I am a complete die-hard pantser. When I wrote Veil of
Deceit, I had no idea what the story was when I wrote the first line. Usually, I
have a tiny piece of the story in my head when I start, but no plan on how to
write it. I write on paper as it comes. When the basic story is done, I type it
into my computer. At that that point, more scenes may get added, and more than
once I’ve skipped over a part with the thought of “What was I thinking when I
wrote that?” By the time that draft is done, it’s usually not more than a
skeleton. A few more passes add detail, fix holes (because there’s always
plenty when you don’t plan ahead), and solidify the POV. Then comes all the
editing. Usually it’s a few more passes before I’m comfortable letting anyone
read it. When I am ready, I use a critique website to get input from other
writers. I have to say, that without these critique partners, none of my
stories would be ready for traditional publication. I would be one of those
writers who give a bad name to the self-publishing industry because I thought
my first novel was ready before I even understood what a POV character was! I
thank God for this website. As my critique partners work through the draft, I make
many changes. They ask lots of “Why didn’t this character…?” and “What was the
logic behind…?” Not to mention pointing out when emotion and descriptions were
lacking, and when a new scene is needed to round out the storyline. The first
rewrite is always the largest. After that, its several tweaks, then with each
pass, less and less get changed, until the piece is ready to send to my
publisher.
I will die on my pantser platform too. I think our methods are similar but I do less rounds and only have a couple betas. I'm naughty for that, I've been told.
Moving on, what is your preferred category and genre to write? Why?
I love both science fiction and fantasy. Asking why is like
asking why I like soccer better than basketball. There’s no rhyme or reason to
it. It’s just what naturally comes out of the end of my pen. One benefit to it:
My science fiction is in the future, so to a point, I don’t need to research
things like laws and modern medicine because it’s simple enough to make the
story fit what I want. 😉
I haven't fully dabbled in sci-fi myself but love writing fantasy too. My current work is a lot of real-world research so I feel you. Future and fantasy is kind of easier. So tell us what is next for you.
I currently have two fantasy books contracted with Authors 4 Authors Publishing. They are the first two books of the Tribes of Chalent series. The first, Chieftess of Acora, is set to come out in June of 2021. The second, Guardian of Kelvia, will come soon after. The third in the same series, Healer of Simot, has gone through it’s first major rewrite, but still needs some tweaks before it’s ready to send off to them, but hopefully it won’t be long. I also have another short story that is ready to be exposed to my critique partners, and then to the publisher, with a couple more not far behind.
Wow, I thought I was busy! Sounds like you've earned yourself a seat at the table in the publishing industry. What have you learned most through your publishing experience?
There are no quick roads to success. I guess that’s
something I already knew, but every new author, even though their head knows
it, hopes they will be the exception. The realty can hit your heart hard, even
when it’s something your head knew.