Interview With Author Dagmar Rokita
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My pen name is Dagmar. I’m from Poland and I write Grimdark Sci-Fi. My series are called “Bloodstained Skies”. I’m a big heavy metal fan and a cat lover.
I have written:
– two novels (one of them is published, the second one needs some work)
– script/1st draft of the 3rd novel
– a short story
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and also the latest book is named “The Core of Rage”. It’s some kind of an “origin story” of my main character, Cerridwen. One of my hobbies is psychology, so I decided to use my knowledge in my books. Here I show how a sheltered kid gets thrown into a new, horrifying environment and learns how to survive in a world engulfed by war.
The second main character, Charon, is a respected leader and a brave warrior. Day after day, he loses his self-confidence. This character represents how too much pressure, too high expectations and perfectionism can destroy even the strongest of us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before writing I listen to music and read the lyrics. It helps me find the right words when I feel stuck.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My main inspiration are series like: Dune, Halo, Warhammer and maybe Star Wars. The 1st draft of “The Core of Rage” was just a poor Darth Vader copycat but later it evolved. I also need to be very careful because sometimes I repeat the patterns known from Warhammer series.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing a short story. It’s about a young girl who has to survive alone in the forest. It’s my 1st short story ever and I hope it will be good. It’s cool to have a new experience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote the free chapters of my book on RoyalRoad.com. This website focuses on sci-fi/fantasy readers and writers so I get very targeted audience. The price is quite high so advertising here may be risky but I’m lucky for now.
I can also recommend one thing: before you start any promotion, gather some reviews. No one cares about books without reviews.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
– Be very, very careful because scammers are everywhere.
– Never trust people who promise to “promote your book to 10 milions of targeted readers for only 30$”.
– Avoid promoters from the 3rd world countries – the have bot farms and use them to generate fake views.
– Don’t pay for “exclusive editiorial reviews by world top reviewers”. There are hundreds of better ways to spend money.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t pay for reviews”. It turned out to be pretty cost-saving. I don’t have a “pro five star review” but I have 300$ in my pocket so I can invest it into some real advertising, editing, cover artwork etc.
What are you reading now?
Unfortunately, nothing. I have exams at college, I have to write a new book and promote the previous one so I don’t have enough free time. I hope I will read something during the holidays.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to do two things: translate and publish the sequel of “The Core of Rage” and write a new book from a completely different timeline.
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?
1. “Helsreach” by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (for motivation)
2. “Lords of the Sith” by Paul S. Kemp (for entertainment)
3. “Children of Dune” by Frank Herbert (to relax)
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