the author
John Hattaway has only ever wanted to do one thing… write fiction.
Several years ago, he took his first full-time writing job with a technology company where he wrote manuals for installation of specialized networks into hotels (and, allegedly, office buildings). He went on to work for other technology companies and then delved into the world of contract technical writing before deciding to try his hand at creative fiction.
His first, full-length, manuscript was titled Big Joe, Little Joe and was, rightfully, rejected by the publishers it was sent to. Not wanting to accept rejection, he called one of the publishers, talked his way into be forwarded to the editor that rejected the manuscript, and learned that the story was plot heavy. He was crushed.
Since that time he has written a couple of other books, for a total of five semi-completed manuscripts, and has not felt that any are ready, or worth, sending out to publishing houses. However, in recent months, John has returned to an idea he had while living on the east coast and plans to write and submit the first in a planned series of books about his protagonist Alicia Grey. The series is, tentatively, titled The Adventures of Alicia Grey.
John is also working on shorter fiction including Cassandra West stories as well as some experimental fiction.
John believes that in order to improve writing the person trying to improve has to do three things.
First, the concerted effort of writing. This can be accomplished by writing a lot about many different things. John still works, occasionally, as a contract technical and copy writer and looks for opportunities to expand that aspect of his writing life.
Second, is the discussion of writing. This website, In Order to Write, is one way in which John is going about fostering the discussion on writing. He wants to have an open dialogue about writing and wants to help other people improve in the act and process of writing.
Third, education and learning about writing. Reading books about writing and looking for mentors that can help you learn more about the process is an essential step in the creation of effective, great, fiction written for a paying, and publishing, market.
Since In Order to Write is a website designed to help others improve at writing, John intends to review books on the process, find resources, both online and off, and find ways of furthering the dialogue and lessons on writing fiction.