Writer’s Toolbox

Author Q&A

Here we present our exclusive collection of Q&As with a long list of illustrious authors.

Camille Minichino

Camille MinichinoCamille Minichino is the author of mystery novels such as The Hydrogen Murder and The Periodic Table Mysteries.

What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?

For writer's block, I turn to Oscar Wilde, "Plumbers don't get plumber's block, and doctors don't get doctor's block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?" (Then I just get to work.)

What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?

I need a morning warm-up, and these days I post on Facebook and read a few favorite blogs to get started. There's always a gem lurking there or in one of the groups I belong to, and I'll riff off that, use it as writing prompt, and slide into my work-in-progress.

What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?

From the book "Faster" by James Gleick, I learned that it shouldn't take more than seven seconds to switch focus from one project to another. I've saved a lot of transition time since! I don't wait for ideal conditions, or for the muse; I rest for 7 seconds and move on.