Ask the Author: Alexa Ryder
Answered Questions (7)
Alexa Ryder
Hey Helen! I'm so glad you're enjoying the books! Regarding the writing process, I actually started out as a fantasy author, and published my first seven titles on a fantasy pen name. They were definitely a learning experience for me on the art and craft of writing. It really does take a village: critique partners, alpha and beta readers, editors, and, like anything else, experience and learning to follow your gut, even if it takes you way off outline and makes you completely anxious after the release. I've read several books on the art and craft of writing and attended a lot of conferences and listened to other authors and their experiences. With my basis as a fantasy author and reader, my romance books aren't always exactly what everyone is looking for, with a lot more world building and world-level plot lines, but I'm a firm believer that there's an author (and a reader!) out there for everyone, so I'm super glad you're enjoying the series <3
Alexa Ryder
I dreamed it up! Yep! That really happened. I actually have several plot lines for as-yet unwritten series. I actually keep a binder full of the bits and pieces so that they're all nice and ready when I'm able to pick up a new project. My unwritten book catalog, as it were. It's rather embarrassingly long, at the moment.
Alexa Ryder
If I waited for inspiration, I'd never accomplish anything. I write epic fantasy under a different pen name, as that work is far cleaner. I wanted to write a shifter book. Wanted, wanted, wanted, could never come up with a decent idea. Made myself start working on a project for that pen name, fell asleep, and... bam. Plot for shifter novel: in my head. I then waited an entire year to begin writing it, all the while building up the characters, plot points, twists, all the good stuff. Now? It's like I'm finally getting a chance to write it.
Anyone that hopes to be productive in their writing learns how they work best. For me, I take those moments when inspiration strikes to outline, to plan how the rest of the book is going to go. Then, whether I'm inspired or not, I can sit down anytime and start writing. Inevitably, I get sucked back into my own world after the first eight hundred words or so, and then we're back on easy street.
Anyone that hopes to be productive in their writing learns how they work best. For me, I take those moments when inspiration strikes to outline, to plan how the rest of the book is going to go. Then, whether I'm inspired or not, I can sit down anytime and start writing. Inevitably, I get sucked back into my own world after the first eight hundred words or so, and then we're back on easy street.
Alexa Ryder
I'm currently working on The Panthera Chronicles, a series that as of yet doesn't have a firm count on the number of titles. The Leonis Chronicles will be a sister series to this, happening in the same world, but following a different clan of shifters that interacts with the main clan. Both series can be read independently of each other, but for the best experience, I definitely recommend reading both. Once they're out, that is.
Alexa Ryder
Write. Even if you think it sucks. Even if you're not sure how to write a scene. Write, write, write. Once you think you're done, find someone willing to do a critique swap. Do not reply immediately to said swap. Read it, let it sting and burn, go to bed. Wait until you have a clear head. Might be a day, might be a month. Re-read. See what has value, and what doesn't. Explore books on the craft of writing. See if any titles match up to weaknesses your critique partner pointed out. Read. Then go write some more.
Alexa Ryder
Writing is very fulfilling for me. It's my dream job, and I love being able to indulge my creative side. Also, working in pjs is pretty cool, too. Joking aside, writing lets me explore other worlds and escape from our often harsh reality and play with themes and real-world issues in a safe place. Plus, everyone's always hot in fiction
Alexa Ryder
If I'm having trouble progressing, it means there's a problem with the last thing I wrote. I'll read it over and try and figure things out. If I can't find the issue, I'll send it out to my beta reader team, see if they can help me narrow down exactly what's wrong. Last resort, I send it to my editor early. Once we identify the problem, we'll have a little brainstorming session on how to fix things, and once it's fixed, bam, block removed. Time to get back to writing.
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