Who? Stephen King, Peter Jackson and Johnny Depp. Why? Stephen King is a phenomenal author with a huge success behind him and I'd love to learn different writing techniques that maybe he had used to become successful. Plus, I've been compared to him according to reviewers of which I'm most proud of. Peter Jackson is one of my favorite directors and I'd love to have him direct/produce a movie/tv version of my book series (hey, an author can dream) but mostly I'd want to watch/learn all the behind the scenes details it takes to make movies. I'm fascinated by all of that because that's the true art and hard work behind the project. And of course, Johnny Depp because he's my favorite actor.
Probably horror. I'm working on a novella that's focused in that genre so I'm attempting to branch out but also keeping the title of urban fantasy/paranormal romance author.
None, really because I've made it a goal to make my story unique BUT...I have been compared to the Twilight Saga (no, my vampires don't sparkle) Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy and Harry Potter (because of the magical elements in my work) and those are all great movies/tv series.
You wouldn't believe how many times I've rewritten/edited my series, plus redesigning the book covers! So, I wouldn't want to do any of it again! What you see/read is final!
How? In the beginning, when I first published I thought, "YAY...I'M PUBLISHED. I FINALLY DID IT!" but then going back and reading what I had written, honestly, it was crap and seeing those words that were badly phrased and pieced together, I knew I could do better; much better! So, I edited the piece(s) over and over until I finally got it right. I've learned a lot along the way and all that has helped me become a better writer. But I'm still learning. I read a lot of articles and self help writing tips that really helped me a great deal so if you're thinking about becoming an author, do your research first and have all that information before hand. Don't be cocky and think that just because you have something published online, it makes you an author. I've reviewed/read fellow authors' projects that were in that category of being really bad, all because they threw words together for the sake of it, expecting it to be great.
Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of Fantasy. I know that's confusing, but research is the key! Find out what your characters are and place them in the genre that lists their specific category.
Well, a not-so good cover certainly wouldn't catch my eye. You can't have a cover that's..let's say...supposed to represent your sci-fi novel but it looks like a fantasy or romance. I've learned that the cover must have elements that represent your work completely, so find something that stands out in your work and put that on the cover. Now, for the title? Take everything I just said about the cover and put that toward your title.
No tips. Just take a break, if needs be. No matter how long it takes. But if you're on a deadline, you're in trouble. That's why I prefer being self-published at the moment, because I can take my time unlike with traditional publishers where you're contracted to put out a certain amount of books within a given time.
Of course. I want to know what my readers think. I don't really dwell on the negative ones because I know that there's something for everyone out there. And of course, I love the good ones! What reader doesn't!? :)
Oh, god. Everything! It's starts from having the idea(s), then putting them on paper creating the outline of the story/characters, then piecing them together in just the right way that makes sense (with all the more intricate details involved) and then it's the covers. Oh, boy. I don't have the expensive fancy software so I make do with my online options and I think they're pretty darn good, if I say so myself. But that right there, was the hardest part for me due to all the little details involved.
The only thing I can say that's difficult about writing/creating male characters, is that I can NOT relate to their urges but other than that, they're not that hard. I can't imagine myself a man so I do the best I can and I figure their emotions are the same toward women, showing love, hatred and anger.
Pickiness. I've heard from many traditionally published authors that they change your entire concept/story sometimes, leaving out a lot of important content and the book covers look like everybody else's. And do they really and honestly, promote your book like they say they do? Think about it, because if you're looking to have your books presented how you want them, then I would say that traditional publishers aren't for you. To each their own.
Make sure you have all the pieces in line, before writing anything and make it flows steadily; not jumping from one scene to the next without explanation. I've read many works like that and it's far too confusing, leaving the author with a negative review. And secondly, stick to your story/content and don't let anyone make you change it for their liking. No matter what they say or want in the story.
