Ask the Author: Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Answered Questions (6)
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Read widely (as many books in as many genres by as many authors as you possibly can).
And review those books (you'll learn what you like and don't like as well as what works and what doesn't in different genres. Plus, reviews help other readers find new books to read).
Take all advice with a pinch of salt (there are a lot of books, blogs, online courses and podcasts catering to every way you can write -- find what works for you, even if it doesn't work for a specific author you follow).
Learn to write flash fiction (if you can master a scene in as few words as possible, you can write a novel that will impact readers instead of leaving them meh).
Join a writing support group (in person or online -- you need a tribe who understands the writing life and who can offer support when things get tough).
Never stop learning (if you want to be successful in this business, you need to stay up to date on changes and trends to keep your readers happy).
There is more advice on my website under the 'for authors' tab.
And review those books (you'll learn what you like and don't like as well as what works and what doesn't in different genres. Plus, reviews help other readers find new books to read).
Take all advice with a pinch of salt (there are a lot of books, blogs, online courses and podcasts catering to every way you can write -- find what works for you, even if it doesn't work for a specific author you follow).
Learn to write flash fiction (if you can master a scene in as few words as possible, you can write a novel that will impact readers instead of leaving them meh).
Join a writing support group (in person or online -- you need a tribe who understands the writing life and who can offer support when things get tough).
Never stop learning (if you want to be successful in this business, you need to stay up to date on changes and trends to keep your readers happy).
There is more advice on my website under the 'for authors' tab.
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Thanks, Victoria :-) Make sure you tick the data use box beneath the comment before posting (some privacy stuff to keep your data secure).
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Well, summer is a couple of months away for me -- the Spring Equinox is almost here! -- but I do have a couple of books in mind for reading during my summer break.
The Iron King series by Julie Kagawa (again!)
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan (again!)
The Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan (everything I haven't read yet)
In the Eye of the Beholder by Sharon E Cathcart
There are probably other books I'll get to read, too, but these are at the top of the pile.
The Iron King series by Julie Kagawa (again!)
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan (again!)
The Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan (everything I haven't read yet)
In the Eye of the Beholder by Sharon E Cathcart
There are probably other books I'll get to read, too, but these are at the top of the pile.
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
Thank you! Yes, I'm currently working on translating "Dark Desires" and "Magic at Midnight", both should be available by the end of July. Then I'll start working on the rest of the back-list.
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
I'm working on a New Adult (college Young Adult) fantasy novella with pegasi, princesses, murder, mystery, magic and a bi protagonist. It will be released in May :-)
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
I go for a long walk to clear my head (or just pace in my study if it's too cold and dark to venture outside). Usually asking "what if?" and thinking up unusual scenarios for my characters -- even ridiculous ones -- helps to get through whatever is making the story difficult to write. And if all else fails, I talk the plot through with my Rottweilers ;-)
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