Ask the Author: Ærick Graham
Answered Questions (13)
Ærick Graham
You are welcome, thank you for the questions. If you want to send me up to 10 pages or an outline, I would happy to give you feedback.
Absolutely, if you as the author don't believe in the characters, how could you expect the reader to believe in them?
Absolutely, if you as the author don't believe in the characters, how could you expect the reader to believe in them?
Ærick Graham
First you should understand, anything you write is copyright protected. Period. I am not a lawyer, but that is the law. Check out your rights here: www.copyright.gov
The reality is, generating money from your written work takes time. It is obviously precious to the writer, but its value in the marketplace is unknown. Plagiarism in this context, taking your work and slapping another person's name on it for quick money, is not a simple path. Therefore, the would-be-thief will have the same obstacles any other new writer would have in the marketplace. It is just not a viable crime.
Right before you publish, you can submit your work to be registered copyright. (www.copyright.gov/registration/litera...) This is a record that your written work belongs to the creator. Legally, this is your best recourse. It will afford you protection where in the situation you need to to court in the rare case of plagiarism.
I hope this eases your fears and lets you concentrate on writing your book! Good luck!!
The reality is, generating money from your written work takes time. It is obviously precious to the writer, but its value in the marketplace is unknown. Plagiarism in this context, taking your work and slapping another person's name on it for quick money, is not a simple path. Therefore, the would-be-thief will have the same obstacles any other new writer would have in the marketplace. It is just not a viable crime.
Right before you publish, you can submit your work to be registered copyright. (www.copyright.gov/registration/litera...) This is a record that your written work belongs to the creator. Legally, this is your best recourse. It will afford you protection where in the situation you need to to court in the rare case of plagiarism.
I hope this eases your fears and lets you concentrate on writing your book! Good luck!!
Ærick Graham
Glad to hear you are working on that book! Friends and family are always a good start. They work well as your cheerleaders. But you also really want people who are also aspiring writers - who are studying the craft. Try www.meetup.com, you can find writer's groups in most major cities across the country. If you live outside the city, you might be able to find a group you can correspond with. It is easy to share documents over the computer.
Another great organization is www.scbwi.org. They offer work writing work shops and are an opportunity to meet publishing insiders and agents.
Another great organization is www.scbwi.org. They offer work writing work shops and are an opportunity to meet publishing insiders and agents.
Ærick Graham
I have no book signing plans currently, but if I ever make it out to Tennessee, I will let you know. Would be happy to sign your book.
Keep writing.
Keep writing.
Ærick Graham
Thank you for your recommendation. I will definitely check out Moning's books. I have read some Brooks books a while back.
In regards to your question about using 'all layers of writing' in my fantasy, I assume you are referring to my previous response to my writing process. Yes, I formulate (or outline) my writing with this layered approach. It is just how I think, process ideas. I need to start with a story premise, then build from there. Then once I am writing, I also will improvise as the ideas come to me in the moment. Not everything I write will be kept in the final draft, but it is more about brainstorming ideas and exploring the "what if" scenarios in my head. This is perfectly fine, to go crazy with story threads and contradicting ideas. After I have my first draft, that is when I start editing my work to ensure ideas are consistent and relevant. As an author, you should be sure to involve other people into your editing process. Having an outside perspective is critical. I know it can be scary, and leave you feeling exposed. But what is a writer without a reader?
No, you don't need formal education to write novels. It may help, it depends on how you learn and what your creative process is. For me, I pursued an English Literature degree before I started writing my novel. Part of the courses I took were creative writing. Those courses helped tremendously. Writing is a craft, so learning the techniques and being self aware of bad habits really improved my writing. But you could easily learn this if you had a mentor, just like any craft.
Another thing my college experience gave me, it exposed me to literature and writers I would have not chose to read myself, but was glad I read them after the fact. I fell in love with Shakespeare, for example. Also, I wrote tons of essays, so that in itself, tightened up my writing skill, and helped me discover my writing voice AND gave me the confidence to pursue novel writing (which was my goal since I made the decision to go to college at the age of 22). For me, this experience was invaluable and the right choice for me.
If you do not have a B.S. /B.A. in writing, don't let that stop you. Your writing will always speak for itself! Good or bad, a college degree will not change that. It is more a means to an end. Write well, and it will shine on the page, and no one can take that away from you. Good writing is self evident and I believe anyone can do it of they work hard at it.
Hell, I seen bad writers make a living as novelists, so why can't any of us do the same. lol.
In regards to your question about using 'all layers of writing' in my fantasy, I assume you are referring to my previous response to my writing process. Yes, I formulate (or outline) my writing with this layered approach. It is just how I think, process ideas. I need to start with a story premise, then build from there. Then once I am writing, I also will improvise as the ideas come to me in the moment. Not everything I write will be kept in the final draft, but it is more about brainstorming ideas and exploring the "what if" scenarios in my head. This is perfectly fine, to go crazy with story threads and contradicting ideas. After I have my first draft, that is when I start editing my work to ensure ideas are consistent and relevant. As an author, you should be sure to involve other people into your editing process. Having an outside perspective is critical. I know it can be scary, and leave you feeling exposed. But what is a writer without a reader?
No, you don't need formal education to write novels. It may help, it depends on how you learn and what your creative process is. For me, I pursued an English Literature degree before I started writing my novel. Part of the courses I took were creative writing. Those courses helped tremendously. Writing is a craft, so learning the techniques and being self aware of bad habits really improved my writing. But you could easily learn this if you had a mentor, just like any craft.
Another thing my college experience gave me, it exposed me to literature and writers I would have not chose to read myself, but was glad I read them after the fact. I fell in love with Shakespeare, for example. Also, I wrote tons of essays, so that in itself, tightened up my writing skill, and helped me discover my writing voice AND gave me the confidence to pursue novel writing (which was my goal since I made the decision to go to college at the age of 22). For me, this experience was invaluable and the right choice for me.
If you do not have a B.S. /B.A. in writing, don't let that stop you. Your writing will always speak for itself! Good or bad, a college degree will not change that. It is more a means to an end. Write well, and it will shine on the page, and no one can take that away from you. Good writing is self evident and I believe anyone can do it of they work hard at it.
Hell, I seen bad writers make a living as novelists, so why can't any of us do the same. lol.
Ærick Graham
Generally, I would recommend reading all types of authors and genres in order to get a broad range of writing styles. You won't enjoy everything you encounter, but if you approach each reading as an opportunity to improve your own writing, you may pick up on new story telling and writing techniques.
In fantasy, I would recommend Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Scott Lynch, Laini Taylor, Philip Pullman, D.M. Cornish, and Garth Nix to name a few. There are many I have not read that are on my "to read" list.
I also study film as a way of understanding storytelling. T.V shows too.
I understand your fear about duplicating a writing style or ideas. I had the same experience when I started out writing. It is OK. If your goal is to be a writer, then write, even if you feel it is too similar to your favorite author. Once you are in a habit of writing often, your own, personal and authentic voice will come through. Writing is just your thoughts and feeling on a page. It will be unique and you will make it your own in time.
And, there are no new ideas. It is your voice that makes the story unique. For example, name a book about a orphan boy who goes to a magical school to be a wizard.
Harry Potter? Correct. Also, The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Similar premise, but two completely different stories and writing styles. Both very successful. Rothfuss's books came after Harry Potter. I am sure he realized the similarities between his books and Rowling's. But he was self aware enough to know that was where the similarities ended, that he had a very different story to tell and he kept working on it for 10 years before he was published. I see that as proof that hard work, with perseverance and a strong self-belief will create success. Doubts are normal, the skill is to know how to move past them. Also, surround yourself with cheerleaders, people who encourage you. Last, meet fellow writers whom you can exchange writings. You have to be open to feedback and critiquing if you want to improve in anything.
Yes! I have two giveaways going on. On Goodreads, I am giving away 20 copies of the paperback version. This will end July 1. If you haven't entered, do. Winners will be randomly chosen. On Amazon, I am giving away Kindle version as well. I think this has another week before it ends. But you might also be able to check the book out for free. It is also for sale for just $2.99.
Thanks for your many and great questions. Always happy to talk shop!
In fantasy, I would recommend Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Scott Lynch, Laini Taylor, Philip Pullman, D.M. Cornish, and Garth Nix to name a few. There are many I have not read that are on my "to read" list.
I also study film as a way of understanding storytelling. T.V shows too.
I understand your fear about duplicating a writing style or ideas. I had the same experience when I started out writing. It is OK. If your goal is to be a writer, then write, even if you feel it is too similar to your favorite author. Once you are in a habit of writing often, your own, personal and authentic voice will come through. Writing is just your thoughts and feeling on a page. It will be unique and you will make it your own in time.
And, there are no new ideas. It is your voice that makes the story unique. For example, name a book about a orphan boy who goes to a magical school to be a wizard.
Harry Potter? Correct. Also, The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Similar premise, but two completely different stories and writing styles. Both very successful. Rothfuss's books came after Harry Potter. I am sure he realized the similarities between his books and Rowling's. But he was self aware enough to know that was where the similarities ended, that he had a very different story to tell and he kept working on it for 10 years before he was published. I see that as proof that hard work, with perseverance and a strong self-belief will create success. Doubts are normal, the skill is to know how to move past them. Also, surround yourself with cheerleaders, people who encourage you. Last, meet fellow writers whom you can exchange writings. You have to be open to feedback and critiquing if you want to improve in anything.
Yes! I have two giveaways going on. On Goodreads, I am giving away 20 copies of the paperback version. This will end July 1. If you haven't entered, do. Winners will be randomly chosen. On Amazon, I am giving away Kindle version as well. I think this has another week before it ends. But you might also be able to check the book out for free. It is also for sale for just $2.99.
Thanks for your many and great questions. Always happy to talk shop!
Ærick Graham
Hi Doris! It is great to meet another Oregonian! Chief Joseph is a very important figure in our local history. A tragic story, as with all native Americans. I will have to make it out there to see his burial site.
Thanks for your question. I could really deluge you with detail. lol. Like most writers, story ideas start with observations, introspection and a desire to explore. For me, personal relationships are the foundation of stories. Characters have stories to tell. Conflict and inspiration comes from diving into personal interactions.
For my first book, I wanted to tell a story of a father and son. How the young son sees his father as a hero and infallible. Then an event exposes the son to the dangers of the world, and the perfect image is shattered as the father struggles to keep the family safe.
I approach story telling in layers. So the character story is one layer. The next layer is creating the fantasy mythology. I try to be a student of Tolkien. I love the idea of creating a history, from world creation to semi industrial era, and chart all the major events in between. For this story, I landed on a 'dark age' era. Pre medieval, because I wanted the world to still feel primordial in remote areas. That the ancient still remain, though they should have expired.
I don't have a specific European culture that I drew upon for my fantasy, but I use primarily old English words for personal names and place names. So it has a bit of a Anglo-Saxon feel to it. Somewhere in my world, there will definitely be a Scot/Irish/Celt flavor. As well as African, Arab, Chinese, Indian and all the other richness of our world.
My main character wears a torc, inspired from Celtic culture. The significance of this is that his people claim to be original inhabitants of the land. So analogous to the great Celtic civilization in the pre Roman era, before the Migration period.
My last comment on idea development, is to find an original or unique take on fantasy. My last blog speaks to this dilemma, that we are all under the shadow of Tolkien, so it is too easy to have a mythology similar to his, or any other author that has come after him. I think I was successful creating a unique fantasy setting. If you have not yet, I invite you to read my book. And I would love to know what you think about it. Cheers!
Thanks for your question. I could really deluge you with detail. lol. Like most writers, story ideas start with observations, introspection and a desire to explore. For me, personal relationships are the foundation of stories. Characters have stories to tell. Conflict and inspiration comes from diving into personal interactions.
For my first book, I wanted to tell a story of a father and son. How the young son sees his father as a hero and infallible. Then an event exposes the son to the dangers of the world, and the perfect image is shattered as the father struggles to keep the family safe.
I approach story telling in layers. So the character story is one layer. The next layer is creating the fantasy mythology. I try to be a student of Tolkien. I love the idea of creating a history, from world creation to semi industrial era, and chart all the major events in between. For this story, I landed on a 'dark age' era. Pre medieval, because I wanted the world to still feel primordial in remote areas. That the ancient still remain, though they should have expired.
I don't have a specific European culture that I drew upon for my fantasy, but I use primarily old English words for personal names and place names. So it has a bit of a Anglo-Saxon feel to it. Somewhere in my world, there will definitely be a Scot/Irish/Celt flavor. As well as African, Arab, Chinese, Indian and all the other richness of our world.
My main character wears a torc, inspired from Celtic culture. The significance of this is that his people claim to be original inhabitants of the land. So analogous to the great Celtic civilization in the pre Roman era, before the Migration period.
My last comment on idea development, is to find an original or unique take on fantasy. My last blog speaks to this dilemma, that we are all under the shadow of Tolkien, so it is too easy to have a mythology similar to his, or any other author that has come after him. I think I was successful creating a unique fantasy setting. If you have not yet, I invite you to read my book. And I would love to know what you think about it. Cheers!
Ærick Graham
This answer contains spoilers…
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Ærick Graham
I think I mentioned this in another answer. Other artists inspire me. Writers, illustrators, music and musicians, film, comics, and even architecture. Oh, and getting outside and connecting to the environment is extremely important to me. I like to write about wild places, which in this world, is seemingly and sadly disappearing.
Also, once exposed to other artists, I like to find my own voice and perspective that is missing or less represented. The best artists tap into a perspective or values we all share, and present it in a novel or clever way. I am always looking for those opportunities.
Also, once exposed to other artists, I like to find my own voice and perspective that is missing or less represented. The best artists tap into a perspective or values we all share, and present it in a novel or clever way. I am always looking for those opportunities.
Ærick Graham
I am working on a sequel to The Woodcutter King. I conceived of a four book story arc. So I really hope I have the opportunity finish this idea. I also have two other books in mind with new characters and settings.
Ærick Graham
Probably what I have to say is common practice. Stay in school, respect your elders, and play lots of video games. I mean A LOT of video games. Even the ones from the 80s.
Try that for five years. If you still have not made it like me, then maybe read books. Probably write. Stories. Study the craft. Make friends that also write. Critique and be critiqued. Don't be afraid to cry. Was it Hemmingway that said, sit at a typewriter and bleed. Maybe it doesn't have to be that particular bodily fluid. Read broadly. Some, like myself, went to college to get an English Literature degree to broaden our understanding of literature. Take creative writing classes and workshops. Write what is in your heart. Understand success is not one effort, but the totality of your effort and dedication.
Try that for five years. If you still have not made it like me, then maybe read books. Probably write. Stories. Study the craft. Make friends that also write. Critique and be critiqued. Don't be afraid to cry. Was it Hemmingway that said, sit at a typewriter and bleed. Maybe it doesn't have to be that particular bodily fluid. Read broadly. Some, like myself, went to college to get an English Literature degree to broaden our understanding of literature. Take creative writing classes and workshops. Write what is in your heart. Understand success is not one effort, but the totality of your effort and dedication.
Ærick Graham
Easy, money and fame. OR I get to write fake news, and everyone is cool with it. Next question.
Ærick Graham
I have two strategies. First,keep writing. Like a muscle, if you stop, your creative atrophy only gets worse, not better. You might not be entirely satisfied with the results, but some effort is always better than none.
Second, I step away and check out other artist's work. The world is filled will creative people with perspectives and voices so removed from your own; if that does not inspire you, then you are dead inside and you should not be writing in the first place. Be an engineer or politician or CPA.
Third-play lots of video games. No, find the thing in your life that energizes you to break through the block. You's gots to have creative kung fu.
And no I can't count, that's why I write. No numbers. Unless this is all base 36 numeric.
Second, I step away and check out other artist's work. The world is filled will creative people with perspectives and voices so removed from your own; if that does not inspire you, then you are dead inside and you should not be writing in the first place. Be an engineer or politician or CPA.
Third-play lots of video games. No, find the thing in your life that energizes you to break through the block. You's gots to have creative kung fu.
And no I can't count, that's why I write. No numbers. Unless this is all base 36 numeric.
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