1. What inspired you to start writing 'The Bagman'? I suppose a whole host of reasons inspired me. I love creepy stories. And so I started writing one about this tall, evil, icy creature and he turned out to be the Bagman. The name 'Bagman' has also been used a lot in other books and TV shows, usually the name of a hero/villain who wears a bag on his head. I took this concept and gave it a fantastical twist. My Bagman has magic powers, he isn't technically 'alive' and he's untter evil. Also, he would never wear a bag on his head. He's far too stylish.
2. Why do you love to write? I love to write for lots of reasons. Firstly because I love to read. Writing is simply me telling myself the stories I would most like to hear. Secondly, writing is an escape. You get to create huge, lovely other worlds where things can go just as you want them to. And it's fun. Especially when your characters develop minds of their own and all of a sudden things are happening that you never intended.
3. What advice would you give aspiring authors? Take writing classes. Read 'how to write' books by other authors. Edit, edit, EDIT your work until you can't stand the sight of it, then edit some more. Don't be afraid to have other people read your stories - they might have some good improvements. And when you do finally get published (self-published or not) do not obsessively look at your stats every fifteen minutes. Believe me, it's not healthy.
4. You're a blogger as well as a writer, right? How long have you been blogging and what is your favourite thing about it? I've been blogging since March this year. I blog about my writing, writing in general, self-publishing and post book reviews. My favourite thing about it is that it's a very easy, fun and independant way of promoting yourself. You can write what you want to write about, review books you enjoy, discuss your writing and get responses from readers. You're the boss. Call me a control freak, but I like being in charge for a change.
5. What advice would you give to fellow bloggers? Ensure that you provide quality and relatable content. People aren't going to read badly written work or things that don't interest them. And, if you're not getting many hits, try and engage more in communities relevant to your site. For instance, I'm an active member in google + communities about self-publishing. I also review self-published books. Since I started engaging more with potential readers, my stats have gone up dramaticaly.
6. What is one of your all-time favourite books? This is the hardest question in the world. I always try and answer it differently each time because I've got hundreds of favourites. 'The Law of the Wolf Tower' by Tanith Lee is one. I don't particularly like the rest of the books in this series, but I love the first one. I read it in high school again and again and again. It's well written and the plot's brilliant. Although maybe that's nostalgia talking...
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Here are the Q's and A's with Rachael:
1. What inspired you to start writing 'The Bagman'?
I suppose a whole host of reasons inspired me. I love creepy stories. And so I started writing one about this tall, evil, icy creature and he turned out to be the Bagman. The name 'Bagman' has also been used a lot in other books and TV shows, usually the name of a hero/villain who wears a bag on his head. I took this concept and gave it a fantastical twist. My Bagman has magic powers, he isn't technically 'alive' and he's untter evil. Also, he would never wear a bag on his head. He's far too stylish.
2. Why do you love to write?
I love to write for lots of reasons. Firstly because I love to read. Writing is simply me telling myself the stories I would most like to hear.
Secondly, writing is an escape. You get to create huge, lovely other worlds where things can go just as you want them to. And it's fun. Especially when your characters develop minds of their own and all of a sudden things are happening that you never intended.
3. What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Take writing classes. Read 'how to write' books by other authors. Edit, edit, EDIT your work until you can't stand the sight of it, then edit some more. Don't be afraid to have other people read your stories - they might have some good improvements. And when you do finally get published (self-published or not) do not obsessively look at your stats every fifteen minutes. Believe me, it's not healthy.
4. You're a blogger as well as a writer, right? How long have you been blogging and what is your favourite thing about it?
I've been blogging since March this year. I blog about my writing, writing in general, self-publishing and post book reviews. My favourite thing about it is that it's a very easy, fun and independant way of promoting yourself. You can write what you want to write about, review books you enjoy, discuss your writing and get responses from readers. You're the boss. Call me a control freak, but I like being in charge for a change.
5. What advice would you give to fellow bloggers?
Ensure that you provide quality and relatable content. People aren't going to read badly written work or things that don't interest them. And, if you're not getting many hits, try and engage more in communities relevant to your site. For instance, I'm an active member in google + communities about self-publishing. I also review self-published books. Since I started engaging more with potential readers, my stats have gone up dramaticaly.
6. What is one of your all-time favourite books?
This is the hardest question in the world. I always try and answer it differently each time because I've got hundreds of favourites. 'The Law of the Wolf Tower' by Tanith Lee is one. I don't particularly like the rest of the books in this series, but I love the first one. I read it in high school again and again and again. It's well written and the plot's brilliant. Although maybe that's nostalgia talking...
Thank you for answering my questions!