Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I like to describe myself as an author of fantasy. I create worlds and put heroic characters upon them and they appear to set themselves impossible goals. I like the contrast between light and darkness, good and evil and the constant battles between the two in a human context.
That said, my debut novel, which I have just released this week, can roughly be placed in the speculative fiction genre: entitled The Sleeping Warrior, it is intrinsically a crime thriller with a very subtle fantasy element woven into the narrative.
I have an epic fantasy (which I call my ‘big’ fantasy) on the back burner at the moment and the first book is due out in December this year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called The Sleeping Warrior and I wrote it in a fit of defiance against traditional publishers and their fixation for fitting stories into genres, purely for promotional purposes.
In the past, I have submitted my work to a few different publishing companies who have made it clear that my fantasy doesn’t fit into the confines of their lists.
In a fit of defiance, I decided I would write a book that crossed many literary genres; had as many cliché villains of contemporary modern fiction that I could fit in without being ridiculous; and would basically read like one genre but would contain a multi-faceted story-line.
As odd as it may sound, it worked really well and I am very pleased and proud of the outcome.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am one of those writers who starts with a very basic idea. I usually begin with one character. That person then meets another and a scene is set. I then tend to let my characters lead me and develop their own story. I don’t make lists, I don’t make mind maps and I don’t write down ideas. Everything flows naturally, from brain to fingers to words on the computer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy and all its associated sub-genres. Having had a career in editorial and journalism, though, I can’t read books that are poorly written. Quality of writing is very important to me.
The classics have had a profound influence on my writing as have Shakespeare, the 19th century poets and some contemporary writers.
I have a great respect for the likes of Anne Rice and her passionate, descriptive narrative; but I’m also in awe of Joe Hill who can terrify a reader after the first few paragraphs.
Tolkein introduced me to fantasy and I have been reading and writing it ever since I first read The Hobbit at the age of seven.
What are you working on now?
I have set up my own publishing company called Ivy Moon Press and that is taking up all of my time. I am half way through the re-writing and editing of my ‘big’ fantasy and aim to publish the first book, Dark Dawn, in December.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion and marketing is possibly the hardest part of publishing.
Getting your message across to readers on the internet is a bit like the voice of one crying in the wilderness, for the internet is vast, infinite and a place where most people get very lost.
There are many new companies and sites springing up that offer to promote books for a fee, but the majority of authors can barely afford the postage on their proof copies, let alone shell out for a promotional spot on a blog.
Filters, I believe, are the light in the darkness. There’s little point in targeting other authors – although, their company and support is a wonderful thing to experience – it is readers that really matter. Finding readers through filtering and channelling to target audiences is the way forward.
I have an author website, a publishers website, a blog and a reasonable presence on social networking sites but have only just scratched the surface.
I would like to think that the product will eventually sell itself. If no one knows about it, however, it will remain buried under the other billions of works that are being churned out daily.
I am just in the process of beginning marketing and sites like Goodreads and Awesomegang are like manna from heaven, for they aim to bring readers and authors together in one place thereby helping to channel my efforts into getting my book noticed.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never underestimate quality when it comes to writing. It is very difficult to be taken seriously as an author if you are a poor writer. That doesn’t just mean an excellent grasp of language and grammar; good writing also requires a storyline that flows naturally and makes the reader want to turn the next page.
There is a plethora of blogs and sites giving advice to new authors, some of which are particularly excellent. I would advise a new author to seek them out.
Also, find other writers. Join a writing group, either in your area or online: their support and encouragement is invaluable.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get it finished or I’ll come after you!” Is what one fellow writer said to me.
Although she was kidding – at least I hope she was – it was the very best advice anyone could have given me because it spurred me on to actually finish my first book
What are you reading now?
I’m not reading at the moment, too busy publishing and promoting!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Dark Dawn, Book I of The Scrolls of Deyesto is due to be published in December, so I’d better get a move on.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s easy: The Oxford Dictionary
Author Websites and Profiles
Sara Bain Website
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