What is the most challenging aspect of writing fantasy?
For me the most challenging part is staying focused on finishing a single adventure. I have so many ideas that it’s hard to work on “only one”. However, that has its advantages, 4 of the series novels have been completely outlined. This is important, because it allows me to foreshadow significant plots and twists in future books, while still wrapping up an adventure per novel. There are foreshadows in book one that will play out in the final novel, Darla Jade and the Prophet.
I also have issues finding the time to write and deciding when it’s “good enough” to quit editing.
How long did it take you to write the novel?
About a year, the first draft was 130,000 words. After focus group readings, feedback, and my editing, I ended up with about 85,000 words. Yeah… it was tough to cut a full novel out, but I’d rather have a good story. It’s important to test your work outside your family, and listen to what people suggest.
My novel was stalled for two-years waiting on an editor at Simon and Schuster to publish it. They never came through, so I took it back and went elsewhere. That means this novel has been in the works for nearly four-years.
Do you do school visits? Do you have any events coming up?
My book is hot off the press (Nov 11th), so I’m still setting up a lot of stuff. I will be speaking at schools, churches and other venues. I will be conducting book signings and stocking the book in many bookstores. I also have several friends across the globe, who are going to launch the book in their countries and start word of mouth advertising.
What is your writing schedule like? Are you disciplined?
My schedule is tough. I spend 8 -12 hours a day on a computer for my job and then write after I get off work. This is hard on my eyes… and tiring. However, I work through weekends (when not doing movies), and use vacations to write. In fact, I am on vacation now writing a new novel. However, I could be more disciplined.
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