Ask the Author: T.A. Uner
Answered Questions (20)
T.A. Uner
Milo The Leopard Vanguard is historical fantasy. What I mean by that is there is some magic but it doesn't take anything away from the historical aspect of the book. If you like highly-detailed historical fiction then The Leopard Vanguard will make you feel like you're in 1st Century Rome. I suggest you read a few of the reviews to get an idea what other readers thought about the book. Thanks for your interest.
T.A. Uner
Well Goodreads isn't about downloading free books. It's about discovering new authors' books and meeting other book lovers. I would research online about ebooks and how to download them. The best place to start is via the kindle software which can be found on amazon.com. It's free to download and you can buy kindle ebooks there and read them straight from your kindle.
T.A. Uner
It's really fun being a Writer and creating new worlds for others to enjoy. But, there are days where I really need to take a break from writing to recharge my batteries. Sometimes that helps. Especially when you're in the midst of editing another book that's being prepared for publication.
To answer your other question, Ideas come from imagination. Luckily I've been blessed with a rich one. Which is always good for an Author. First, I like to get my ideas outlined for a book. Then, once I lay down that foundation, I am ready to write the novel. Sometimes I'll tweak the outline to strengthen the story. That usually happens during the writing process.
I am indebted to being influenced by so many great Writers & Filmmakers. These people have helped me take my writing to a very high level. I recommend anyone embarking on an artistic career-whether it be Writing, Painting, Acting, etc.-to study the masters. You can't go wrong by doing that.
To answer your other question, Ideas come from imagination. Luckily I've been blessed with a rich one. Which is always good for an Author. First, I like to get my ideas outlined for a book. Then, once I lay down that foundation, I am ready to write the novel. Sometimes I'll tweak the outline to strengthen the story. That usually happens during the writing process.
I am indebted to being influenced by so many great Writers & Filmmakers. These people have helped me take my writing to a very high level. I recommend anyone embarking on an artistic career-whether it be Writing, Painting, Acting, etc.-to study the masters. You can't go wrong by doing that.
T.A. Uner
I would have to say becoming an independent writer and fulfilling my dream of getting published.
T.A. Uner
Thanks for your message Neal. I appreciate you writing to me. The mistakes to avoid are many. And since I made many myself, the things you should stay clear of are paid advertising, especially print. Try to get to know other authors and read their blogs, often they'll have helpful information. But the best advice is to write great books, have them professionally edited, and get them to market. As for using goodreads I would organize a giveaway. They only cost you a few copies and get people to notice your work.
I would join the Goodreads Librarian's resource and learn more there. Here is the link. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Wishing you the best.
T.A. Uner
I would join the Goodreads Librarian's resource and learn more there. Here is the link. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Wishing you the best.
T.A. Uner
T.A. Uner
Thanks! I'll say it again: your avatar is great!
T.A. Uner
Well I have an active imagination. Everyday it seems something new is circulating in my head, as well as older plots that have been brewing for years. It isn't until I have written the story that the imagined plot lines disappear from my thoughts. Then, new plots are quickly created for future stories. I know that not every story in my imagination will be written, but only the ones that have been ingrained into my psyche.
T.A. Uner
Well it depends how you measure "lucrative". I feel that I've met a lot of great folks here, and made some awesome friends on Goodreads. So it has been lucrative from that standpoint.
From a monetary standpoint I believe that if a writer is seeking riches from his/her books, they're in for a major let-down. Most books fail to earn back their advances. Only established authors, after many bestsellers, or that all-elusive "First-Hit Book", can contemplate huge payouts. And that is usually from the supplemental deals: movie and foreign publishing rights, merchandising, etc.
But for us independents it's different. We are more flexible since we're able to set our own standards and prices. But many independents have struck it rich. Just look at some of the bestselling authors on amazon.com, many are independents who started out with zero name recognition.
My books are "genre-bending" which means I write outside the box. I use the Universal Pen Writing System which seamlessly combines 5 or more genres within my chosen genre. So if I write a Historical Fantasy book, you'll get History, Fantasy and three more sub-genres all packed into one story. But if executed correctly, Universal Pen can pay huge dividends to a writer from a financial standpoint. Not only that, the readers win too, they get a great story filled with all the right ingredients. But executing the Universal Pen system takes many years of hard work and reading. You can't become a great writer without reading the classics.
In my opinion this is a good example of pleasing everyone, which is hard for any author to do.
But with the Universal Pen writing system, you can finally have your cake, and eat it too.
From a monetary standpoint I believe that if a writer is seeking riches from his/her books, they're in for a major let-down. Most books fail to earn back their advances. Only established authors, after many bestsellers, or that all-elusive "First-Hit Book", can contemplate huge payouts. And that is usually from the supplemental deals: movie and foreign publishing rights, merchandising, etc.
But for us independents it's different. We are more flexible since we're able to set our own standards and prices. But many independents have struck it rich. Just look at some of the bestselling authors on amazon.com, many are independents who started out with zero name recognition.
My books are "genre-bending" which means I write outside the box. I use the Universal Pen Writing System which seamlessly combines 5 or more genres within my chosen genre. So if I write a Historical Fantasy book, you'll get History, Fantasy and three more sub-genres all packed into one story. But if executed correctly, Universal Pen can pay huge dividends to a writer from a financial standpoint. Not only that, the readers win too, they get a great story filled with all the right ingredients. But executing the Universal Pen system takes many years of hard work and reading. You can't become a great writer without reading the classics.
In my opinion this is a good example of pleasing everyone, which is hard for any author to do.
But with the Universal Pen writing system, you can finally have your cake, and eat it too.
T.A. Uner
There is no clear-cut answer to your question, but I think I can help steer you in the right direction. But keep in mind that everyone has their own personal journey which only they can make.
I have an active imagination too. It has taken me many years to keep it all organized, or you risk it taking hold of you and making you daydream. Think of it as a chaotic gift that you somehow must master as the years go by. Since you are receiving creative messages from the universe it is important that you do your best to read as many quality self-help books as possible and learn about how to improve yourself. The more you read, the more you increase your chances of evolving and being able to deal with your "problems". Stay away from get rich quick books or other stuff that is centered around making tons of money. Money comes and stays with those who know how to control it.
What do you like to write? That's the question. Watch quality shows and read the best books in all genres. I'm talking about the classics. If you read the best books, then your writing will improve on its own. Also remember that not every bestselling contemporary book is a quality read, so choose carefully.
I hope I was able to help. Keep in mind that as a writer you must always keep learning, and having a great editor helps too.
T.A. Uner
I have an active imagination too. It has taken me many years to keep it all organized, or you risk it taking hold of you and making you daydream. Think of it as a chaotic gift that you somehow must master as the years go by. Since you are receiving creative messages from the universe it is important that you do your best to read as many quality self-help books as possible and learn about how to improve yourself. The more you read, the more you increase your chances of evolving and being able to deal with your "problems". Stay away from get rich quick books or other stuff that is centered around making tons of money. Money comes and stays with those who know how to control it.
What do you like to write? That's the question. Watch quality shows and read the best books in all genres. I'm talking about the classics. If you read the best books, then your writing will improve on its own. Also remember that not every bestselling contemporary book is a quality read, so choose carefully.
I hope I was able to help. Keep in mind that as a writer you must always keep learning, and having a great editor helps too.
T.A. Uner
T.A. Uner
Marcela this is a very good question and I'm glad that you asked it as it will shed light for other prospective readers of the Leopard King Saga.
Books 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 (Kill Zombies, The Bloody Ripper, Stone Ram) are intermediary books that introduce 3 villains for Book 2 of the Leopard King Saga, The Leopard Stratagem. Each is written within a different genre (Dystopian, Zombie, Vampire, YA, Horror, Sci-Fi) and take place on other worlds/timelines outside that of the four main books or "Tomes" of the Leopard King Saga.
Theoretically, you could skip these 3 intermediary books after reading The Leopard Vanguard, Book1, and plunge right into Book 2, The Leopard Stratagem.
However, if you wish to enrich your reading experience of The Leopard Stratagem and the Leopard King Universe, you should definitely read the intermediary books, as they add depth to three major antagonists through their backstories which you may find interesting.
Click the link below to learn more about the Leopard King Saga and the current/planned lineup of "Tomes" in the series.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1186...
Books 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 (Kill Zombies, The Bloody Ripper, Stone Ram) are intermediary books that introduce 3 villains for Book 2 of the Leopard King Saga, The Leopard Stratagem. Each is written within a different genre (Dystopian, Zombie, Vampire, YA, Horror, Sci-Fi) and take place on other worlds/timelines outside that of the four main books or "Tomes" of the Leopard King Saga.
Theoretically, you could skip these 3 intermediary books after reading The Leopard Vanguard, Book1, and plunge right into Book 2, The Leopard Stratagem.
However, if you wish to enrich your reading experience of The Leopard Stratagem and the Leopard King Universe, you should definitely read the intermediary books, as they add depth to three major antagonists through their backstories which you may find interesting.
Click the link below to learn more about the Leopard King Saga and the current/planned lineup of "Tomes" in the series.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1186...
T.A. Uner
I actually started in 5th Grade, showed some promise, then quit for unknown reasons.
Then, in my 20s, I started thinking I could write a novel. I wrote 4 "practice" novels between 2003-2009.
In 2009 I started thinking about an Epic Fantasy Series, I knew I wanted it in Ancient Rome, but with some magic in it.
In 2010 I began drafting the outline that would become THE LEOPARD VANGUARD, the first book, or "Tome" (as I call them) of The Leopard King Saga. I also planned out the following three Tomes which would make up the four Tome Saga.
The rest is history, I decided to go Independent since I didn't want to wait to hear back from agents or publishers, who may or may not ever answer, and with the Indie Author revolution in full swing nothing was holding me back.
Why did I become a Writer? Well I've always had an overactive imagination, and that is essential in becoming an Author.
Then, in my 20s, I started thinking I could write a novel. I wrote 4 "practice" novels between 2003-2009.
In 2009 I started thinking about an Epic Fantasy Series, I knew I wanted it in Ancient Rome, but with some magic in it.
In 2010 I began drafting the outline that would become THE LEOPARD VANGUARD, the first book, or "Tome" (as I call them) of The Leopard King Saga. I also planned out the following three Tomes which would make up the four Tome Saga.
The rest is history, I decided to go Independent since I didn't want to wait to hear back from agents or publishers, who may or may not ever answer, and with the Indie Author revolution in full swing nothing was holding me back.
Why did I become a Writer? Well I've always had an overactive imagination, and that is essential in becoming an Author.
T.A. Uner
I have an active imagination, and enjoy creating new worlds for others to enjoy.
T.A. Uner
I usually read whatever I feel like from my 3 main genres: it can be Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Historical fiction. But I also read the classics and feel that all writers should read the best books ever written, in order to improve their writing. I also read a lot of self-help and writing instructional books to improve myself as a person.
I really don't have a favorite Writer because so many Writers I've read influenced my writing, but if I had to choose one, it would Be James Clavell, his book, KING RAT, was phenomenal.
I really don't have a favorite Writer because so many Writers I've read influenced my writing, but if I had to choose one, it would Be James Clavell, his book, KING RAT, was phenomenal.
T.A. Uner
Good question! When I edit my manuscripts I go over my work so technically, yes, I do read my own books.
T.A. Uner
I don't really get "inspired" to write. A good writer doesn't need inspiration to write. Just dedication to sit down and get working.
T.A. Uner
The idea for the Leopard King Saga had been floating around in my head for the past 5 years. I finally published the first book in the four-book saga in August 2013.
T.A. Uner
Never give up. If you've got a worthwhile story burning inside you, get it out and share it with the world.
T.A. Uner
Being able to share your imagination with others.
T.A. Uner
The second book of the Leopard King Saga. To be called "The Leopard Stratagem." Due out in late-September.
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