Ask the Author: S.G. Minae
Answered Questions (10)
S.G. Minae
I've learned that marketing is just as important as writing if you want people to find your work. I love doing both, but find I have trouble switching back and forth. So I try to block time for marketing, and the rest of the time I focus on writing.
S.G. Minae
Thank you so much for your support xoxo!! Beauty In The Beast now on Pre-Order at Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Nobel, and a ton of other places. Publication date is set January 20, 2021!
S.G. Minae
The names of most of my aliens come from Japanese words. With help from my husband, who's Japanese, I look up the meanings of various kanji (Chinese characters) and try to match a sound and meaning that matches the character. For example, the cruel race of Hawk-people are called Moukin, which means Crazy Bird or Bird of Prey.
S.G. Minae
Okay, so this is an interesting question. I loved reading the Twilight series, but thought it could use some more spice. 50 Shades of Gray was promoted as "Twilight for Grownups" so I thought, "Cool!" It was sexy, yes, but I was disappointed there was no otherworldly intrigue. When I dreamed about my characters and storyline, and they wouldn't go away, I had to write it.
My first draft was very sexy. Erotic. But while it was very liberating for a middle-aged mom to write something like that, I wasn't comfortable sharing it with others. After putting it away for several years (a story for another time) I came back and rewrote it. My first Beta readers loved it, but told me it read PG-13! I added back some of the intimacy, went even deeper into character emotions, and now it's something that I hope readers will find very special.
My first draft was very sexy. Erotic. But while it was very liberating for a middle-aged mom to write something like that, I wasn't comfortable sharing it with others. After putting it away for several years (a story for another time) I came back and rewrote it. My first Beta readers loved it, but told me it read PG-13! I added back some of the intimacy, went even deeper into character emotions, and now it's something that I hope readers will find very special.
S.G. Minae
I feel like my answer may cause someone to fit me for a white jacket and put me in a padded cell, but here goes: I dream about it. While I can intellectualize the story line, even outline it and list the scenes it needs, I have to be able to visualize the scene in my head before I can write it, at least for the really deep scenes. When I can replay the movie over in my head, and even control and change it, then it's ready to write!
S.G. Minae
I'm working on the sequel to Taeryn: The Awakening. I don't have a working title yet. While Taeryn is primarily about, well, Taeryn, Book 2 will focus on Kat, one of the aliens. Like Taeryn, this one will be character-driven and full of emotion and self discovery. I can't go into it too much without spoilers because it feeds directly off of Book 1. These books are complex, and I'm not a prolific writer (yet), so please be patient until late this year or early next year. It's all in my head, I just need to write it. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Book 3 will be about Tristan, the other alien, and will conclude the arc of the trilogy.
I'm also developing a fun, sexy spinoff series. I can't wait to share it with you. Hopefully releasing the first two or three books this year!
I'm also developing a fun, sexy spinoff series. I can't wait to share it with you. Hopefully releasing the first two or three books this year!
S.G. Minae
My advice is to take other people's advice with a grain of salt. Listen and learn, because you can't get better otherwise. Many people have very helpful things to say. But ultimately, this is YOUR work, YOUR vision.
Do you self or traditionally publish?
Should you exclude foul language, on-page-sex, or difficult subject matter?
What if your book doesn't fit neatly into established genres?
There are no "Right Answers" that fit every writer and every situation. Step back, be honest with yourself, then GO FOR IT!
Do you self or traditionally publish?
Should you exclude foul language, on-page-sex, or difficult subject matter?
What if your book doesn't fit neatly into established genres?
There are no "Right Answers" that fit every writer and every situation. Step back, be honest with yourself, then GO FOR IT!
S.G. Minae
One of the best things I can think of is that I can talk to myself, fantasize about my characters, and daydream for hours, and it's okay because I'm a writer!
S.G. Minae
If I'm in the middle of writing and I just can't focus, I play a few games on my phone or watch a TV show. That usually clears my head enough to let me get back to work.
As for a true writer's block, my problem isn't a lack of ideas, it's being able to focus on the image of the scenes enough to be able to write out the detail. I've been having that issue since I started getting ready to publish. There's been so much to do relating to editing, publishing and marketing, writing has taken a back seat.
The good news is that I'm getting inspired again and have returned to work on Book 2 in The Triptych Saga (Taeryn is Book 1) and have even developed a fun, sexy spin-off series. I'm not a prolific writer. For me what it really boils down to is sitting myself in front of my computer and just writing.
As for a true writer's block, my problem isn't a lack of ideas, it's being able to focus on the image of the scenes enough to be able to write out the detail. I've been having that issue since I started getting ready to publish. There's been so much to do relating to editing, publishing and marketing, writing has taken a back seat.
The good news is that I'm getting inspired again and have returned to work on Book 2 in The Triptych Saga (Taeryn is Book 1) and have even developed a fun, sexy spin-off series. I'm not a prolific writer. For me what it really boils down to is sitting myself in front of my computer and just writing.
S.G. Minae
I'd love to visit the Shire. Actually, I'd like to live in a human-sized version. I love the peaceful environment, the warm ambiance of the beautiful woodwork inside the homes, and the way they are built right into the hillside, minimizing the visible footprint of civilization.
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