Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi all. I’ve been an animator for 16 years, and a wanna-be writer since I was 11. I thought it would be cool to write an epic story about my Dungeons and Dragons character when I was a kid, never got it off the ground (probably a good thing), but I’ve had the bug ever since. I’ve published 1 book, written an additional trilogy which is in final edit, and have several others in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The published book is called, “A Vampyre’s Daughter.” I’m not exactly sure what inspired it, but the story goes…
I had shelved my trilogy after completing it because I couldn’t find an agent. I thought, I better write something else in the meantime. I had an odd thought, what happens if a vampire has a kid? The title came first, then I designed a story. It ended up very different than it began, but I love where it ended up, and I could definitely write a series out of it if anyone was interested. I love the characters and have a 1st draft of a sequel waiting to see if anyone wants me to proceed.
I like the juxtaposition of survivor’s guilt versus the quest for immortality. Yin and yang combatants.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t all writers? All habits are unique to some degree.
I write everywhere I can, on lunch breaks, after hours, in airports, at my daughter’s softball games. I’m a plantser, as best I can figure. I do a vague outline, write fluidly, plot/characters liquid, then fine tune the outline as I go. Sloppy 1st draft, then mold and rework the next few drafts until it feels right.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of them.
Tolkein got me started, then so many others filter through.
What are you working on now?
A YA portal fantasy called “MystikQuest.” It’s about 6 nerdy, outcast teens who get caught up in the crossfire of a real-life wizard war, and get magically transported into their favorite tabletop role-playing game. Kind of like Goonies meets Jumanji, toss in some Stranger Things.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Haven’t found one yet. Did an ad on Facebook which wasn’t terrible, but hasn’t made me JK Rowling either. Amazon’s promos are very confusing, and haven’t worked for me. Honestly, I’d love some advice/help in that area. I just want traffic and eyes on the book, not expecting riches.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Appearance counts. Check your spelling, grammar, book standards. And don’t make a cheesy cover (unless you’re going for cheesy). Nothing turns off a reader (at least, in my case) like an author who doesn’t look like they took time to make a quality product.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you can afford one, get an editor.
If you can’t, get ones’ advice. Figure out how to really self-edit. Editing is seriously important.
What are you reading now?
Several things from different author friends. I’m on Kindle Unlimited and I like to browse fellow associates and see if anything clicks for me to really get into. I like to support fellow indie authors when I can.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing “MystikQuest.” Querying it. Also, trying to decide what to do with my shelved trilogy.
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?
Watership Down, Lord of the Rings. I’d try to sneak the Harry Potter series on the raft, too.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Schanz Website
Jeff Schanz Amazon Profile
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