What made you want to be a fantasy author?
I love the challenge of creating a world no one has seen. There’s something satisfying about seeing how far you can push your imagination. I have a sociology degree because I enjoy studying cultures and analyzing how people interact with each other. Writing fantasy allows me to do that on a whole new level.
Besides just loving the fantasy genre, as an author, I like how it’s not limited. Most authors have to pick a genre and stick to it or their fans revolt (a person who wants to read a thriller won’t buy a romance book). Fantasy is the most versatile genre. You can have a paranormal romance or an epic fantasy. You’re limited only by your imagination.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve received?
Get in a good writing group.
AND
The best book you have ever written is not the best book you’ll ever write.
How do you create a unique idea for your book?
I’ll tell you the secret. Blend the familiar with the unusual. Take a common idea and combine it with something odd to make it unique.
For example, say we want to write a story about people fighting for food to survive. That’s a normal idea. Now, let’s make it a fight to the death where winner takes all. Good, but let’s make it even more unique. It’s a game kids are forced to play every year. Boom. Hunger Games. Blend the familiar with the unusual, and you have a unique premise for a book.
What are some of your favorite books?
I’m constantly finding new favorites. For every book I read, I add three more to my reading list. After all, there’s no such thing as too many books. Here are a few though.
My favorite classics include Pride and Prejudice, The Count of Monte Cristo, A Tale of Two Cities, Tom Sawyer and Peter Pan. I also enjoy some of today’s works of art like Ender’s Game, Caraval, The Way of Kings, The False Prince, and Ranger’s Apprentice.
What’s your writing schedule?
Since I have a full-time day job, my writing schedule is any time I can get. Lunch breaks. Holidays. Evenings. Weekends. I write a minimum of two hours a day, but usually it’s more. I gave up every hobby I had when I decided to make writing my career…at least until I go full-time writer. Then I’ll rediscover hobbies like music, hiking, and crafting.
Which authors influenced your writing the most?
This is like asking me how I learned to speak. I can’t pinpoint the source. Sure, my parents taught me to speak, but every person I’ve met or place I’ve lived has added more complexity to my accent and diction. If I have to pick two “parents” of my writing who started it all, I’d have to say Jane Austen (for being the master of witty dialogue and a good twist) and Cornelia Funke (for opening my eyes to wonder and adventure in her Inkheart series). On top of that, every book I’ve ever read has contributed to my writing.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ok, maybe this is just a question I wish people would ask. But, if you’re curious, it’s a tie between Cold Stone’s cake batter ice cream with graham cracker pie crust and Dairy Queen’s cotton candy blizzard. Though it’s hard for me to turn down pretty much any ice cream.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Both. Though there is a sliding scale between an outliner and someone who just flies by the seat of their pants, we all have a little of both in us. I swing closer to a plotter than a pantser. I plan the big events, twists, relationship ties, and general setting before I start. Then I wing it from one plot point to another. It keeps me on task and the plot cohesive while also giving me the thrill of creating as I go.
What are some of your favorite resources for new authors?
First off, get involved in a local writing group or organization. You need to interact with other writers, and you’ll learn so much from just being around them.
Also, click here to read a list of my favorite books on writing.
I like your short stories. Are you going to make any of them into books?
Probably not. I write them for a mental break from conceptualizing a novel’s huge world and complicated plot. It also gives me a chance to play in other genres. For these reasons, I probably won’t make them into books unless inspiration strikes. However, I’ll continue to share them and appreciate your support!
Who do I contact if I’m not getting your emails?
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