Ask the Author: Omayra Vélez
Answered Questions (9)
Omayra Vélez
I just finished my latest book, Calixta, The Vanquishers of Alhambra. So, I am writing Promises of War, book 4 of The Assembly of Thirteen. I also started a new stand-alone story called Taruh. I am not sure which of the two will be done first.
Omayra Vélez
I would say to them to not assume you know everything. Read books about writing. Read books about editing from an editor's point of view. I have heard many writers say, "I am an English teacher; I don't need an editor." The problem with those writers is that when you read their books, they have so many structural issues. Their grammar is perfect, but they have issues with continuity and other items that good editors catch. If I have to give any words of wisdom, it will save your money for a good editor.
Omayra Vélez
I've been a teacher, a scientist, an Army Officer, and now I have the time to write. The best thing is the freedom to take all these stories that I've had in my head for all those years and finally being able to give them life. I've never been a mother, but now as a writer, it is like I am giving birth to a new creation. I paint, but that is not as fulfilling as writing a book for me. When I create a story, I am not only creating a world, but the characters come alive and with them their past and how they made decisions to bring them to the point to interact within my story. I am the one that knows the entire thing, and I get to pick and chose what goes in the book and many times it gets overwhelming because I have several stories in my head at the same time. But I am happy I can be a writer full time now. I love being a writer. It is all I want to do now.
Omayra Vélez
It was the most delicious ribs I had in my life, but I swallowed with the hunger of years of lacking food and the desire to regurgitate.
"Remember Tom, tomorrow your Linsey will be our dinner."
"Remember Tom, tomorrow your Linsey will be our dinner."
Omayra Vélez
The world of Harry Potter. But I would want to be a witch, a teacher at Hogwarts. I think I'll be a Ravenclaw.
Omayra Vélez
Summer is over, but I spent it reading, Save the Cat, Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. I was busy getting ready my book Calixta for publication this September and that took a big chunk of my time. I did spend some time reading, The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang. Lately, I like to read fantasy and an occasional horror thriller.
Omayra Vélez
I make believe I am a journalist interviewing one of the characters in my book, especially the one I am having difficulty writing about. As I ask the questions and the character in my book answers then, I take notes. The key to this exercise is to completely split your mind in the mind of the journalist and the character. If the issue is with a scene, I think of the loveliest experience and then add a burning dragon and imagine the devastation or I imagine devastation and I think of a biologically plausible way to restore the damage. That usually get me started. That or a PB&J sandwich with and glass of Apfelschorle.
Omayra Vélez
It can happen while I am watching my cat play with yarn or listening to a special type of music. last time it happen in the shower. I was thinking of a character and how it would feel to have have gone without a shower for months and then get the opportunity but have to do it while someone is watching. I just placed myself in the situation and then I write how it feels.
Omayra Vélez
The Asssembly of Thirteen: The First Two Companions came to me in pieces. The first Chapter I wrote was chapter 12 and 13. Later June's story came as a fast 5 minute short story I wrote in a therapy class. The plot came while I was going through y medical retirement and looking at the prospect of having a complete changed live.
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