10 Things 2018 Taught Me About Writing

It’s about that time again: Another year has passed—another opportunity to grow and learn who I am as a writer. In many ways, 2018 was my most challenging year yet. I didn’t meet most of my goals, I had unexpected health issues, and I had to step outside my comfort zone on multiple occasions. However, it was also a vastly rewarding year. Amazing new opportunities fell into my lap, I attended a fabulous writing conference, and I was reminded yet again why I love writing so much.

Writing is a tough journey for all of us. I’ve been writing since I was six, and one thing has never changed: Life can and will get in the way. But how you react to life’s trials determines how successful you are. I strongly encourage any writer, no matter how long you’ve been writing, to reflect on what the past year has brought you. You might be surprised how much you’ve grown!

For me, these were 2018’s life lessons about writing:

1. Writing takes perseverance. Some days, our muse is cooperative and shows up when we need it to. On others, it hoards those much-needed ideas. Stories don’t always hit us full in the face either; they often come in chunks—snippets, scenes, flashes of characters and conflict. And just as with any good idea, those tidbits need time to simmer, giving them a chance to meld. So this year, rather than waiting for my ideas to lead me where they want, I’m go to poke them, prod them, and show them who’s boss. In fact, I’ve dedicated a set number of weeks per stage on each project before transferring it to the next one. That way my mind is constantly churning out ideas and no one project sits for too long.

2. Burnout is a real thing. As much as I love writing, there still comes a point where I’ve had enough and getting the words down is like prying teeth loose. Don’t get me wrong; I feel immensely blessed to do what I love every day and have a career in it. But all of us need a break sometimes, even from the things we love most. Our bodies need rest and time to recover, giving new ideas a chance to foster. I’m trying to be more aware of that and have even built in two vacation weeks into my writing schedule for the year as well as two months at the beginning of each year to prepare and plan my goals for the next season. Staying focused but allowing time off as a reward is the type of organization I’ve sorely needed since the beginning of my current project, and so far, having that is paying off.

3. Being bold can boost your confidence. I’ve often spoken about writing what you don’t know but found it much harder to heed my own advice. After organizing my files on my computer, a task I’d put off for years until recently, I discovered a gem: a scene I’d written ages ago that had a narrative voice unlike anything I’d ever written, but in the best way possible. It was a snippet where I’d let myself go in my thought process, allowing myself to be as bold as I wanted in a character’s shoes, no matter if it fit my normal “style” or not. The result was a phenomenal narrative that stood in stark contrast to the pieces I’ve written up to this point. And you’d better believe it’s a tactic I’ll be using in the future.

4. The more accountability you have from others, the more you’ll push yourself. A few months ago, I took a leap of faith as a writer. I joined a weekly critique group and gained an incredible accountability partner. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep up with everything, but I’m so glad I made the commitment. Both have had a tremendous impact on my productivity, resulting in more words down on the page and more edits completed even when I’m not writing something new. As it turns out, when you have six people expecting you to get something done, you’re more likely to deliver.

5. Spreadsheets are glorious. In the past, I’ve given myself deadlines, albeit flimsy ones, and I’ve made promises of word counts, release dates, etc. It’s not like I wasn’t on the right track with those steps, but there’s something about visual maps that really gets you in the right headspace for conquering the world—or at least finishing your book. It’s taken me two full weekends to do so, but I’ve created a detailed plan for the entire year. I’ve factored in time for my own writing projects while still accommodating my pre-existing deadlines I have from clients, and I’ve even thrown a marketing plan in there too. I made schedules, timelines, and even a chart to show my progress. And let me tell you, it’s changed EVERYTHING. I’ve been more productive in the last two weeks than I was in the last six months of 2018. Months! I’m sure spreadsheets and charts don’t hold that same kind of power for everyone, but for me, I needed that visualization, the reminder of where I am and where I want to be. Being able to track my progress is such an effective reward that I’m now hitting my goals every week.

6. Speaking of goals, setting detailed ones (and using apps to help you reach them, such as Todoist) can be a game changer. As I said, this isn’t the first year I’ve tried making a schedule—or using an app to help me. In past years, my halfhearted attempts have always failed when I get overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. (Needless to say, having anxiety really stinks.) But what changed this year was my approach. I didn’t go in expecting the first thing I tried to work. I used a more methodical mindset, trying different spreadsheets and ways to map things, and tossing out things that didn’t help me progress. It took trial and error before I hit on the right combinations, but it’s proven to be a successful endeavor, and I have the numbers to back it up.

7. I don’t read often enough. After having a miserable 2018 in terms of meeting my reading goals, I picked up a new book called Write Smart, Write Happy that was recommended to me by my editor. It’s motivated me to recommit to both my writing and reading goals, something I know will only help me further in growing in my craft. After all, we can learn a ton from reading others’ work, especially those who write better than us.

8. My writing muscles are flabby—too flabby. In my latest podcast episode, I talk about how writing is like exercising. Muscles don’t stay strong unless you use them. However, I once again did a terrible job at heeding my own advice, and I found that even writing something as simple as a blog post had become immensely difficult. It was like learning a second language all over again: The info was there, but recalling it was a nightmare. Now I have to rebuild that habit.

9. Pacing is everything. I didn’t even realize it was a struggle of mine, but as I’ve been editing book three of The Porcelain Souls, my critique group pointed out how my paragraph breaks and the structure of my sentences could be better. And they were absolutely right. Many of the scenes in the current book I’m working on for the series are so intense that they call for shorter, snippier sentences in parts to keep the pace where it should be. So now I know a specific area I need to study more and am adding it to my goal list for the year. I’ve already found a ton of great resources on the topic, including this article on the Helping Writers Become Authors site: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/scene-breaks/

10. I have a bad habit of making excuses, but even more than that, I’m an expert at psyching myself out. Last year, I became enemy #1 . . . to myself. I set weak goals that couldn’t stand up to the inner procrastinator in me. I’d see these tasks, and rather than turning them into manageable chunks, I’d let them lord over me as monumental obstacles whose proportions were so overblown they were basically caricatures. Piles upon piles of sticky notes laughed at me (okay, maybe not, but they did clutter my desk). And the idea of finishing the editing process for my book so I could finally publish it? Forget it. But the truth of the matter is, once I actually sat down and worked on something—anything—for just ten minutes, the words started flowing, and it was like I’d never quit. We writers are great at making things out to be harder than they have to be, swearing that we’re not good enough at x, y, or z to accomplish something worthwhile. And I get it; confidence can be a struggle for me too. But as the saying goes, sometimes you just have to park your butt in the chair and WRITE.

Ten Things 2017 Taught Me About Writing

1. Short stories have unlimited potential and are worth their weight in gold. Not only do they spark ideas for novels, but they’re also great for promoting your other work. They’re a way to keep giving readers new content more quickly, buying you extra time to complete larger projects. During the past two years, I took that approach to a whole new level, and I fell in love with writing short stories so much that I became a dedicated serial writer.
2. Rejections can be the start of a new beginning. Over the past year, I’ve become even more grateful for those soft rejections I received before restarting my self-publishing journey in 2015. Those rejections allowed me to accept that, while my stories had been well received by those I’d submitted them to, I’d be hard-pressed to find a traditional publisher for them because they were so unusual in structure and overlapped genres—not to mention, they didn’t follow typical word counts. So after carefully weighing my options, I pursued publication of the shorts (otherwise known as The Porcelain Souls series) on my own, which turned out to be the perfect path for them. Not only could I connect more closely with my readers via self-publishing, but I could also keep the structure of the books as I had originally intended: as a nonchronological series revealing snapshots of an overall arc. While it has taken time to gain traction with the unconventional shorts, as I imagine it does with just about any book in the indie world, I’m quite happy with the results the last few years have brought.
3. Being a writer isn’t about having the time to write; it’s about making time. Life is busy. I get it—boy, do I get it. I’m a mother of two kids with special needs, both of whom are under seven and have frequent health issues to boot. So to say our daily schedule is chaotic is a complete understatement. Not only do I spend most of my time carting kids around to therapy, school, doctors, or other activities, but I also work part-time as an editor. However, writing is my passion; it’s part of who I am. So I make time for it, even when it’s near impossible. The guilt of doing that is probably the most challenging thing I face, because as a mother, my instinct is always to put myself last. I’ve learned, though, that sometimes we need to put ourselves first. If you want writing to be your career and not just a hobby, you have to treat it as such. That might mean staying up late or getting up early, or maybe giving up Netflix for a few weeks while you hammer out that first draft. No one said being a writer was easy. But when you make that sort of commitment, carving out time for writing and dedicating a space for it in your life, you’ll see just how rewarding it can be.
4. Critique partners can be lifesavers. If you’re stuck in a writing rut or just don’t know how to tease out the issues in your book, consider finding a critique partner. The best critique partners are ones who will share your frustrations with you and brainstorm ways to improve your writing, all while being honest and encouraging at the same time. I also highly recommend joining a writing group, whether it’s local or online. Though it’s easy to go the journey alone, especially considering many of us writers are introverts by nature, there’s something to be said for having the support of a community whose members the same struggles as you, ones who will encourage you no matter which stage in your writing career you’re at. There are several great groups out there, such as the 10 Minute Novelists and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I can’t tell you how many awesome friends I’ve met through them, and I’ve learned far more in the past few years since joining than I ever could have done on my own.
5. Writing at a consistent time each day can be just as therapeutic as it is productive. This year forced me to reevaluate my relationship with writing. Just a few months ago, I reached my breaking point and was in dire need of a change. My anxiety was worse than ever, and I was so stressed that I was turning into someone I never wanted to be. For me, writing was an outlet, something that helped me balance the stresses of daily life. By picking a consistent time each day to write, I was giving myself structure and something to look forward to, even if only for a half hour. That half hour allowed me to pour my emotions into something I loved, resulting in a tremendously positive impact on my life. My mood improved, my stress levels decreased, and my daily writing numbers went up—way up! That’s not to say I haven’t had bumps along the way or weeks where things didn’t go as planned, nor do I recommend writing as a substitute for medication, therapy, or whatever else you personally might need to manage your anxiety if you have it, but for me, that one minor change proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle. And to me, that makes every second of it worth it.
6. Mind maps and vision boards are no joke. This is something else that was admittedly new to me this year. I knew other writers who had raved about mind maps and vision boards, but I had never given it a shot myself. So I rolled up my sleeves and dug in. After organizing my ideas and plotting them out on paper, none of my goals seemed daunting or overwhelming. In fact, I felt like I could tackle anything, which gave me a much-needed boost of self-confidence. As for the vision board, I’m still piecing it together, but I have no doubt that it, too, will be worth the time and energy.
7. Even the most organized writers need a good planner. I’m a neat freak by nature. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s an unorganized story and a messy filing system. I regularly squirrel away documents on my laptop, sorting those files into folders within folders, all clearly labeled. But then a funny thing happens. Scraps of paper appear on my desk anyway: Post-Its, torn pages from notebooks, and even random lists that have nothing to do with writing. In the end, it looks like my desk threw up every idea that ever waltzed into my brain. Not exactly useful. The truth is, though I crave organization, my brain rarely cooperates with that. So this past year, I invested in a planner—the Simple Elephant planner, to be exact. I also developed a schedule for my writing and worked that into my daily routine, trying to be as consistent as possible. The result was an influx of productivity, clarity, and beautiful organization, complete with a mind map, a focal point, and individual goals for the year, each month, and each week, all in one place. Now that I’ve found this new method, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
8. I still have a lot to learn about writing. Every year, I’m amazed by how brilliant and talented the writers are that I get to edit for. They come to me with vivid worlds, heartfelt characters, and a fabulous story line. Though I spend hours upon hours reading, listening to podcasts, attending online seminars on writing, and even taking online courses about the craft, it’s never enough when it comes to my own writing. Just the other day, I stumbled upon the post of another editor that left me stunned. Her advice was so simple and effective, offering a completely unique perspective on writing that I couldn’t believe I had missed. But what I think we all sometimes forget as writers is that we’re all still learning—I’ll be the first to say I’m no exception. That’s one of the hardest things to come to terms with as well as one of the most beautiful aspects of the craft. Our work is never done, and neither is our time learning. Personally, that’s something I hope never changes.
9. Becoming a parent made me a morning writer. Maybe it’s not actually because I’m a parent and am required to wake up at sunrise each day—perhaps it’s simply because I just hit my early 30s. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been deluding myself all these years into thinking I do my best work at night. Heck, it could even be because our chaotic schedule allows me very little time to write at night. But one thing’s for sure: I’ve morphed into this creature that I never thought I’d become; I’m a morning writer. When my feet hit the floor, my mind is clear and the ideas are flowing. So after kids are off to school or we’re past whatever morning appointments stand in my way, I’m desperate to get typing and creating. That’s not altogether a bad thing though. Not only does it ensure that I get my words in for the day, but it also allows me a sense of accomplishment, making the rest of my day more productive.
10. You can’t please everyone, so embrace it. Though that advice is common knowledge within the writing community, learning to accept that others might not always care for your work is much easier said than done. I know I’ve faced my share of disappointments where the self-doubt of a not-so-great review swallowed me up and held me captive for a few days. Heck, I’ve even let a two-star review get to me on the same day I received a glowing five-star review for the very same book. But when that happens, I remind myself that even the most loved authors have their share of negative reviews. In fact, books that spark mixed reactions often end up being the among the most popular. For instance, the book The Catcher in the Rye has been banned and challenged dozens of times since its publication in 1951. Its content has been a source of debate within schools and communities since the early 60s, even sparking protests. Now, nearly 70 years later, that book has sold more than 65 million copies and continues to be a classic assigned to the required reading list in many literature classes. Its controversy has reached more of the world’s population than most of us dream about. And it’s far from the first to do so—the list of previously banned books goes on and on. Each time, those same banned books turn out to be favorites among readers. So I don’t know about you, but I’d take that kind of success any day of the week.

Comedic Fantasy at Its Best: an Interview with Kylie Betzner

Though I didn’t meet my original goal of posting this on April Fool’s Day (joke’s on me), I figured, what better way to kick off April than by interviewing a comedic fantasy author? So I’d like to introduce you guys to Kylie Betzner, a talented author and friend of mine that I’ve known now for several years. I’ve had the privilege of working with Kylie on both of her humorous tales, and I’m excited to share her books and tips with all of you—as well as an excerpt from her latest book, so be sure to read through to the end!

What is your take on the modern-day publishing industry?

Unpredictable is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the modern-day publishing industry. With traditional publishing houses refusing to upgrade their business model and independent publishing rising in popularity, there is no way to see where this is going. One thing is for certain: the publishing industry is changing—for better or for worse. I’m interested to see where it’s going. 

What made you choose self-publishing over other methods?

Most authors have a box—or filing cabinet—full of rejection letters from agents and publishers. I never actually pursued the traditional publishing route. Several writer friends of mine had published independently and really enjoyed the creative freedom that came with that route. Being a bit of a control freak, and after researching the current market, I decided the best option for me was to self-publish. Eventually, I’d like to pursue the traditional route, becoming a hybrid author, but in the meantime, I’m quite content sailing my own ship.

What was your inspiration for The Wizard’s Gambit? How long did it take from initial draft to publication?

Inspiration is a lot like lightening: it strikes at random. Inspiration for this series came during a discussion with my sister back in 2013. We were watching The Lord of the Rings and laughing at some of the absurdities of the series and fantasy genre in general. Some of the things we came up with were so funny I had to jot them down. Soon enough, I had enough material to plan a novel.

From start to finish, the novel took only took about a year and a half. Even though inspiration for the story struck in 2013, I didn’t seriously start drafting it until the spring of 2014. It was then published in the fall of 2015.

When did you decide that you wanted to become a writer? Any specific event that triggered it?

It really wasn’t a conscious decision. I was writing before I could actually write. Haha. When I was five or six I used to illustrate stories with my sister. My current writing is much better. ;)

What advice do you have to for new/young writers looking to get published for the first time? For those looking to self-publish, any important steps they should take before publishing?

My advice for new/young authors can be summed up in three parts: (1) Write what you love and only what you love. No one ever found happiness and fulfillment in prostitute writing. Don’t whore your writing skills. C’mon, guys, you’re worth more than that. (2) Hone your craft. Master all of the elements, and you can become the Avatar—wait, what? Whoops, I meant to say “skilled writer.” And (3), choose the best career path for you. Don’t worry about what other people are doing. Traditional publishing or self-publishing are both fine options, but you have to do what works best for you.

If you do decide to pursue self-publishing, make sure you don’t skip the most important step—editing! And I don’t mean grammar and punctuation; I mean content. Don’t click the publish button until your story is solid. Content editors can be pricy but it’s worth it. If money is an issue do a book swap with another author—anything as long as you’re not publishing your first draft. Take your time and do it right. Invest in your dream.

You’ve done an amazing job with your first book. You did your research, took every step necessary to make it as professional as possible, and even established a social media presence/following before its release. But is there anything you would have done differently before publishing your first book?

I honestly can’t think of what I would have done differently except to have built a stronger platform earlier on. I have a decent following for as long as I’ve been at this social media thing, but I can’t help but wonder how much better I could have done if I had started a year or two earlier.

In your opinion, what is the one most important thing that you've learned from your experience as a writer?

I’ve learned that I am capable of anything I set my mind to and that opportunity is abundant anywhere and everywhere so long as I keep an open mind.

Do you think it’s important to have an online presence before being published? How has establishing one before publishing your book helped you?

Absolutely. Most of the books you sell will be online, unless you plan on attending a ton of author events. It’s important to establish an online presence BEFORE you publish your first book so you have a built-in readership and support system. My online friends have been amazing! I don’t think my first book would have done as well without them.

One word of caution: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Quality is more important than quantity. Be active on a few sites rather than nonexistent on a ton.

If you weren't a writer, what would your second desired occupation be?

Since professional cat cuddler isn’t a real occupation, I would choose to be an actress. I’ve always enjoyed the stage and playing pretend, hence why I participate in community theatre and frequent cosplay events. To have been casted in the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit films would have made my life.

Have any specific people inspired you in your career?

I was inspired by several authors: Terry Pratchett, Gerald Morris, Neil Gaiman, and Sherryl Jordan to name a few.

What types of things do you do to improve your writing skills?

I heed the advice of my editors for one, and I read books and blogs about the writer’s craft. Just because I’ve published books doesn’t mean I know everything.

Favorite quote about writing?

“This is how you do it: you sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it’s done. It's that easy and that hard." -N.G.

What is your favorite genre to read?

Fantasy, of course, though I do read outside of my genre on occasion just to broaden my horizons.

What is the hardest thing about being a writer? What is the most rewarding?

The hardest thing about being a writer is being chained to your desk. It takes a lot of time not only to write and edit the book but to market it as well. Maintaining a social media presence takes time too. It can be exhausting and lonely sometimes.

One of the best things about being a writer is hearing back from a reader who really enjoyed your book. That makes it all worth the time.

What are your thoughts about pen names? Would you ever use one?

I don’t particularly like them, especially when a woman author is trying to hide the fact from her readers. It validates the belief that boys won’t read books by women authors, and in a way, it suggests that women authors are in some way inferior to men authors. Sorry J.K. Rowling, but I’m not a fan of your pen name.

What are your goals as a writer for 2016?

My number one goal this year is to build my readership and make more people laugh. In September I’ll be releasing the second book in my comedic fantasy series.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing—which is next to never—I’m playing a part on stage, rocking a cosplay convention, hanging out with my sister, building Lego with my nephew, or reading a book with a hot cuppa joe.

When can we expect your next book?

Book two of the Six—Er—Seven Kingdoms comedic fantasy series is due sometime in September.

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Kylie Betzner is a comedian, blogger, coffee junkie, and an incurable nerd. And now, an author. The titles she is most proud of are sister, auntie, and friend.

Growing up in a small town surrounded by cornfields, Kylie had nothing better to do than fantasize about unicorns and elves. As an adult, she still refuses to grow up and spends most of her time creating stories of comedic fantasy. When she is not writing, which is hardly ever, Kylie enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family and friends. She also runs, although she does not enjoy it so much.

Kylie currently resides in Indiana with her sister, nephew, horde of cats, and one very silly dog.

You can find The Quest for the Holy Something Or Other and The Wizard’s Gambit (book one of The Six—Er—Seven Kingdoms series) on Amazon. You can also follow Kylie on her blog (https://litchicblog.wordpress.com/) and several other social media platforms:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/25993393-kylie-betzner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbbetzner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=13735882

Email: kyliebetzner@gmail.com
 

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Excerpt from The Wizard's Gambit

The following excerpt is copyrighted and cannot be used or reproduced without permission from the author.

Mongrel followed Margo up a winding staircase then out into a long open corridor. They passed rows and rows of columns, some of which were on the verge of tumbling over. Such a sad sight, Mongrel thought, glimpsing at the broken statues occupying the niches in the interior wall. They didn’t serve much as decoration, but at least they kept the abandoned building from getting lonely. Mongrel paused to examine one of the statues, touching and sniffing it as needed.

“Come along.” Margo walked ahead, rather stiffly as though her robes were over starched. Even so, she put a considerable distance between them. He caught up with her at the end of the hallway as she stopped before a large wooden door.

“This is your room,” she told him, pushing open the door. She moved aside, allowing him to enter first. Mongrel stepped past her and gaped. The room was huge, at least in comparison to his prior lodgings, with enough space between the furniture to perform an intricate dance if he had wanted to. There was a large bed pushed up against one wall, and on the opposite end, a door that led to a private bath. A giant doorway opened to a balcony. This was a far cry from The Moose Tavern back in Kingsbury.

“Are you pleased with your accommodations?”

He spun around. In the doorway, Margo waited for his response, her head lowered and her hands folded demurely at her stomach. What a bashful girl, he thought and tried to catch her eye. He caught it for a moment, but she looked away. He thought he saw the slightest blush on what little he could see of her pale cheeks.

“The room will do nicely,” he said, offering her a smile.

“Really?” She sounded surprised.

Apparently, the other guests had not been so easily impressed by their accommodations.

“We would have provided a room that better suited your individual needs, but seeing as you were not on the list . . .”

Mongrel raised his hand against further apology. “This suits me just fine.”

“Good,” she said, though she did not smile.

Mongrel thought to pull one from her.

“So, you’re a wizard’s apprentice?” he said. “That must be very interesting.”

She shrugged.

“I’ll bet you know all kinds of magic,” Mongrel continued. “That’s probably neat.”

Again she shrugged.

Mongrel continued, “I’ve never met a magic user before—well, not a human one anyway. Maybe you could—”

“No,” she said quickly, and then added, “I’m not licensed yet.”

“I see,” he said, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden. It didn’t help the way she was looking at him, rather critically, with a gaze that traveled up his body from his leather boots to the wild curls atop his head. The corners of her mouth twitched as she fought off what might have been a smile.

“So, what are you supposed to be, anyway? Some kind of huntsman?”

Now it was his turn to blush. “What makes you say that?” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well, uh, the weapons first off,” she said. “And all the leather—”

“I do wear a lot of animal skin,” he said, talking over her.

“And your physique,” she continued a little less confidently, the volume of her voice dropping with every word. “It looks like you do a lot of running—”

“I try to stay fit,” he said, laughing nervously.

“—tight butt.” He heard the last part clearly. They both stopped talking.

Groaning, she fled behind a curtain of black hair, which could cover her face but not her embarrassment.

Mongrel chuckled nervously. “Actually, I’m not a huntsman,” he admitted, and she peeked at him through a part in her hair. He sighed. “I’m a blacksmith.”

“Oh,” she said unable to hide her disappointment, even behind her hair.

“It’s all right,” he said. “We can’t all be princes and great warriors.” He smiled again. “I’m more of an everyman.”

“Is that so?” she said, awarding Mongrel the smile he’d worked so hard for.

He rubbed his forearm self-consciously. He had to admit, for a girl so plainly dressed, she was pretty when she smiled.

“Well, if there is nothing else you need, I’ll be going,” she said. The smile was gone as quickly as it came. “Wizard White Beard looks forward to your attendance at tonight’s gathering.”

“I’m Mongrel, by the way,” he called to her as she started for the door. “Just in case you didn’t catch it in the throne room.”

She paused, thought for just a moment, and said, “Nice to meet you, Mongrel.”

“Nice to meet you too, Margo,” Mongrel said, but she fled down the hall before she could hear it. She’d left the door wide open. He smiled to himself. There was someone out there just as awkward as him.

Then, like a slap to the back of the head, he remembered why he’d come in the first place. There was a competition to win. But Margo was so pretty . . . He shook the image of her from his mind.

“Stay focused,” he told himself. “The six kingdoms are counting on you. Whether they want to or not.”

Supernatural Introduction: Interview with April White

To kick off FMTP’s supernatural series, I’ll be sharing an interview with one of my favorite new authors, April White. I had the privilege of chatting with her a few weeks ago about her Immortal Descendants series, a supernatural time-travel series with a touch of romance. Not only does she do an excellent job of weaving in historical fact with fiction, but she’s also really adept at incorporating supernatural elements, especially at hinting at them early on. So I figured it was only fitting to share her pearls of wisdom and her latest book, Waging War, with all of you.

What inspired you to write about time travel, and was there any specific inspiration for this series?

Take a modern teenager who thinks she has life wired and drop her into a time and place she knows nothing about? That wasn’t a hard choice. I’ve always loved historical fiction that actually teaches the reader something factual, and the things I’ve read in those books stay with me a lot longer than history books ever have, so there was that, too.

Can you tell us a bit about your writing process? Are there are any routines that you follow or any specific place that you prefer to write?

My writing process begins with conversations. My husband is a filmmaker who always listens to my story ideas as though he’s watching the movie, and my editor is also a very dear friend who will happily kick plot ideas around with me during evenings while we drink wine. I take several notes in a notebook with a collaged cover full of inspiring photos I collect as I’m gathering plot ideas, and then I start writing.

There are authors who plot every chapter and know exactly what’s going to happen, precisely when. I am not one of them. My writing style tends to be more seat-of-the-pants, and I often write myself into corners, which requires extreme creativity to emerge without gaping plot holes. But some of my favorite scenes happen in those moments, and I’ve surprised myself more than a few times with characters I wasn’t expecting to create. Ringo is one of those characters who sort of invented himself and then decided he’d like to hang out awhile. I’m so glad he did, because now he’s like the moral compass and voice of reason for Saira, and he helps really humanize Archer with his friendship.

My actual physical writing takes place on my bed. I usually wake up before 5 AM to get some writing done before my kids wake up, and after they go to school, I continue writing until they get home. At that point, homework time takes whatever patience and creativity I have left. When I can entice my boys to go on long dog walks with me, they always ask about what I’ve written that day, and talking to them helps refine ideas that I’ve been toying with. Which brings everything back around to conversations again.

What was the publishing process like for you? Do you feel there are particular advantages to publishing traditionally vs. self-publishing, or vice versa?

When I was twelve, I knew I wanted to write books, but I finally got the courage up to write AND FINISH Marking Time when independent publishing moved out of the realm of vanity presses and gained traction as a viable option. I did submit it to agents, and most resulted in either silence or a form rejection. The agents who rejected me nicely were actually incredibly helpful because they told me WHY they weren’t interested in representing my book. They loved the concept and the writing, but the YA market wouldn’t support books longer than 100k words (Marking Time ultimately weighed in at 140k) because teens “just don’t read.” I disagreed with that statement so heartily that I pulled indie publishing out of my back pocket, built a cover with my husband, taught myself formatting, and published a month later.

Now, after publishing four books, I can say with total certainty that I love the freedom, the control, and the opportunities independent publishing affords authors. I say this having never been traditionally published, so I know I’m biased, but I’ve also spoken to a lot of very successful indie and hybrid authors. Nearly all prefer having control of their release dates, covers, content, and price points. The amount of marketing we ALL have to do is the same regardless of who does the publishing.

How long did it take to complete the first draft for Waging War? Is there anything you would have done differently in the process?

It took about nine months to finish the first draft of Waging War, and yes, I would have done things differently. Changing Nature took three months to write (the first draft), and it shows in the pacing. It was much easier to write quickly because I was going so fast and I still remembered all the paths I’d set in motion in the beginning. For various, personal reasons, I stalled on Waging War. Some had to do with the story I was telling, because I needed to get it just right, and some were confidence-based (which sucks, and I don’t recommend it). When I finally got my stride back, I increased my pace, so everything moved faster.

With Cheating Death (book five), I still have the pressure of getting it just right, because there are so many plotlines from the previous four books to wrap up, but the writing isn’t as hard as it was for Waging War, so I’m anticipating a faster first draft.

Do you have plans to write other genres in the future?

Yes. I’m not entirely sure I’m done with this world yet though, and some ideas for spin-off series have been percolating.

When did you decide that you wanted to become a writer? Any specific event that triggered it?

My dad took me with him to trek in the Himalayas when I was twelve years old, and my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Chandler, handed me a little black journal before I left. My only homework for the six weeks I was gone was to write in that journal every day. Because I knew my words would be read, I took extra care to add as many sights and sounds and smells and flavors as I could to my writing, and from the moment she handed the journal back to me with a heartfelt “thank you for sharing your journey with me,” I was hooked on storytelling.

We’ve seen all the characters in The Immortal Descendants series grow throughout the books, but Ringo stuck out in my mind in particular. Can you tell us about the process of writing him? Did you know the events he would face when you first started writing the series?

Ringo was an accident. My favorite accident, to be sure, but completely accidental nonetheless. When his role grew as Saira returned to 1888, I had to go back and add him to earlier scenes so he didn’t just appear from nowhere. Then, when readers reviewed Marking Time and talked about how much they loved Ringo, I realized I needed to carry him throughout the series.

Now he’s my favorite character to write because he gets to say all the cool stuff.

Is there anything you found particularly challenging about writing this book compared to the rest of the series?

I actively dislike cliffhangers, and yet I knew this book had to have one. I also have a real issue with characters who aren’t allowed to grow into themselves in what would be an organic way if they were real people, so I had to create a realistic progression for Saira and Archer’s relationship. So yes, those two things were challenging to write in Waging War.

At the end of Waging War, we see at least one major character’s life at stake. Are there any planned deaths in the next book?

Yes. Someone has to die.

Who are your favorite characters in the series and why?

I love Saira’s fierceness and fearlessness, and Archer’s honor and passion. I love Ringo’s wit and wisdom and the cheek he brings to the table when Saira gets too serious. Bas, the Moorish Vampire, makes me happy with his centuries-long studies of the world’s religions, and Millicent surprised me with her vulnerability and affection. Connor, the Wolf, is wise beyond his years and can still be a kid, and his little brother, Logan, is who Ringo would have been had he grown up with a family and Descendant skills.

Were there any characters who were annoying to write?

No. That would have been foolish. My rule as I read/edit every book is that if I find myself skipping over or skimming any scene or section, it’s gone. Because if I’m bored, readers will be too.

What was the easiest scene to write in Waging War? The hardest?

The easiest scene to write was the conversation Millicent had with Saira and Claire in the garden about the man she met after the war. I’m not sure why that was so easy to write—maybe because Millicent as a caring human being is such fun to explore after her previous beastliness.

The hardest scenes to write were Tom’s. He struggles with so much self-loathing, and it’s hard to keep him sympathetic when I just want to shake him and tell him to snap out of it.

You did an amazing job with researching your books and weaving in fact with fiction. What were your main methods of conducting research, and were there any unexpected facts you came across in the process?

Thank you—I love the real history in the books. My primary source for research is the Internet, and the rabbit holes to disappear into are endless. My favorite things to find are the historical tidbits that either aren’t corroborated anywhere else, or are contradicted in other works. Those become the mysteries that time travel exposes.

One of my favorite contradictions was in Tempting Fate—the place in the Tower of London where Lady Elizabeth Tudor was kept prisoner. The more I looked into it (even poking around as much as possible in person), the more it seemed like historian laziness to say her room was in the Bell Tower. It made much more historical sense that she would have been held in her mother’s apartments in the Royal Residence, especially given that Lady Jane Grey had just occupied those rooms, and she had much less status than Elizabeth had. It seems like such a little thing to obsess over, but because I was using blueprints, photos, and maps to determine the geography that Saira, Archer, and Ringo would have to navigate, it mattered.

In your opinion, what is the one most important thing that you've learned from your experience as a writer?

Marketing is vital, relationships are key, editors are as necessary as breathing, but it’s ALL ABOUT THE WRITING. Write what you want to read, and write the best book you can, because you WILL read it a hundred times (okay, maybe just twenty) before it goes to publication.

What advice do you have to for new/young writers looking to get published for the first time?

Read. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read things other people recommend. Find your style. Find your voice. Then pick a point of view, choose third person or first according to the story you want to tell, sit down, and write. And for the practical piece of advice—end your day’s writing on a cliffhanger in the plot, or in the middle of a scene if you know how it ends. It’ll be much easier to turn on the computer the next day and pick up where you left off.

How has having an online presence has made a difference in the success of your series?

I have had the great fortune to have become friends with some amazing authors, and in the independent community in particular, the support among authors and readers is pretty spectacular. Social media is key to that equation, and far more effective than doing one’s own marketing is sharing other authors’ works. Ad money can’t buy that kind of cross-promotion because it comes from a place of genuine admiration and friendship. So, that’s a long way of saying that an online presence is very important—but it should be a genuine, interactive presence rather than something designed to just push ads about books.

If you weren't a writer, what other occupation would you choose and why?

I’ve fallen into some pretty amazing jobs in my life, and I always tell students I talk to about reading and writing that every job is an opportunity to find a story, or meet characters you want to write about. If I had the skill to be a visual artist, I’d love to create beautiful things, or if I’d chosen a different educational/vocational path, I could have been an awesome archeologist. But all the roads I’ve traveled led to this, and I’m doing exactly what I love to do.

Have any specific people inspired you in your career?

My mom came to the U.S. from Germany with the equivalent of an 8th grade education, and she finished law school when I was thirteen. From that, I’ve always known I could do anything I set out to do.

What types of things do you do to improve your writing skills?

Read good books. There are times when I have to put down a book club selection because the writing isn’t great, or the characters are weak, because they negatively affect my own writing. And then there are those books that make you want to step up your game. Neil Gaiman writes those kinds of books.

What is your favorite quote about writing?

“This is how you do it: you sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it’s done. It’s that easy and that hard.” –Neil Gaiman

What is the hardest thing about being a writer? What is the most rewarding?

Writing is the hardest thing about being a writer—actually sitting down and making myself do it. That’s why early morning writing is so good for me; I don’t want to wake my family up, so I do all the work-avoidance tasks later in the day. The most rewarding thing about being a writer is when a reader cries, laughs out loud, or throws the book and immediately scrambles to pick it up so they can find out what happens next. The most rewarding thing is telling a story that matters.

What are your goals as an author for 2016?

I will publish Cheating Death, which means I will finish the Immortal Descendants series. And then I will plot the thing that comes next. My goals are all work goals, because those are the only things I really have control over.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

Travel with my family; take long walks with my dog and kids; take photos of interesting things; have my friends over for food, wine, and deep conversations; and read great books.

When can we expect your next book?

I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve finished the first draft because, as Patrick Rothfuss said about rushing the work, “It’ll only be late once, but it’ll suck forever.”

 

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April White has been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher, and screenwriter. She has climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. She and her husband share their home in Southern California with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

All four books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy.

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You can find Waging War and the rest of the Immortal Descendants series on Amazon (by the way, the first one is FREE on Kindle!), and you can also follow April on her blog (http://aprilwhitebooks.com/) and several other social media platforms:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6570694.April_White

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahwhite

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/April-White-Books-379521265456528/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilwhitebooks/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aprilwhitebooks/