Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am indie writer who loves fantasy. In the Stardust Destinies series, I have five completed books, the first of which I have just published. I am currently writing the sequel quintology and am currently writing my first and rough draft of book 8. Outside of Stardust Destinies, I write fan-fiction, from the Star Wars Old Republic universe, which can be found on my website. I am also a YouTuber. On my main channel I dive into the lore of my favourite video game, Dragon Age. It inspires me and motivates me for my own projects.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Stardust Destinies I: Variate Facing. The inspiration for the story, the characters and the world came to me in a dream. I actually dreamt of Chapter Nine, so I wrote that first, ad then developed my lore and characters. Then I wrote from the start up to that chapter, and then continued writing it, and then just kept writing. I had no idea Stardust Destinies would end up being a series at that time, let alone one that would contain ten books (at least).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they’re unusual, but they’re definitely particular. While some things I write I write directly in Word, when it comes to Stardust Destinies, I must write by hand first. Then I proof read before typing it up. I have a process where I proof read and correct the typed version before doing a self-editing pass. Only then do I feel it is ready for my editor.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have three favourite franchises that have inspired me a great deal throughout the years. Star Wars and its original expanded universe is the first one. I was four years old when I saw A New Hope for the first time, so it’s been a great inspiration. Lord of the Rings and other books by J.R.R. Tolkien is another inspiration for me. The way Tolkien includes songs and other languages inspired me to put in some songs and invented languages into my stories as well. And of cour, I can’t forget my favourite video game franchise, Dragon Age. All those franchises have rich characters of various types, with various arcs. Analysing certain character arcs and Carl Jung’s archetypes has helped me develop some of my own characters.
What are you working on now?
Lots of things. I’m always writing some fanfic and/or some Stardust Destinies. At different weeks I dedicate my days to a specific project. When I’m not focusing on my writing, I’m filming videos for both my channel (the gaming one and the alternative healing one). I am in the process of working on Stardust Destinies VIII for that series specifically.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am completely new to promotion and marketing. So far I’ve used social media platforms and have reached out to other content creators I know on those platforms. I am discovering and learning when it comes to promotion. What I’ve discovered is that it’s good for me to keep a list of places I’ve submitted to, people I’ve reached out to, bookstores I’ve called. It’s easy to get caught up in how overwhelming it can be, being organised has definitely helped.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say don’t listen to your inner critic. That voice that puts us down sometimes when we are unsure of ourselves can be detrimental at times. While it’s good to gain feedback and to improve what we write throughout the entire process, simply doing is a step towards achieving one’s goals. So, also, go for it, write, and write. There are online courses and tutorials that you can find for free for self-editing, which help improve your writing skills. I’d also advise investing in a grammar book. I consult mine regularly, even when I know the rule, sometimes it’s best to make sure and double check. It can only improve the writing skill.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice came from my mentor shortly after I had graduated from CEGEP and he told me to just do it, to go for it. I had shown him a portion of my manuscript and he told me to keep writing the book and to publish. It took many years before I was actually ready to publish, but I kept writing, and I went for it. It brings me so much joy to create, I’m going to be creating for the rest of my life.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been trying to read the Silmarillion. It’s a handful, to say the least. The language is very rich and the story lore complex. I set it aside for a time, but I might pick it up again soon and try to get through it once and for all.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve been in contact with my editor to begin the process for Stardust Destinies II, so there’s that. I also have some bookstores to contact for book 1. Of course, I’m writing the sequel quintology. So my focus is shifting towards that, all the while continuing my on-going fanfic stories, which are great practice and a fun escape when I need a change of scenery.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d have to take the Lord of the Rings trilogy with me. It’s so inspirational and descriptive, and great epic adventure to go through a good number of times before I can get tired of it. I think I’d also take the Light Side vs Dark Side book about the Force and the Jedi and SIth history and chronology (all the same book). If I’m going to be stranded, I might as well practice my Force abilities, right?
Author Websites and Profiles
Celinka Serre Website
Celinka Serre’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account