Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m what happens to the kid who grows up asking “why?” to everything. They turn into an adult (sorta) who writes stories that are more fascinating (convoluted) than the answers to those questions. I’ve lived so many lives, I don’t know which one to focus on, but currently, I’m active duty in the Navy and actively putting pen (keyboard) to paper (screen).
I’ve recently published my first novel, “Where Light Enters”, and am plotting out my next one, “Ricochet Day”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Where Light Enters” is the novelization of a short story I wrote. The original story concept came from three songs that randomly played in a sequence that made me thing, “This could be a story!”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
You know all of those things they say good writers should do? I do none of them.
I heavily plot out my “key frames” of my story, but after that, it’s the wild west. I jump around to the different sections wherever I’m feeling inspired to write about at that time. It helps me drop those narrative themes and connections easier, instead of being more linear with the approach. Some chapters have taken me twenty minutes to write, and some sentences have taken two hours. I try to write where and what I want, rather than being locked down too much.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everything I’ve ever read has had an influence on me, but to name a few:
“World War Z” by Max Brooks proved that you can tell a story through seemingly unrelated short stories.
“The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende inspires me to want to capture the wonder of imagination.
Anything by Christopher Moore or Tim Dorsey reminds me to find the humor in the seemingly “normal” and run with it.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my second novel, “Ricochet Day”. It’s currently in the plotting stage as I have the setting locked and overall arc finished. Half the fun of writing is in this “play” stage. The other half is finishing the final draft.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a new author, I’m still trying to figure this out. I don’t have any good advice yet, but I can tell you what DOESN’T work…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Here are my personal ten commandments of writing:
1. Write a book you yourself would want to read.
2. Write to write, not to be read or to sell/make money.
3. Don’t be afraid to get rid of what doesn’t work. Writing is like brushing a dog: sometimes you need to shed that excess fluff.
4. Nothing is ever lost. Anything you pull can be used again, either in a different part of the book or in a different book.
5. There are two people you shouldn’t listen to: those who love every word you write and those who hate every word you write. This includes yourself.
6. Take critiques to heart, but do not take them personally. If someone said you had spinach in your teeth, it’s better that they tell you than leave you walking around like that.
7. Write about what you know, and if you don’t know about it, learn everything you can so you can write from a place of authenticity.
8. Knowing when you book is finished can be scary. It’s like seeing your kid go off to kindergarten the first day of school; you have to trust that you’ve done all you can leading up to that moment.
9. People do judge a book by its cover, so make sure you take the time to get one that looks professional and presentable.
10. How many people say, “I want to write a book” but never do? Be in the minority not afraid to put themselves, and their work, out into the world.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be proud of the mistakes you only make once.”
What are you reading now?
I’m involved in a few writing groups for genres that are not anything like what I write. It is helping me see other authors’ processes and gets me to play in playgrounds I don’t usually venture into. Reading their submissions is taking up a lot of my reading time, currently.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently trying to get my first novel out there and read beyond my close circle of friends and family while developing my second book.
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?
“Animal Farm”, because I always find new layers to it with every read.
“SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere”
by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman for obvious reasons.
“Atlas Shrugged”, because at nearly 1200 pages, I’m sure I could use that for kindling.
Author Websites and Profiles
Noel Silvia Amazon Profile
Noel Silvia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account