Ask the Author: M.J.L. Evans
Answered Questions (3)
M.J.L. Evans
Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. I really enjoy the fact that they're both intellectual and spiritual equals. Their match is not based on the physical and given their class differences makes the relationship unlikely. Their romance thrives through trials and tribulations. Although they are separated for a time, each of them develops as a person until they are reunited again. I do find the metaphor of the splintered chestnut tree to be a romantic - that neither one of can recover without the other.
M.J.L. Evans
The best advice I can give an aspiring writer - never apologize for what you do.
I write and paint because I have to. There’s a driving force that guides me - my instincts. Each writer has a their own motivation and life events often influence, trigger and inspire the work they do. At times writing for me is the only shield between me and unendurable pain – which is a good thing because let’s face it – writing is way cheaper than drinking! Although historically writers have done both! Writing is also the keenest joy I have experienced – the creation of so many unique and wonderful personalities, plot twists, fantasies, adventures and suspenseful scenarios. You can do anything and be anything – there are no limits, only hard work to get there.
I had no idea how complex being an Indie author was until I became one. A lot of it was trial and error, research and trying out different ways of creating the story with different computer programs and finding the ideal editor that syncs with my story. It’s a field that requires constant learning and trying new things. I wish I could clone myself for the purpose of being able to do more and also help out other Indie authors. It’s a difficult field to break into when you’re looking for people to review and honestly critique your work. I’m still at the beginning of a long Indie career and that in time I will develop a fan base. The key I think is to continue writing as much as possible. The more books you have out there the more people will start to take notice.
The majority of the time, writers will be misunderstood. Most people can’t see beyond their own set world and will tell you, “oh, that won’t sell” and “that’s a waste of time”. I’ve even been called a deadbeat - despite the fact I work a day job to pay the bills and spend the rest of my time writing/painting/promoting when I’m not sleeping! You will be criticized by people, some who have zero creativity and who lack the courage/motivation to even try to do what you’re doing. Put up your middle finger and tell them to spin on it! Never apologize for doing something that is important to you. Ignore ridiculous negative feedback that offers no valuable criticism. Embrace feedback that you believe will improve the story. Enjoy the feedback that says “hey, that’s awesome!”
At the end of the day love what you do.
I write and paint because I have to. There’s a driving force that guides me - my instincts. Each writer has a their own motivation and life events often influence, trigger and inspire the work they do. At times writing for me is the only shield between me and unendurable pain – which is a good thing because let’s face it – writing is way cheaper than drinking! Although historically writers have done both! Writing is also the keenest joy I have experienced – the creation of so many unique and wonderful personalities, plot twists, fantasies, adventures and suspenseful scenarios. You can do anything and be anything – there are no limits, only hard work to get there.
I had no idea how complex being an Indie author was until I became one. A lot of it was trial and error, research and trying out different ways of creating the story with different computer programs and finding the ideal editor that syncs with my story. It’s a field that requires constant learning and trying new things. I wish I could clone myself for the purpose of being able to do more and also help out other Indie authors. It’s a difficult field to break into when you’re looking for people to review and honestly critique your work. I’m still at the beginning of a long Indie career and that in time I will develop a fan base. The key I think is to continue writing as much as possible. The more books you have out there the more people will start to take notice.
The majority of the time, writers will be misunderstood. Most people can’t see beyond their own set world and will tell you, “oh, that won’t sell” and “that’s a waste of time”. I’ve even been called a deadbeat - despite the fact I work a day job to pay the bills and spend the rest of my time writing/painting/promoting when I’m not sleeping! You will be criticized by people, some who have zero creativity and who lack the courage/motivation to even try to do what you’re doing. Put up your middle finger and tell them to spin on it! Never apologize for doing something that is important to you. Ignore ridiculous negative feedback that offers no valuable criticism. Embrace feedback that you believe will improve the story. Enjoy the feedback that says “hey, that’s awesome!”
At the end of the day love what you do.
M.J.L. Evans
I'm currently working on the remaining novellas for No Quarter: Dominium. After that I several things lined up. No Quarter: WENCHES, No Quarter: The Dirge and No Quarter: Coursing Latitude. Rather ambitious, yes, but my co-author GM O'Connor already has most of the layout done for the rest of the books. As an independent project, I'm hoping to finish The Gaslight Chronicles, which is also historical fiction, but based in Victoria BC. I'd also like to release an erotica anthology for which I have already have poetry and several short stories partially written.
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