Ask the Author: Stephanie May
Answered Questions (8)
Stephanie May
One of my favourite authors, C. J. Tudor, usually releases a new book every summer. So I cannot wait for hers - other than that, I have a boxed set of Hemingway novels coming, and also Billy Summers by Stephen King. That should keep me busy in between writing and editing.
Stephanie May
I'd pick Wuthering Heights. I would frolic in the moors with Heathcliff and make him forget all about Cathy. I cannot remember the last time a book has given me such a profound feeling. There seems no better place I could visit.
Stephanie May
Creating new adventures for readers to embark on without them ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes.
I create worlds of fantasy, wishful thinking, and I try to keep it relatable.
Writing is fun yet tough, but the end results are worth the hard yakka. My favourite thing about being a writer is creating complex characters that have more underneath the surface than meets the eye. I enjoy exploring why people are the way they are. No one person is 100% good, same as no one person is 100% bad. If I read a book with lifeless, one-dimensional characters, I turn away. Characters, in my opinion, are everything, and I try to showcase varied people in my novels and how they deal with certain situations.
I create worlds of fantasy, wishful thinking, and I try to keep it relatable.
Writing is fun yet tough, but the end results are worth the hard yakka. My favourite thing about being a writer is creating complex characters that have more underneath the surface than meets the eye. I enjoy exploring why people are the way they are. No one person is 100% good, same as no one person is 100% bad. If I read a book with lifeless, one-dimensional characters, I turn away. Characters, in my opinion, are everything, and I try to showcase varied people in my novels and how they deal with certain situations.
Stephanie May
I push through and write what I feel is most correct at that given time. If it's too big, I'll go for a walk, drive around for a while, or even take a five-minute break and go outside to clear my mind.
When I am ready to tackle the issue again, I read the few chapters previous to where I am at, to see if I can pick up on clues to further the storyline. Worst-case scenario, I write whatever it is in my mind, and persist with the rest of the novel.
When I have completed writing the whole draft, I will pick up on clues either before or after the block of text where I rambled through, and I'll always pick up ways to render the problem.
The greatest thing about being the author is that nothing is set in stone; there is a backspace option, and no-one will ever know!
When I am ready to tackle the issue again, I read the few chapters previous to where I am at, to see if I can pick up on clues to further the storyline. Worst-case scenario, I write whatever it is in my mind, and persist with the rest of the novel.
When I have completed writing the whole draft, I will pick up on clues either before or after the block of text where I rambled through, and I'll always pick up ways to render the problem.
The greatest thing about being the author is that nothing is set in stone; there is a backspace option, and no-one will ever know!
Stephanie May
While attending an Eric Burdon/the Animals concert in Sydney. I looked around the room while Eric sung House of the Rising Sun, and I thought about my fellow concert-goers and wondered about their past, and what it would have been like to have been in my prime when that song came to our shores back in 1964.
I flipped through history books and learned what about the biggest moments during the Swinging Sixties were, and of course, the Vietnam War was on every page. I wrote a story about two young lovers who are torn apart by the war, and how the aftermath affected their lives forever.
The result is a novel called Memories of Then ...
I flipped through history books and learned what about the biggest moments during the Swinging Sixties were, and of course, the Vietnam War was on every page. I wrote a story about two young lovers who are torn apart by the war, and how the aftermath affected their lives forever.
The result is a novel called Memories of Then ...
Stephanie May
I have an addictive personality, so if I don't write on a constant basis, something niggles in the back of my mind. In order for me to write a novel, I choose whatever I feel passionate about; I need to be immersed in the ideas of the story and the characters before I begin. Inspiration for stories can derive from newspaper articles, stories of my past, sometimes art inspiring art - like music or a painting. Usually the best ideas I find float around in my mind for a while until the sensation won't quit! That's when you know you've got something good on your hands.
Stephanie May
I've just completed my eighth novel, Unearthed. It was my first look into supernatural horror, and I loved every bit of it. I am also working on a cookbook.
Stephanie May
The two biggest things that come to mind are:
a) Never stop reading!
Read as much as you can, learn how other authors communicate to readers (as in their style and voice); it will also help with inspiration and it can give you new ideas. What makes their book good? What made you fall in love with their writing style? How did their cover art stand up in the genre? Learn from others as much as you can.
b) The other more obvious one is to keep writing!
Write as much as you can. There is no substitute for this, so don't look for it.
If you have the time and money, I suggest enrolling in writing courses, but there are several groups on social media where the members are more than happy to read sample chapters and pass on their thoughts.
Just be aware, though, that showing other people may not always be beneficial. People who are closest to you are inclined to be super biased - therefore they're too kind - or it can go the opposite way where their criticism can be harsh because they think they have to give you something.
It's best to remember that the work is yours and yours alone. Also, EVERY SINGLE PERSON on this planet will have a difference of opinion. Not everyone loves Harry Potter ... just remember that the next time someone tries to put your work down.
a) Never stop reading!
Read as much as you can, learn how other authors communicate to readers (as in their style and voice); it will also help with inspiration and it can give you new ideas. What makes their book good? What made you fall in love with their writing style? How did their cover art stand up in the genre? Learn from others as much as you can.
b) The other more obvious one is to keep writing!
Write as much as you can. There is no substitute for this, so don't look for it.
If you have the time and money, I suggest enrolling in writing courses, but there are several groups on social media where the members are more than happy to read sample chapters and pass on their thoughts.
Just be aware, though, that showing other people may not always be beneficial. People who are closest to you are inclined to be super biased - therefore they're too kind - or it can go the opposite way where their criticism can be harsh because they think they have to give you something.
It's best to remember that the work is yours and yours alone. Also, EVERY SINGLE PERSON on this planet will have a difference of opinion. Not everyone loves Harry Potter ... just remember that the next time someone tries to put your work down.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more