Q1. How long have you been interested in historical fiction?
A1. I’ve loved historical fiction since I can remember. I’ve always wanted to travel back in time. The Lilly Stars is set in the Gilded Age for many reasons but mostly because I personally would have liked to live during that period. History in general is a subject I find fascinating. The constant progression and regression of civilization throughout time is the best story you could ever read.
Q2. Do you draw inspiration from your own life when writing your characters?
A2. I don’t believe there’s a character in The Lilly Stars that isn’t based on someone in my life. Sometimes I draw a small characteristic from one person and create the character around that. In general, I find characters develop traits on their own. I start with a detail of a personality and from that the characters take over and manifest themselves.
Q3. Did you follow a strict outline while writing "The Lilly Stars?"
A3. I knew Lilly had a beginning and an end. All the in
between came about on its own. Certain points in the plot had to be mapped out but for the most part, Lilly lives in her own world and allows me to transcribe it. I find the more I try to make points happen in a plot, the less organic it sounds. Before each chapter, I set a goal to get to a certain scene, but how it transpires is a mystery to me until I start writing it.
Q4. Many authors do research for their books. You included a bibliography, allowing your readers to see your research. Why did you choose to include a bibliography?
A4. I did a bibliography because they give validity to any historical fiction novel. It shows you did your homework. You have all the sources, why not show all the research you did? I actually can’t write a historical piece unless I can visualize the everyday life of that time. To do that, I spend countless hours reading about large and small details. The smaller the detail, the more you feel you’re part of that time.
Q5. Are there any authors, or books, that inspired you to begin your writing journey?
A5. My favorite author is Jane Austen, with Pride and prejudice being my favorite novel. Others that have inspired me include; Little women, Anne of green gables, and basically any historical coming of age story. I like to escape into the books I read and immerse myself into the time period.
Q6. In your experience, what is the hardest part of writing a historical fiction?
A6. Historical fiction requires a great amount of visualizing. I find the hardest part to write is the language, for example, what terms and words were used. How did people casually address each other? What contractions were used and who used them? What formalities were in place? It’s a lot different from how we speak today.
Q7. Did you consider any publishing companies before deciding to self-publish?
A7. I didn’t look at any publishing companies but I did look into the idea of an agent. During that time, I weighed the pros and cons of going the traditional publishing route. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want any of my words changed. I wrote this book to be as it is and I wanted any changes to come from me, not because someone else felt I should alter it for increased profitability. We are fortunate to live during a time where self-publishing is an option. I do believe you need to invest in great editors and all other parts traditional publishers would handle for you.
Q8. How are you going about promoting your book "The Lilly Stars" and its sequel?
A8. Promoting takes a lot of time. Time is something I don’t have a lot of at the moment but I know I have to tackle this aspect in the near future. Since I’ve published, I’ve only promoted thru Goodreads.
Q9. Do you have any idea when readers can expect the sequel to be published?
A9. As of right now, my goal is to have it out by the end of this year.
Q10. In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of being an author?
A10. The most rewarding part of being an author for me is when people write that they liked my book. To feel someone enjoyed the little world I created is simply awesome.
Add comment
Comments