Ask the Author: S.B. Sebrick
Answered Questions (6)
S.B. Sebrick
I recently read Jim Butcher's epic fantasy series, 'Codex Alera'. My favorite character has absolutely no magic power at all, forcing him to rely on his wits and training to survive. I tweaked this idea a bit, and wrote 'Unseen Secrets'. It's not a perfect correlation. Keevan's power can reveal others' magical influences on the world, but still leaves him vulnerable to attack. I appreciate the contrast between physical power and intelligence. Makes for interesting fiction.
S.B. Sebrick
A surprising number of my ideas actually rise from my nightmares. I find this odd, since I don't write much horror, but often a single scene from a dream can provide an entire novel or series worth of details. Just the way my brain works. I have a long list of ideas I've gathered over the years. If you're going to have that many nightmares, why not make some money off them in the process?
S.B. Sebrick
Over the years, I accumulated a stockpile of rough drafts from old projects. last year, I re-branded all their covers. This year, I've set the goal of publishing them all. It's a little hectic right now, trying to get them all off the ground. But after they are caught up, I can focus on a simpler routine of writing and publishing single projects, one at a time.
S.B. Sebrick
Consistency is key. I have a very all-or-nothing personality. I've written entire novels in a couple of months. Other projects took years though, because I'd stop writing and start up again later. The trouble is, if readers can't rely on a routine in which to expect the next book, they'll loose interest. Whether you publish every year, 6 months or two months, keep at it. Your readers will appreciate the consistency and learn to trust you. Then they'll stay loyal to you. That's one of my goals now, to iron everything out so I can publish consistently. You can figure out your own routine as well.
S.B. Sebrick
I love the freedom of being a writer. I'm captivated by the idea of a job I can work every day, from anywhere in the world, as long as I have my laptop and an internet connection. Particularly if that career brings in enough cash to travel and see the world as I write.
S.B. Sebrick
I find my writer's block usually kicks in when I allow myself to get caught up in the deadlines, and start thinking of my novel as a big, scary 'thing,' rather than just focusing on the story. The right background music can help, usually playlists of epic music to pull me back into the story. Oddly enough, songs with lyrics don't help as much, since they tend to drown out the words in my head.
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