One of the most exciting aspects of being an indie author is the opportunity to learn from the masters of the craft. Today, we turn our attention back to Jack Carr, the former Navy SEAL turned bestselling author, whose military thrillers are lauded for their gripping plots and authenticity. Here's how you can incorporate elements of Carr's writing philosophy into your own practice:
1. Embrace Discipline: In his transition from Navy SEAL to author, Carr brought with him the discipline ingrained from his military career. For us, discipline means showing up for our writing, day in and day out, no matter if we're feeling inspired or not. Set aside dedicated writing time each day and stick to it.
2. Immerse Yourself in Your Story: Carr often puts himself in the shoes of his characters and the settings of his novels, using his experiences to add depth and authenticity. While we can't all be Navy SEALs, we can still strive for authenticity. Research your setting thoroughly, understand your characters deeply, and if possible, experience what your characters are experiencing.
3. Write What You Know: Carr uses his extensive knowledge of military operations and equipment to bring a high level of detail to his novels. While you might not have Carr's specific experience, you have your own unique knowledge and experiences. Draw from these to make your stories unique and believable.
4. Dive In: Remember Carr's quote from yesterday's newsletter: "You can plan forever but at some point you have to execute.” Many of us are great at planning our stories, but there comes a time when we need to stop planning and start writing. Use Carr's words as a reminder not to get too bogged down in the planning phase.
Let's remember that each of us has our own style, routine, and process. While we can learn from successful authors like Jack Carr, it's also important to listen to our own instincts and needs as writers. Apply yourself to a process and see the product that it produces.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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