The Interview - M.L Ruscsak

When a new idea emerges during the process of writing a book, I assess its potential impact on my current projects before deciding on the course of action. Given that I typically have multiple works in progress simultaneously, I have developed a strategy to balance the pursuit of new ideas with the commitment to complete my current projects.

My approach is to first document the new idea comprehensively, capturing its essence and the excitement it generates. This documentation might include outlining the concept, sketching characters, or noting the narrative's potential direction. By securing the idea in a tangible form, I am able to return to my ongoing projects without losing the inspiration and momentum of the new concept.

However, the decision to pursue the new idea further at that moment depends on several factors: the stages of my current projects, the urgency and potential of the new idea, and how it aligns with my overall goals and timelines. If one of my current projects is nearing completion or at a stage where it can be paused without losing coherence or momentum, I might allocate some time to explore the new idea further. Conversely, if my ongoing projects are at critical junctures, I prioritize their completion to maintain focus and ensure quality.

Balancing new ideas with ongoing projects is a dynamic process that requires flexibility and discipline. I believe it is crucial not to stifle creativity when new inspiration strikes; however, it is equally important to maintain a commitment to finishing existing works. By managing my projects and ideas with this balanced approach, I ensure that I continue to produce high-quality work while also nurturing future creative endeavors.

In conclusion, while I am open to exploring new ideas, I ensure that they do not detract from the completion and quality of my current writing projects. This approach allows me to remain productive and innovative across multiple works in progress.

My writing process varies significantly between non-fiction and fiction. For non-fiction, I adhere to a structured approach, beginning with a comprehensive outline. This outline serves as a roadmap, detailing each chapter's key points, arguments, and the evidence that will support them. It is crucial for me to establish this structure to ensure that the narrative is logical, coherent, and thoroughly researched, which is paramount for non-fiction works to maintain credibility and authority.

In contrast, my approach to fiction is markedly different. I allow the creative process to be more fluid and spontaneous. I do not constrain my fiction writing within a predefined framework; instead, I immerse myself in the narrative and let the characters and plot evolve organically. This method fosters a more authentic and unpredictable storyline, which I believe is essential in creating engaging and compelling fiction. While this approach may lead to unexpected turns in the narrative, it also provides the flexibility to explore the depth and complexity of characters and their environments, enriching the overall storytelling experience.

In essence, while my non-fiction writing is characterized by meticulous planning and organization, my fiction writing embraces the freedom and unpredictability of creative exploration. Each style benefits from its respective approach, ensuring that the content I produce is both impactful and resonant with the audience, whether it is grounded in fact or woven from the fabric of imagination.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset- Comprehensive entrepreneurship guide: innovate, succeed, transform.

Yes, I have a significant degree of input in the design process of my book covers. In many instances, I have taken an active role in designing the covers myself, which allows me to ensure that the visual representation aligns closely with the book's content and my vision as an author. The cover of a book is immensely important as it serves as the first point of engagement and can significantly influence a reader's perception and interest in the work.

When designing a cover, I endeavor to encapsulate the essence of the book's theme and tone, ensuring that it resonates with the target audience while also standing out in the competitive landscape of published works. This involves selecting appropriate imagery, typography, and color schemes that not only attract attention but also convey the underlying mood and narrative.

For the projects where I collaborate with other designers, I maintain a hands-on approach, providing clear guidance and feedback throughout the design process to ensure that the final product aligns with my expectations and artistic vision. This collaborative process allows me to merge my perspective as the author with the designer's expertise, resulting in a cover that is both aesthetically pleasing and true to the book's core identity.

In conclusion, having control over the cover design is an integral aspect of my publishing journey, as it ensures that the book is presented to the world in a manner that is authentic and reflective of the effort and passion that went into its creation.

At present, there are indeed a few adaptations of my works that are in preliminary stages, with scripts crafted and ready for the next steps. However, I am currently focusing on fortifying other facets of my company before fully committing to the transition into film and television production.

My decision to momentarily hold back on immediate production is strategic. I aim to ensure that when we do proceed with adaptations, my company possesses the robust infrastructure and resources necessary to support these projects effectively. This approach also allows me to continue cultivating the core aspects of my business, ensuring they are not only stable but thriving, thereby providing a solid foundation upon which we can build our cinematic endeavors.

Entering the film industry—especially from the standpoint of adapting written works—requires meticulous planning and considerable resources. It is imperative that both the creative vision and business aspects align perfectly to facilitate a successful transition from page to screen. By taking the time now to build up other areas of my company, I am setting the stage for a more integrated and strategic entry into film and television, one that honors the essence of my written work while maximizing its potential in visual media.

In essence, while the groundwork for movie and TV adaptations of my works is laid, my current focus remains on strengthening my company's overall portfolio. This strategic patience will enable us to approach the film industry with the requisite focus, resources, and dedication to excel in bringing my literary creations to a broader audience through film and television.

The duration required to write my book varied significantly, as it was contingent upon numerous factors, including research, the complexity of the subject matter, and the intricacies of character and plot development. On average, the process spanned several months to over a year, reflecting the commitment to ensuring the book's quality and depth.

In the initial stages, substantial time was dedicated to outlining, researching, and planning, particularly for sections demanding rigorous accuracy and detail. Following this, the drafting phase commenced, where the core of the manuscript was developed. This phase required dedicated and consistent effort, with daily writing sessions that were both rigorous and time-consuming.

Subsequent to the completion of the first draft, the manuscript underwent several rounds of revisions and edits. This stage was crucial in refining the narrative, enhancing character development, and ensuring the prose's clarity and impact. Feedback from beta readers and editors also played an integral role in this phase, necessitating additional time for incorporation of their insights and suggestions.

Moreover, the writing process was interspersed with periods of reflection and revision, allowing me to refine the narrative and its elements comprehensively. Balancing writing with my other professional responsibilities and hobbies also influenced the timeline.

In conclusion, while the time frame for writing the book was extensive, it was a period marked by growth, discovery, and profound engagement with my craft. The endeavor, though time-consuming, was immensely rewarding, culminating in a work that I am proud to share with readers.

Outside of my professional commitments to writing and managing my company, I engage in a variety of hobbies that not only enrich my life but also provide balance and inspiration for my creative work. Among these activities, horseback riding stands out as a passion that allows me to connect with nature and experience a sense of freedom and adventure. This hobby offers a unique form of relaxation and exhilaration, contrasting with the often solitary and sedentary nature of writing.

Hiking is another pursuit that I cherish, as it affords me the opportunity to explore the natural world, clear my mind, and gain fresh perspectives. The physical challenge and the serenity of being in nature are invigorating and often spark creative ideas.

I also practice archery, which requires precision, focus, and discipline—skills that are beneficial in all areas of life, including my professional endeavors. The concentration and calmness required in archery are qualities that I find valuable when tackling complex projects or developing new ideas.

Traveling is an integral part of my life, offering invaluable experiences that broaden my understanding of different cultures and perspectives. These experiences enrich my worldview and inevitably influence my writing, providing new settings, characters, and themes to draw upon.

Furthermore, public speaking is a hobby that not only complements my role as a CEO and author but also enables me to share my insights, connect with diverse audiences, and refine my communication skills.

Lastly, running my company is a significant and fulfilling aspect of my life. While it encompasses more than a mere hobby, it represents a culmination of my passions and expertise, allowing me to lead, innovate, and contribute to the literary and business communities.

Each of these hobbies contributes to my personal and professional growth, providing balance, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment beyond the written word.

In the creation of characters for my novels, I draw inspiration from a myriad of sources, encompassing everything I observe and hear in daily life. While I do not directly transpose individuals from my real-life experiences into my books as whole characters, I do amalgamate various traits, idiosyncrasies, and nuances I've encountered in people around me to craft more nuanced and relatable characters.

This process of blending different elements and attributes from multiple sources allows me to construct characters that are complex and multifaceted, mirroring the diversity and complexity of real human beings. For instance, the perseverance of one individual, the humor of another, and the intellectual curiosity of a third might converge in the creation of a single, unique character in my story. This method not only enriches the character's depth but also provides a canvas for exploring a broader spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

Moreover, this approach enables me to keep the characters and their journeys fresh and engaging, as I am not confined to the limitations of any single source of inspiration. It also offers a sense of familiarity to the readers, as the traits and behaviors they observe in the characters may resonate with their own experiences or observations of others, thereby enhancing the relatability and authenticity of the narrative.

In essence, the real world acts as a reservoir of inspiration from which I draw various attributes to create characters that serve the narrative effectively while maintaining a connection to the reality that readers can identify with. This synthesis of real-life elements within the fabric of fiction is instrumental in imbuing my characters with life and verisimilitude.