Get your butt in that chair every day, and get used to staring at a blank page, consider time spent with the blank page well worth it; it’s an investment, it tells control central you’re serious about this writing thing. Copy a passage from a writer you admire, one that really rings your bell and reword it, improve upon it. Builds writing muscle—Rossandra White, author of Monkey's Wedding.
Try to read and write each day. Reading inspires me to write, and vice-versa. Not only does it keep me engaged, it keeps me sharp, too—Kevin Hopson, author of Brinewood.
Don’t give up! That’s the main thing and the most important thing. Also, if you’re stuck on your book or a character or anything, try learning something new. Watch a documentary on the History Channel, learn a new skill, anything. I studied a lot about medieval farming when I was writing The Roar Of A Dragon, and I couldn’t believe how much more material it gave me to write about Aidan. It helped me flesh out his character a great deal. And one last thing—when you’re writing your story, be thinking about that story and what you want to do with it as much as humanly possible—Robert Blanchard, author of The Roar of the Dragon.
And now...
Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Deirdra Eden. I met Deirdra when I was doing a blog tour for Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend. I liked her books and wanted to introduce her to my readers. She writes middle grade and YA. Welcome, Deirdra!
First, a bit about Deirdra:
Deirdra has spent the last decade captivating audiences of all ages with her novels and fairy tales. She is also a Theological Historian and an artist. Her specialty is paranormal theology that delves into documented historical phenomenon and natural disasters of biblical proportions that entices indulgence of a fine line between fact and fantasy.
She is a Staff and Sword Fighter, Writing Coach, Public Speaker, Archer, and Survival Expert. Deirdra enjoys adventures, legends, and mythology. Deirdra loves adventures, all different kinds of people, kitties and unicorns.
Why did you pick to write books for middle grade and YA readers?
I’ve written a wide variety of genres for my own children as they grow up. I also think about my audience and what the purpose of my book is.
When you are not writing, what do you like to do?
I enjoy jousting in arenas, sword fighting and archery, planning invasions, and singing Celtic songs. I also like horseback riding, swimming in the ocean, hiking and camping, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures with my family. I love napping with my kitties.
Tell us about The Watchers, Knight of Light and how the story came to be.
The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Traditional Apocrypha, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Kabbalah. The Watchers are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad.
It is written in a traditional fairy tale style with a young girl's discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.
In England, 1270 A.D., Aura flees her village after being accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Pursued by creatures of darkness, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity and choose what side of an eternal war she will fight. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and epic villains, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.
Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Yes. This is a seven book series and the first three are already out. In addition to Knight of Light, book 2, Hidden Fire and book 3, Flood and Fire. are also available.
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
Yes, I am finishing The Watchers series and working on a few surprise projects.
What advice do you have for other authors?
Here is some advice I wish someone would have given me MANY years ago when I first started in the publishing industry.
- Don't publish the first thing you write. Think of your first book as practice or a prototype book. Your writing skills will change and improve as your practice and learn new techniques. Develop your writing, edit and take the time to create something truly professional before you put it out there for the world to see.
- Learn to be business minded. Whether you go through a publisher or self-publish, learn to be a smart business person. Learn about contracts, learn how and what to invest in and learn to advertise and market.
- Join a critique group. I can't even tell you how valuable advice is from someone else besides your friends and parents. Not only can they help you hone your skills, but they can offer advice on the literary business.
- Support other authors. My book manager, Laura Watkins, says, "Books are a consumable." With this in mind, don't view other authors as competition, but a allies. For more on this, see her article here: http://lauralynnwatkins.weebly.com/home/turning-rivalry-into-sales.
- Watch out for people and publishers looking to take advantage of authors who are desperate to get published.
Anything else you want readers to know?
Always have hope. Fight for your dreams, and never give up.
Where can readers find you and your books?
My website
My books on Amazon
This interview is also listed on Booktastic Link it up Thursday.
