Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Author Interview - Kirsty Inic


Kirsty Inic is an Australian YA Fantasy author. Living in Sydney with her husband and mini-lop bunny Winston, she is a lover of tea, books, and all things magical.

Always the avid reader, she dreamed of one day writing a book of her own. A budding writer for many years, she fulfilled her publishing dream with her debut novel The Witch of Ellesmere.

When not writing, Kirsty can be found sipping on copious amounts of tea and snuggled up with a good book. If the weather is nice, you may also find her outside in the garden tending to her many plant babies.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Q&A

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

The Witchof Ellesmere is my debut novel and is the first in a YA fantasy trilogy. For as long as I can remember I have always loved to write, especially stories about magic and whimsical faraway lands that are rich with magical beings and mythical creatures. When I first started drafting The Witch of Ellesmere it was these things that inspired me to create a story that would lift the reader up and transport them to somewhere magical.

Q2: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

There are three things I always need to have in order to stay focused while writing. My writer’s notebook which is home to the many notes I scribble down when plotting out my novel, my fantasy music playlist—I actually can’t write without listening to this—which mainly consists of acoustic versions of songs played on fantasy/sci-fi TV shows or movies, and last but not least… A huge cup of tea.

Q3: I know you are big on plotting your novels in great detail before you begin your first draft. What advice would you give a panster wanting to give plotting a try?

To not feel like you have to follow what you’ve plotted as if you're ticking off a checklist. The main reason I love plotting is because it helps me to get all my thoughts and ideas down on to the page before I actually start writing. By plotting out my chapters I’m able to see where the story is headed and if there are any plot holes or pacing problems before I begin writing the first draft. It saves a lot of time in the editing stage. But in saying this there have been times where my characters have decided to take me on a different path that moves away from what I’d originally plotted and that’s okay too. This can sometimes lead to advancements in the plot or character development which can add so much more to your story.

Q4: What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

For me it would have to be plot, setting and character. When all of these elements are done well it creates such an immersive and exciting story and is what makes the reader want to continue reading.

Q5: The writing process has many stages, but the three main ones that spring to mind are – planning and research; plotting and drafting; editing and fine tuning. Which of these process is your favourite and why?

The editing and fine tuning stage would have to be my favourite. For me this is where I feel like the story truly comes alive. Where the words I’ve written can be weaved together to really make the reader feel or see what it is I’m trying to convey. For me, the editing stage is where the magic happens.

Q6: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

It’s actually a Neil Gaiman quote: “Write anyway! Fix it and make it sing on the good days.”

I can be a bit of a perfectionist, so writing my first draft is always a little daunting for me, but when I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with my writing I read this quote and know that when I edit, that’s when my writing is going to come alive.

Q7: How do you come up with character names for your stories?

Most of the names I find come from searching Pinterest and baby name lists, but I actually love coming up with character names. Usually, this process includes a lot of research as I like my character names to have some meaning behind them. I try to find names that represents some of my characters personality traits or gives a little hint as to who they are as a person. For example, my main character, Braelyn, her name means strong, adventurous, or brave which are just some of the traits that show through her characters journey.

Q8: At what time of the day do you do most of your writing?

Most of the time I write in the early morning—around 5am—before I have to start getting ready for work. The mornings for me are when I’m most inspired. It’s quiet, the sun is still rising and it just feels like such a magical time of the day.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on Book Two in The Witch of Ellesmere trilogy, which is due to be released in the first half of 2023. I can’t wait to be able to share more about it!

Q10: What are you currently reading?

My current read is A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown and I’m absolutely loving it!

To find out more about Kirsty Inic check out the social media links below. Keep scrolling to learn more about The Witch of Ellesmere.

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The Witch of Ellesmere is available in paperback and ebook.

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Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Author Interview - Ky Venn


Kylie Pursifull, better known as Ky Venn, loves to build fantasy worlds, and send her characters on great adventures. When she’s not writing her debut novel, Justice in Magic, coming in October 2022, you can find her either watching Grey’s Anatomy, reading a book, or spending time with her family. She enjoys being a soon to be wife, a child of God, and a mama to two fur babies. She currently lives with her fiancĂ© in Hamilton, Ohio.

Genre: Upper YA/NA Portal Academy Fantasy

Q&A 

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

The name of my latest book, which also happens to be my debut novel, is called Justice in Magic. It’s got vibes that are a mixture of Harry Potter and Avatar: The Last Airbender. I have always loved to write, and I love fantasy! I’ve been writing on and off for two years, but finally decided my goal of 2022 was to publish my book!

Q2: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

A lot of times I have to turn my laptop and my phone on “Do Not Disturb”, because I get distracted incredibly easily. I like a quiet area sometimes, or other times I have Friends playing in the background.

Q3: If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?

Oh my good Lord, probably Sarah J Maas or Colleen Hoover. I love both of them and their work immensely. The author whose books I own the most of are actually by Colleen Hoover. I just love them, and getting to meet them and spend time with them would make me over the moon happy.

Q4: What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

Definitely giving yourself enough time. In this industry, there’s a lot of rushing involved in work sometimes. But I’d rather put out something that’s phenomenal than something fast. When I rush, it really affects my product poorly. I also think having people look over your work, and not being unwilling to accept feedback are good as well.

Q5: What are common traps for new authors? 

Vanity publishers. I have heard time and time again that you shouldn’t have to pay someone to publish your book until it’s actually made money itself. Meaning, if the book doesn’t make money, neither does the publisher. I almost fell into a vanity publisher trap, and I’m glad I asked around and found out it wasn’t worth dumping thousands of dollars into something that wouldn’t help at all.

Q6: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

I’ve been given so much advice from so many incredible people about writing. Good groups to join, good reference books to buy. Websites to use, branding and marketing resources. I think any piece of advice is valuable advice, especially as a new author who is also new to the author world.

Q7: How do you come up with character names for your stories?

Honestly? Everywhere. If I see, read, or hear a name I like, I write it down in my phone notes haha!

Q8: At what time of the day do you do most of your writing?    

Definitely evenings. I hate mornings with a passion.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I’m soon going to be working on final edits for Justice in Magic, and I am also working on the sequel to it as well.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I am currently in the middle of several books, but I am reading (and almost done) with Crave by Tracy Wolff.


To find out more about Ky Venn check out the social media links below. Keep scrolling to find out more about Justice in Magic.

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Instagram

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Website

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Justice in Magic is available in paperback and ebook!
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