I have done some type of art most of my life and graphics as well as web design for the past ten years. I love the creative aspect of graphics and art as well as music. Creativity is utmost in my endeavors. I love to build something new from nothing.
Now I know at times I have stretched myself pretty thin, but hey, I have also had a lot of fun doing it. I think everyone should take advantage of whatever life has to offer. It’s far too short to sit around wondering if you should or shouldn’t, and then spend the rest of your life going, shoulda, woulda, coulda. Don’t ever let anyone tell you not to3 follow your dreams…
I have been writing short stories and doing other forms of art since I was very young. Math was never my strong suit, but the art of writing? Ah, now that’s what I enjoyed the most. Anything creative appealed to me, and writing gave me so much more than merely painting a picture. I could create anything I wanted using the written word.
And I write mainly fantasy novels, some short stories I have are science fiction.[divider]
- When did you first discover your love for writing?
In 7th and 8th grade. I had English classes and part of our assignments was writing short stories. Loved it!
- Do you have a favourite place to write?
In my “Man Cave”
- Do you have a writing routine or process that you adhere to?
I start my stories with an outline. I have several pages of ideas with summaries to work from. Once I sit down to write, I focus on the story, write until it’s done, then go back and rewrite. Usually I will rewrite at least a couple of times then send to an editor. I need to listen to Celtic music while doing my writing (fantasy) as it helps tune out and focus.
- Are there any authors or specific books you aspire to?
I’ve grown up with Tolkein and Bradbury. Although they are my favorite authors (there are many, but those are the top) I write in my own style and don’t try to be “like them” per se.
- What inspired you to write The Dragon Sage Chronicles
I’ve always read novels where the dragons were bad or destructive. I wanted to write about a world where the dragons were not only essentially good, but also rulers of the realms where the humans and other beings lived.
- Can you tell us a little about your book?
Blood and Bane: The Dragon Sage Chronicles is about the only Dragon Sage, Galddor in the Realms of Arydd. He is a liaison between the Sovereign Dragons and the populace of Arydd. He decides to train apprentices to be his liaisons across the realms but soon realizes some humans are more thirsty for power and usurping others rather than be ambassadors to the Realms. Galddor’s past comes back to haunt him as one apprentice has family history in dealing with the Dragon Sage.
Outcast: The Dragon Sage Chronicles follows a young farm girl, reclusive and feeling alone she finds herself caught between the villagers and an outcast dragon terrorizing her farm and the village of Dunmuir. She must now face the wrath of the entire village while trying to maintain a relationship with the Administrator’s son. But does she have a secret she is keeping from everyone?
- Do you have a favourite amongst all your characters?
It’s hard to say, I get attached to a lot of them. Some of them are more fun to write and I feel bad for some characters having to be “killed off” or leave. For Blood and Bane I think the Wise Woman of Fid Gow is one of my favorites. And of course almost all the dragons.
- Does your book contain a message for readers to consider?
I don’t try and put a message or “lesson of the day” into my books. I try to keep them more light and entertaining. But if the Dragon Sage has one thing, it’s to persevere in the face of any situation.
- Would you be interested in sharing a teaser?
I would! Here is a link to a sample of both books:
- What would say has been your biggest challenge and achievement in writing The Dragon Sage Chronicles?
Getting the books marketed and gaining reviews. Marketing a book is difficult as it typically will cost a lot of money for higher end ads and such. I don’t like to spam my book in groups or communities, I’d rather be more organic about that.
- What have you learned about yourself as a writer through writing The Dragon Sage Chronicles?
That I enjoy creating these worlds and I can’t stop! haha Also I learned more about good writing and how to write over the years by attending classes, seminars and reading groups as well as people online.
- Do you have any advice for other aspiring authors?
Keep going. Don’t stop. And do, do, do get an editor. I know they can be costly at times, but it’s totally worth it. A good editor will help you tighten up that novel or short story, catch the misspellings and typos and make sure your story flows. Even if you have done editing for others or have a degree in English/Writing, it’s always best to have another set of eyes edit your work.
- Anything else you would like to say?
I’ve enjoyed the ability to write and self-publish. The digital age has provided a lot of people to get their incredible stories out there and become successful at it. It’s a venue of artistry that creates whole worlds and other beings for people to enjoy. Take advantage of all the resources out there you can. The digital world, the internet is not a substitute for human interaction, but it does contain a lot of information to help with your craft and get it out there. By the same token, go to live meetings with other writers. Let them see and meet you and you can learn a lot and make some new friends.
- And finally, do you have any future works planned?
I am currently working on my third book, The Goblin Queen: The Dragon Sage Chronicles. I have a fourth mostly written but in desperate need of a rewrite![divider]
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