations in emails, on Linkedin, here of course, and more than anything, all those moments and experiences of real life and in-person conversations. That's what life's about, in the end, isn't it.
Great interview and fabulous idea for a series. Thank you! Also, I love Belt Publishing. Darius is in good hands!
Same, Rebecca - I've heard raves from writers who've worked with Belt, and their catalogue is impressive. Seems like a great outfit.
Love this! I’m excited for this series!
Yay! Glad to hear it!