The Bookshelf: Author Spotlight: Cody Schlegel

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, September 30, 2023

Cody Schlegel is an award-winning screenwriter and author. He lives in Tennessee with his family. Read on to learn more about Schlegel, his writing process, current projects and tips for new authors.

Statement: Tell us about your writing process and the way you brainstorm story ideas.

Schlegel: My process is pretty eclectic and unpredictable. It’s hard to say where or when an idea or scene is going to be conceived. It could be taken from an occasion that happened in, or was inspired by, real life. It could also be from research or some new piece of information that enters your world. It could be a combination of the two. and it may stay in my head long before it hits any kind of paper. Sometimes it’s best to let them toss and turn to see if they really are worth taking that next step.

The one true pillar I need to write is focus. As long as I have focus, where the writing happens and for how long doesn’t really come into play all that much. and the word count is more important to me than time “clocked in.” While in the midst of a book, days off are rare, and 2,500 words is the daily goal. It could take two hours. It could take 12. If I have to, I’ll leave and come back to it, but 2,500 words is about all my eyes and brain can take for the day. I don’t trust either after that threshold has been met.

Q: What is your inspiration for writing?

Schlegel: Initially, it was to create my own entertainment — TV shows and movies. I wasn’t enjoying a lot of current mainstream stuff when I got started (2009) so I just started writing my own. Inspiration can come from everywhere. Maybe it’s a true story that’s close to your heart. Maybe it’s something, maybe it’s someone. Many times, the best scenes are born from something that really pulls on your emotions — fear, love, remorse.

Q: Do you believe in writer’s block?

Schlegel: Yes and no. I don’t necessarily think of it as a “block.” I can’t speak for other authors, but when I’m dug into a strong project and typing or writing, I feel like an antenna. It feels like I’ve got a bunch of channels coming in and I’m scrambling to decipher and record each one onto paper.

When the project is over, I may have general ideas coming in, but for the most part, my “antenna” is off. Most would call that “writer’s block.” The problem I have with that term is that it conveys sort of a depressing open-ended problem. Eventually, the antenna will turn back on. Don’t be discouraged. I don’t remember where I heard this, but I will never forget these words: “You don’t get a chicken by smashing an egg. The egg must hatch.”

Q: How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?

Schlegel: I had a couple of beers at The Stage in Nashville and a nice meal with my girlfriend — my wife now.

Q: If you were given the opportunity to form a book club with your favorite authors of all time, which legends or contemporary writers would you want to become a part of the club?

Schlegel: Definitely Homer. I’d have so many questions about so many things. Thomas Harris is another author that I’d love to spend some time with. Booker T. Washington, Truman Capote, Kurt Vonnegut, Franz Kafka. Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, Jim Valvano and Pat Riley were more known for their coaching, but they wrote books so they make the list as well. Haha.

Q: How do you think the concepts such as Kindle and ebooks have changed the present or the future of reading?

Schlegel: It was revolutionary. There’s no doubt that more books are getting to more people. Travelers who like to read now have an endless library they can pack in their carry-on, or pocket. And, authors can advertise on the screen of that portable library. In many cases, if the reader likes the book enough, they will buy a physical copy as well. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Q: What marketing strategies do you find most helpful?

Schlegel: Amazon and Google ads have been the most effective for me. Getting people to your page is often easy. Getting them to buy requires that magical sales copy. It all starts with good sales copy. Find out who your audience is for that specific book. Don’t be afraid to isolate those individuals that the book is not for. I like selling on Amazon, as opposed to my own website. I have easy-to-remember links like OdysseyTale.com and JunctionBook.com. But they both lead to the Amazon page. Amazon is trustworthy, and in many cases, people already have their payment method ready to go. Buying your book is just a click away.

Q: Can you tell us about your current projects?

Schlegel: My next project is a sequel to my first book, “Junction.” It will pick up several years after the events of the first one. Old friends, new villains.

Q: Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Schlegel: Just do it. Don’t stop typing. Don’t stop writing. Don’t be discouraged if your “antenna” isn’t cooperating at the moment. and do what you want. What you write should be for you. If you want to break a rule, go ahead and do it. It may not be the best idea, and if enough people question the same thing, you may want to rethink it. But at the end of the day, it’s your book. Write it for you first.

• You can find Schlegel’s books in our local author section. Drop by the library and check them out. We are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Brandy Wyatt is the administrator of the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library.