How do you come up with ideas?

Sometimes I’m given the idea by the publisher, sometimes inspiration strikes, and other times it’s a long process of observation and imagination.

What advice can you offer aspiring authors?

Write regularly, read widely, and don’t give up. Feedback is important, and finding your own voice takes time and persistence.

FAQ about the Author | Christopher Cheng

Q: Do you ever put people you know in your stories?

Sometimes I do. Most of my fiction characters are based on people I know – not just one person but bits and pieces from a few people.

Q: How do you choose the names for your books / characters?

I have a book of names that I sometimes use, but as I create a character in my head, I also create their name based on what that character is doing.

The serious:

Do you ever put people you know in your stories?
How do you choose the names for your books / characters?
How do you come up with ideas?
How do you decide where to begin?
How long does it take to write a book?
If you get stuck for an idea what do you do?
What advice can you offer aspiring authors?
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
What is your best book so far?
What is your favourite character and why?
What was your first book / writing?
Where do you get your ideas from?
Where do you write?

Do you ever put people you know in your stories?

Sometimes I certainly do. Most of my fiction characters are based on people I know – not just one person but bits and pieces from a few people.

How do you choose the names for your books / characters?

I have a book of names that I sometimes use but as I create a character in my head I also create their name based often on what that character is doing … so that is an Ashley character or she acts like a Sarah …

How do you come up with your ideas?

Sometimes I am given the idea by the publisher... [remaining content trimmed for brevity]

The not so serious:

Are you rich?
Do you have any pets?
Do you like going to school?
Do you remember your teachers?
How old are you?
How would you spend your last ten dollars?
What else do you do besides writing?
What rituals are part of your writing program?
What are the most memorable things that have happened to you as an author?
What were you like growing up?
Where and when were you born?
Will you ever change your job?

...and the simply crazy:

Will you ever cut your hair?
What’s the oldest animal that has ever lived?