ABOUT MY WORK

How long have you been writing?

I started writing aged 13, so over thirty years. However, I am completely self-taught in creative writing.

What inspires you to write?

I have always been an avid reader, especially in my teens. But mythology is where I found my niche. I've always had an overactive imagination. So, I started writing, regardless of how awful I was! But I learned by trial and error. However, my writing improved further when I went to university, where I wrote MANY essays!

Have you ever suffered writer's block?

Yes, indeed I have. My way of overcoming writer's block is by taking a short break, and do my other hobbies, and listen to music. However, listening to fantasy themed music whilst writing helps.

What do you think about of the role of readers?

The role of readers, in my opinion, is vital for success, regardless of how small, and also to inspire the author to continue writing. However, in my opinion, authors shouldn't completely write to suit the present market. I think that puts too much pressure on the author. I write novels that I enjoy writing. 

What inspired you to write Insignitis: Destiny?

Insignitis: Destiny was actually a story I wrote during high school. However, it was incredibly short, and reading it, I realised it needed to be much longer. Being so short meant I left out vital information, plots, arcs, and structure.

So, I rewrote it during my pregnancy (2019). I wrote 6 drafts, and the seventh I sent to a developmental editor. Once they provided their editorial letter, and my manuscript with their comments, I ended up rewriting it again.

Once the eighth draft was completed and edited, I had beta readers read it. It was then I knew it was ready for publication.

Can you describe your writing process?

I am the type of writer known as a "pantser" - I write on the seat of my pants. It essentially means I write whatever is in my head. However, a con of being one is that it results in a lot of editing. 

Another type of writer is an outliner: an outline of the novel is produced, then expanded on. This method isn't for me. I find it too stiff and restrictive.

How do you develop your characters? Are they based on real people?

My characters are not based on real people, but their flaws are. In the novel Insignitis:Destiny, I use my experience with bullying to create flaws in the MFC (main female character). As you may assume, bullying causes trauma, and changes the persons' personality and behaviour. 

My MFC is shy, uncomfortable around people, especially those she doesn't know. She suffers low self-esteem, finds it difficult to open up to others, and so on.

What challenges did you face writing this book?

Due to being self-taught, I struggle with perfectionism - one mistake, especially in print, irks me. The editing process is thus made extra lengthy. I reread everything countless times, but listening to it via text-to-speech makes this process easier.

Did you self-publish, or go the traditional route, and why?

Like most aspiring authors, they go the traditional route, but that is incredibly difficult to get into. After recieving 50+ rejections, I decided to self-publish. Regardless of how difficult that route is, I do not regret it. It enables me to control every aspect of the publishing process, where traditional publishing does not. However, going the self-publishing route means I have to do everything myself - in traditional publishing, most is done for the author depending on their specific contract.

I had total control over writing, editing, and cover design. However, this does cost, but I strongly believe that it is better to hire professionals, unless the author is qualified in specific areas.

In your opinion, how important are book reviews?

Regardless of what publishing route is taken, reviews are vital to get recognition and ratings, for they boost the novel higher up the "queue" on whatever publishing company is used. This is more prevalent in self-published books, and if POD (print on demand) is used. The more reviews and ratings, the more likely the book is to appear higher up in the results pages.

However, a word of advice: if the book gets a low rating, do not be disheartened, for even the most successful books have them. It's a normal part of publishing a book.

ABOUT MY BACKGROUND

What influenced your decision to become a writer?

My love of mythology inspired my decision to write fantasy, and the sub-genres such as romantasy (fantasy with romance), and fantasy horror.

I find writing to be therapeutic, and a way to calm down my overactive imagination.

Which authors or books have had the most significant impact on your writing?

The main author to inspire my writing is J R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit, The Lords of the Rings). However, many mythology encyclopedias were sources of inspiration. Celtic mythology (Irish and Scottish) is prevalent throughout my novels.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Are you working on anything new? Can you share any details?

I have two WIPs (work in process). One is romantasy, the other fantasy horror - both are aimed at the 18+ audience.

The romantasy is mostly based on my own mythologies, but a few known creatures do appear.

The fantasy horror is based in the 15th century, and involves a vampire, not like Dracula or any other modern depiction in other novels.