Ask the Author: S.J. Martin
Answered Questions (10)
S.J. Martin
The only mystery in my life was the theft of my beautiful ginger and white cat, Rufus. Neighbours saw him being snatched and taken away. You could build an interesting detective tale about him.
S.J. Martin
Conn Iggulden, The Athenian Series. I totally enjoy his books, and the research he does is excellent. I make a point of pausing in my own writing every afternoon to read for an hour. I also intend to read Simon Scarrow's latest book in the Eagle Series, which shows fantastic characterisation in his books. Funny and poignant.
S.J. Martin
This could be a book in itself - so, in a nutshell.
For many years, I lived and breathed the Tolkien books, rereading them over and over. Then, the films came out and reignited all of my love for the characters and lands that inspired me. So I would want to visit Hobbiton, but only with Gandalf, and I want to ride across the lands of Rohan with the Rohirrim, the horse-lords.
For many years, I lived and breathed the Tolkien books, rereading them over and over. Then, the films came out and reignited all of my love for the characters and lands that inspired me. So I would want to visit Hobbiton, but only with Gandalf, and I want to ride across the lands of Rohan with the Rohirrim, the horse-lords.
S.J. Martin
I heard the soft thump as it dropped onto the bed, but I was drifting off to sleep and thought I was semi-dreaming. Then, I felt it move in the way they do, on top of the thin duvet, and I realised how big it must be; I froze, and my eyes were now wide open in terror.
S.J. Martin
I have to unashamedly, say that I have never had writer's block. I plan each chapter meticulously, writing a paragraph summary for each and then when I start to write, it just flows.
S.J. Martin
The satisfaction of finishing a book and knowing it is exciting, that it will keep some people on the edge of their seats. Then, getting their feedback on social media or by email to say it did exactly that.
S.J. Martin
Hang on in there, redraft, and get your work out to beta readers; they are worth their weight in gold; take their advice, redraft again and then publish. Have that belief in yourself.
S.J. Martin
At present, I am finishing Byzantium, Book One, in the new series. it is exciting because I have never before researched Constantinople and Emperor Alexios in the year 1100.
S.J. Martin
I tend to live and breathe history, as I always have done, and every piece of research I do opens more doors to those little stories and tales that bring life.
S.J. Martin
This was easy as I was writing the end of a series, so all the characters were there. I just had to come up with a suitably shocking and traumatic ending.
However, the new book is the start of series three and is called Byzantium, and many of my ideas came from the research into Constantinople.
However, the new book is the start of series three and is called Byzantium, and many of my ideas came from the research into Constantinople.
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