Tell me a about yourself. What got
you started in writing?
I started writing
about seven years ago. To be honest I had no idea I could! I was a theater
major and a trained singer, that’s what I did. Then one day someone told me I
should write a book because I could “read really fast!” * snort! * But the
funny thing was, after she said it I couldn't shake the thought. It would
pester me day and night even though I told myself it was absurd! Finally I
opened the laptop, ONLY in hopes for relief from the incessant push to write a
book. From that first key stroke, Wings
of Arian was born. Turns out I CAN write and now that I've started I can’t
stop. I love it, I've found my passion in the most unlikely of ways. And in a
happy twist my theater background was finally good for something!
How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing
freehand?
Laptop, oh my gosh, laptop. My handwriting is akin to a ten year old
boy. I have gone to the grocery store multiple times and not been able to read
all the items on my list.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
My favorite parts are anything that actually has to do with writing.
Even when I’m frustrated at the editing process deep down I still enjoy it. My
least favorite parts are the things that have nothing to do with writing… like
marketing. Uuugggghhhh, marketing. I do it because it’s necessary, but I don’t
care for it much. Although I do LOVE interacting with fans. They get so excited
when I respond but the truth is they do so much more for me than I do for them.
Their comments get me through those times that inevitably come as a writer when
you sit back and think, “What am I doing!? This is insane, I can’t do this!”
All those little comments come back to me whispering, yes you can.
How do you come up with your
characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
Characters are probably the easiest thing for me because I love to
watch people. I've always had this innate ability to just “get” people. I see
what makes them tick and understand their thought processes. Because of that I
can fairly easily create what I need. I do try to make sure that my characters
are relatable. I grow tired of characters with no flaws who kick butt
effortlessly. I like to address the mental toll that events take on my
characters. I like them to feel, I like them to be real. I think readers like
getting to know my characters because no matter how amazing they are, they’re
still relatable. I also always add some comic relief because come on, every
story needs a comic relief character! Dry sarcasm is my favorite!
What types of marketing do you do
to promote your writing?
Whatever works.
Seriously, things change so fast and we are in the middle of another huge
upheaval with the whole Facebook charging all business pages fiasco. I've done Twitter, Facebook campaigns, blog tours, paid advertising and more. At the
moment I've seen the best results from paid advertising on book sites. I also
run giveaways every week from my blog to reward my fans and keep them sticking
around to see what else I've got up my sleeve. Loyal fans are the BEST!
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| Get it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble |
How do you schedule your writing
time? When do you write?
I used to be
much more busy than I am now so I would write whenever and wherever I could.
Literally. If I was ten minutes early to meeting someone at a restaurant, my
laptop was out. Now I write full time so I try to write as much as I can while
the kids are in school… when I don’t get sucked into the pit of death called Facebook.
What are you currently working on?
Do you have a new book out?
I am working on five books, yes five, and am
aiming to release them all in one fell swoop. My final book in the Solus Series
released a few months back so I am working on a stand alone, the first book in
a trilogy, and the first three books in a series that…well, I have no idea how
long this one will go on. Hopefully by spring you’ll all get to see, The
Wizard’s Heir, War of Fire and Ice, and Venators, books 1-3. I’m a tad busy at
the moment.
Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
I pulled all my backburners to do them all
at once! Lol! I do have some ideas slipping around but I haven’t solidified
anything enough yet.
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
You
never really know what you’re capable of until it’s finished. To look at an unfinished manuscript, or one that’s unedited, and say it’s
not good enough is silly. Of course it's not good enough, it’s not done. Those
of us who publish have to write, edit and then pay others to help us edit-- a
step which is necessary in creating a wonderful piece of work. If you really
want to do this, FINISH it. Only then can you decide if you have what it takes
and if you WANT to have what it takes. Did you enjoy the process of finishing
it, or would you rather just write for fun?
***
Thank you, Devri!
Learn more about Devri's books below:
Wings of Tavea (YA)
Wings of Nestor(YA)
Wings of Lomay
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