Writer’s Toolbox

Author Q&A

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

Showing 401-403 of 408 items.

R.L. Stine

R.L. StineR L Stine is the author of numerous YA horror books such as the Goosebumps and the Haunting Hour series.

What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?

I've never had writer's block. I really don't have time for it—too many books to write. Some days the writing isn't as easy or pretty as other days. But you just keep going. You know you can go back and fix it.

What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?

The easiest way to avoid writer's block is to do a lot of preparation first. Know where your story is going and how it will end before you start. Don't ever sit down in front of a blank screen and start to write. I do complete chapter-by-chapter outlines of every book I write. I know everything that's going to happen in the book before I start. And I make a list of the characters, their appearance, and traits.

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

The best advice I ever got was from an editor at Random House. She wrote a two-word message on my manuscript. It said: MORE LORE. That's all. Two words. But it was great advice. She was telling me to give my story depth and more reality.