Writer Wednesday: The Cavalry Isn’t Coming (Guest Post by A.E. Williams)

When J.D. asked me to write a piece about where I came from and how I became a freelance book editor, I first thought back to my days at Full Sail University, where I earned a BFA in Creative Writing. They told us something that is probably unpopular to hear at other schools: The “cavalry isn’t coming.” It’s a sentiment to mean that if you want success in the arts, you can’t wait around for other people to come and find you. You gotta make them come to you or become the cavalry itself.

 

Torn Between Two Worlds

 

Believe it or not, before I became a freelance book editor and started editing books for a living, I was a restaurant manager for the second largest chicken-based, fast-food chain in the United States (Eat Mor Chikin). Anyhow, I started there in 2006 when I was sixteen. It was my first ever job.

I found a love for writing in 2005. From there I wrote an essay for a contest and won. I started writing my first book, The Knight in Shining Armor, and even planned on pursuing a career as an author. But I soon became torn between the writer and the Chicken Manager.

Due to economics (being a broke twenty-something), I decided to further my career by becoming a trainer, then supervisor, then grand opening trainer, then restaurant training director, and finally manager. All my time and energy went into a corporation and its profits and its brand. Eventually, I started to realized that I had forgotten about writing.

 

A Change of Heart

Fortunately for me, I had become sort of a local celebrity. Having written and published three books and sold them in the community around my job, customers oftentimes asked about my writing prospects and what my next moves were. Back then I didn’t have the confidence or drive to seriously pursue my passion. And then, one day, I decided to go back to school to study writing. I had already been burned by college before with a $5,000 bill for tuition that I had paid off by that time.

            I also realized too late that my passions no longer lay in the company. I had become complacent, comfortable, and didn’t truly put in all the effort that I once had. So, I told my boss that I would be going back to school to study writing and he was ecstatic to hear it. But that decision would come with a sacrifice of my financial stability, energy, patience, and other things. Of course, looking back, it was all worth it.

 

Full Sail University

 

            I started attending Full Sail University in February of 2018, almost a full decade since I had previously attended college. I was nervous, but at my advanced age of 29, I knew I had to take this expensive journey serious and get everything I needed out of it. In high school, I had been a fairly good student, but I fell short when the end was nigh. I did not want to have that happen again.

            Each new course was an incredible opportunity to flex my writing muscles, test my skills, and find out if writing was truly the path for me. So, I made my best efforts and began receiving great feedback from my professors. During my time at Full Sail it was substantiated that I was a strong writer and that I had the skill to make a career crafting stories.

            There was one course where I was introduced to the concept of being a freelance editor, something I had never considered before. I had always been an avid reader and believed that I could help other writers with their craft. And with that, A.E. Williams Writer & Editor was born.

 

A Career Change

My professor made things seem easy and simple to start up. I didn’t need a fancy certification or crazy equipment to start my business. All I needed was a laptop, some knowledge of writing and editing, and an ability to use resources. So, in November 2019, I began transitioning into this field. However, I was still working at the restaurant part-time and still completing my degree.

In February of 2020, a friend of mine paid me to write some website copy for him. Despite the website never coming to fruition, I can say that this friend was my first-ever paying client who was ultimately happy with my work. Also, I had begun an internship for a social media marketing position with a startup company (which I can say does still exist to this day). And then, well, the pandemic.

With those changes in life and my degree program coming to an end, I resigned from the internship and began focusing on a strong finish to my degree program. In August of 2020, I graduated #1 in my class. High on the heels of that success, I began earning other clients from friends I had made who were working as editors. A.E. Williams Writer & Editor had become a profitable business just before graduation. I found the summer of 2020 to be very busy and determined that a demand was there. I could do this full-time if I really wanted to.

 

Growth and Success

 

No, editors didn’t come to mentor me Yoda-style. I had to talk to the editors I knew, join the right Facebook groups, and finally join the Editorial Freelancers Association, an organization made specifically to help freelance editorial professionals (editors, proofreaders, illustrators, etc.). I got my EIN, made the right charts, created a plan, and in May of 2021, I retired from the company.

The clients didn’t come running and I grew nervous as things seemed hopeless, but I educated myself. I surrounded myself with pro editors, took some courses, read some books. And with all the effort I had been making, I started to find clients and make a living.

Now, the clients come to me. After solid brand building and consistency, I’ve made a name for myself. I was also able to gain a major publishing house as a client and find even higher paying clients than I had at my start. In 2022, I’m set to double my gross from the previous year.

 

The Cavalry Isn’t Coming

            You can become it. Using my managerial experiences, I prepared all my administrative necessities: profit and loss charts, payment collection software, website, domain email address, and future plans. Within the first few months, I contracted two individuals to help with administrative tasks (preparing contracts and invoicing) and branding (social media marketing and email marketing). Having those two assets has really made life easier and then I realized that I had become the cavalry. No sweat.

            Join professional organizations and talk to pros who are doing what you want to do. And then, execute. That’s how you create a cavalry for yourself. Don’t listen to the naysayers, do your research, and be resourceful in all things that you do. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way for opportunity. Also, wait for no one. You got this. Go for it.

 

A.E. Williams, founder of A.E. Williams Editorial, is a Book Editor who has worked with writers and publishing houses such as Hachette Book Group to release outstanding books in a variety of genres. He reads scripts for the Desertscape International Festival.  Also, a writer himself, A.E. has released his own writings on Amazon. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Writer Wednesday: David Hernández

It’s not every day you read something that feels pretty different most of the way through, though that’s what happened when I read Outlanders Book 1: Malefactor. It’s a curious piece of fiction where there’s a novel, some sections that are fully illustrated, and sections where it’s the dialogue between two people who are observing the entire narrative or are involved with several parts of it. I’m not saying it’s the best novel I’ve ever read and I won’t say it couldn’t use a bit of polish. What I will say is that I’ve never read anything like it, the thought behind it is as unique as the author, and that it takes balls to take on a project like this. I can also say I really enjoyed it :D

 

In looking for my next interview, I realized that on the week where Go Indie Now has its premiere with the first ever All-Puerto Rican panel, I hadn’t interviewed David Hernández. So what better time than now to sit down for a chat?

 

Hey, David. So happy to have you on the blog. Although I’ve read you and we’ve chatted, readers here haven’t had the pleasure. So why not start off by telling us who you are and what you’ve worked on?

 

First and foremost, thank you for having me here! It's always a pleasure to talk to you. For all who are currently reading us, it's a joy for me to meet your acquaintance! I'm an independent writer from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, who primarily worked on comic books but decided to take some of my self-published creator-owned characters and translate them into a different medium as best as possible. As you stated, Outlanders: Malefactor, The First Of The Fallen, is just the first volume in a trilogy. Currently, I'm working on the third and final volume of the aforementioned.

 

It’s a fascinating project indeed and definitely takes a varied skillset to tackle. Part of your background is with comics, which is way more challenging than most people give it credit. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your background?

 

A lack of proper guidance will teach you what not to do in any given situation. That's been the case for most of my life. There was a time in the late '90s when I worked with some great talent, but we didn't have the tools to take our creative efforts to print to be published. Most of the printing companies on the island had never worked with a comic format before. Odd considering that comic books had been around here for decades. So, most of the print samples sat around on a shelf of my closet, gathering dust for years until a friend introduced us to an online company that printed comics on the go. A little over a decade later, those pages finally saw publication. Most people think that the hard part of creating a comic book is the creative process, and in my experience, it is not. It's marketing, promotion, distribution, etc. In our first year, the creative team and I traveled to every comic book, manga, or comic-related event on the island. By the second year, the list of events to promote and sell our titles was much shorter.

 

That happens and there are plenty of challenges all around and for all sorts of creators. Being from Puerto Rico, we’re often described as a cultural crossroads and your book definitely lands in the category of a crossroads of topics, genres, mediums, and styles? What are some of the influences behind Outlanders?

 

Malefactor, The First of The Fallen, is my first experience undertaking a work of this magnitude. When I first started to flesh out the story, I wanted two things: an origin for the antagonist and to create a whole universe that I could expand into other books. However, the creative process took a turn of its own. The intended protagonist, who was the book's main antagonist, took a backseat to make a more cohesive story. There is one thing that I always ask myself when I'm about to write something of my own or someone else's characters, what the purpose of this story is? Aside from the characters' traits and how the environment affects their decision-making process, there are quintessential aspects, such as the social hierarchy and the human condition, which are inherently found in every story. All the divisive nuances that humankind tends to turn into this massive brick wall are present there. Pettiness, cruelty, and hubris are traits belonging to imperfect characters, and yet throughout our history, we see them as part of deities that some people worship. I have a very unorthodox approach to writing; I wouldn't say I like to box myself into a specific genre. I am mindful enough to see that the story does not derail from its intended purpose, but I will not refrain from entering into a subgenre if it shakes up the story. For example, Malefactor, The First of The Fallen, is a supernatural book with a philosophical approach to it. However, there are some messed-up things that some may consider belonging to a horror story. If I were to describe it to you at gunpoint, I would say that it takes place in an alternative universe, and the pace of the story goes from philosophical, to tension, to horror, dark comedy, and circles back around to informative.

 

Wow, that’s a pretty deep answer, so how about a curious and potentially deep question. All your characters are in a chess tournament…who makes it to the finals and who wins?

 

Everything comes to an end. I have suffered enough loss to understand that no one is everlasting. Some characters have roles in other books, but that does not mean they will come out on top every time. The progress of the story dictates who stays and who goes. It's chaotically fun to figure the fates of characters as you write along.

 

Sheesh!! That’s intense though on point when it comes to the story. Actually, you also designed the artwork for Malefactor. How long did this project take and which part was more challenging?

 

I do not consider myself an artist; I drew the images out of necessity because I lacked the monetary resources to hire a professional. When you write comic books, you present the plot to the artist, and if you had worked enough time with whoever is drawing the book, you expect that person to carry most of the weight of the storytelling, seeing as it is, for the most part, a visual medium. When you get the artwork back, you work on your dialogue according to whatever is happening on the panel. One of the things you avoid is to describe what the artist already drew. The dialogue serves as a way to convey things that are not in the scene. Writers accustomed to this type of narrative often develop this handicap when it comes to descriptive writing. For me, at least, it was an uphill battle when it came to wording the scene in a tone that didn't feel monotonous.

 

Interesting perspective. Also, we often include a lot of who and how we are in our work. What parts of David made it into this work?

 

God, hopefully, none! (lol) I'm a goofball that often likes to make people smile, especially if they are not having such a great day. I will be the first to admit that there are nonsensical theories and whatnot in the back of one's head that surface once you enter the writing state. However, all my characters have traits of people I know. So there is very little of David in my books.

 

Hahaha, hey we write what we know. Also, there is a lot of philosophical questioning in this work. What influenced this and what have readers told you they’ve gotten from the work?

 

I think there is a general consensus that we are not living in the best environment, which is deeply rooted in how we have chosen to live our lives. Unbeknownst to us, at birth, some choices have already been taken for us before we take our first breath. Your creed and values are a result of your social environment. For some, it is not until you venture outside of those walls that you have access to a plethora of information that was unattainable before. Some stay firmly believing in what they have been indoctrinated to think— taking assertive action against those who dare to think otherwise. Others see the opportunity for a better way of living and are met with strong opposition from their social nucleus. 

 

The feedback I get changes from person to person. I wrote the book to be open to interpretation to invoke discussion among those who read it. Some see characters in a different light than others. Others merge characters as one, some miss clues that are crucial to link the identity of one character to another, and so on. I think it’s all fun. There is no wrong answer here—some who have re-read the book tell me that they always find something new and unexpected.

 

Huh, curious and might have to go for a re-read as well. Anywho, here’s a random Q for you. We all have our own version of breakfast of champions…but what would an OUTLANDERS Breakfast of Champions look and taste like?

 

LOL! It depends on what character you ask. I think Daystar will have an abundant feast of the most ridiculously extravagant delicacies from across the universe, eating only a handful and relishing on the look of starvation of her servants as the food inevitably rots. Depending on what state of mind the Traveler is in, he very well may eat from the most delicate fruit to a half-eaten candy bar found on the floor. Malefactor will have his very own breakfast place where he will pose as a busser, the waiter, the cook, and the unseen critter roaming through underneath the tables. All those characters’ portrait at once, just to see the behavior of each of the visiting patrons, and finally to see their reaction as each dies in a gloriously unique way. We will have death by ballooning up someone and having pancake batter flood out of his every orifice until they burst. Strips of bacon oinking while strangling someone. Malefactor will bring a bottle of Miss Butterworth to come to life and sit on someone's face drowning that poor fool in syrup, and so on.

 

HA!!! Now that’s not an answer I expected. Anyways, how’s book 2 coming along and what other projects are on the horizon for you?

 

It's been a slow process. In terms of storytelling, this time is contained to a single planet. Many things are happening that will connect at a single outcome. The characters’ backgrounds will be treated as unique individual story arcs; however, at some point, each character will cross paths with each other. This world is rich in terms of historical and cultural background. The vernacular used in this book, however, will be more straightforward. There's going to be a lot of action and intrigue in this one.

 

Can’t wait to have a chance to read it, my friend. So kind of you for stopping by the blog and now, all that’s left is to share where people can further connect with you, my friend.

 

Thanks for the opportunity!

 

Link for the book in Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VVW1BMY

 

 

You can find out more about my books @

www.facebook.com/DGHGBooks

Instagram @dghg_creations

 

There is a collector’s edition, not found anywhere else, The crate box. This includes a signed edition, a bookmark, a holographic sticker and a certificate of authenticity. You can inbox me at Facebook and Instagram.

 

A link to a short film "Outlanders: Malefactor, The First Of The Fallen" ©

Directed and edited by Carlos Mario Boscio.

Written by David G. Hernandez

Music by René G. Boscio

https://youtu.be/3iowDz90qf0

 

A book trailer in  video for the book

https://youtu.be/3JmUOQ_hlDc

 

You can also find me at

Instagram: @bmoviescenter]

 

****

And there you have it, dear frands. David’s a cool and I highly recommend giving him a follow to try and keep up with what he throws your way. Be prepared though, it’s an intense ride. Anyways, til next we chat and hang out in words.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls

 

JD

The Author’s Kitchen: What’s Cooking with A.I. Winters?

We have Writer Wednesdays to discover new authors.

 

We have Creative Connections to explore things beyond books.

 

But what about people whom I’ve already interviewed. People I care about and whose work I love…

 

Enter the Author’s Kitchen 

 

Now why don’t we start off with a bang by welcoming A.I. Winters back to the blog. 

 

Author of the Strange Luck series which I read in full, Winters creates magical, mystical, and slightly mean worlds…and now she’s taking things up a notch, because why not.

 

Welcome back to the blog, Amie. So happy to have you here and to start things off, why don’t you tell us of what you’ve published and how you’ve shifted from dark YA to horror/mystery for your latest release, Summoner of Sleep.

 

Thanks for having me back, JD! Yes, I started out writing YA Fantasy and have published three award-winning books in that series (Strange Luck, The Nightmare Birds, and A Darling Secret). It was a lot of fun to write in that genre, but after taking some time off to reflect I decided to try something completely different —horror. 

 

Just from the cover, you can see you’re going way darker. What prompted this shift?

 

I’ve always been a HUGE horror fan and like to write what I would read. I’ve been heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Clive Barker and wanted to take a crack at something not only different, but a lot darker. 

 

The YA and Horror communities are definitely supportive though it’s a different vibe and actually, my experience is that horror authors are some of the kindest people I’ve met. What has the experience been like for you?

 

There’s definitely a misconception about horror authors. People think they are these weird, ominous people that never interact. It’s quite the contrary. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic. I’ve made a lot of amazing friends in the community and it’s just the beginning. 

 

Since this is the Author’s Kitchen, I have to ask, what are some things in your literary spice rack that’s unique to you, what are some go-to things you love to explore and what have you kept from your previous approach to writing?

 

I always like to explore the human psyche and dreams accompanied by some sort of dark magic. Summoner of Sleep has much darker concepts and definitely more gory descriptions. 

 

Now that you’ve finished and published Summoner of Sleep, what’s next for you beyond a well-earned break?

 

I just started working on a new horror novel this week. I’m working with a very loose concept and title right now, but hope to start sharing details about the book soon.

 

I know that beyond reading, you’re a big fan of music. When Summoner of Sleep is picked up for a movie, what 5 artists/bands NEED to be on the soundtrack and why?

 

If you’ve read or watched any of my other interviews you know that I’m a big metalhead so I’m going to have to stick to that genre. My favorite black metal band that was inspired by the Lord of the Rings is called Summoning. They have a very epic, fantasy sound. Then, I’d say Type of Negative and probably Goblin for some atmosphere (think the original Suspiria). I’ll need to think on the other two…

 

Apart from writing, I also know you’re into martial arts. Can you tell us, which one you practice and how has martial arts influenced your writing if in any way? 

 

Yes, I’ve been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for nearly two years and love it. It’s a great stress release when I need a break from writing and a great way to exercise your mind, body, and spirit. I think it’s also helped me in some regard to understand and write fight scenes. I can’t remember what my life was like before Jiu-Jitsu and I’m truly grateful that I found this practice.

 

From what I’ve seen, there have been plenty of comparisons to Lovecraft with your latest release. What aspect does that hone in on? The occult? Mood? Tempo? Or just writing something that’ll wake you up in the middle of the night?

 

Yes, which is such an honor for me since he’s my literary idol. I think it’s a little bit of everything (occult, mood, tempo, tone, etc.). I’ve been reading Lovecraft for so long and he’s had a major influence on me, so I really attempted to capture that essence, but in a contemporary form. 

 

You are contacted by a spirit’s company that wants to do something based on your novel. What is the alcohol, the APV volume, and what goes into a Bloody Winters? (Cocktail name courtesy of moi, if you want to change it, go for it)

 

Ha ha. I love the name Bloody Winters! Vodka is my drink of choice and I recently discovered there’s a black vodka, so I’d go with that and call it something like Frozen Winters or Black Winters. Highest APV volume allowed without choking.

 

Gahahahaha here’s to enjoying a tipple and no choking. Ah that was good. And now all that is left is to roll that crimson carpet so you can tell us where more people can connect with you.

 

You can learn more about me and my books at aiwinters.com. 

 

Follow me here:

 

Instagram: http://www.instragram.com/aiwinters_author

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aiwinters

 

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/A-I-Winters/e/B00XZ88V5A?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1620073015&sr=8-1

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13851542.A_I_Winters

 

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxx9UX-Lim4aIUU5UOB0iHQ

 

Thank you so much for having my, JD! I wish you the best of luck with your books and I can’t wait to check out your latest. Thanks again. 😊

 

 * * * *

 

There you have it, folks. The first visit into the Author’s Kitchen. Feel free to give Madame Winters a follow and check out her new book, Summoner of Sleep. 

Good friend, good people, great writer. Til next we meet in words, dear frands.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls 

Writer Wednesday: Liz Butcher

Greetings fellow humans and welcome to another edition of Writer Wednesday. As usual, I’m always happy to explore different genres when I interview authors, and for this week, why not dive into suspense mixed with a retelling with Australian author, Liz Butcher. 

 

1. Hey, Liz. Thanks so much for dropping by the blog for a chat. If there’s something I enjoy when reading, it’s broadening horizons in regards to genre and country and it’s always nice to meet a fellow author from Australia. What can you tell us about yourself and the writing community in your part of the Southern Hemisphere?

 

Thanks for having me! Always love meeting fellow Aussies—and fellow writers! I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived all over the country, but currently reside in Queensland. I’ve always been too shy to venture out to writing groups so all the writing friends I’ve made have been online.

 

 

2. NOTHING wrong with online friends and some of my closest friends are actually from online. Think about it, we’re friends because we read each other. How cool is that? Now in regards to your work, retellings have become popular in the last decade or so, though not all retellings are created equal. Sometimes, it feels as if authors rehash old ideas, give it a slight update, and voilà. In the case of Never Never, you DEFINITELY get the sense that you took a HARD turn somewhere to flip a well-known story on its head. What can you tell us about your take, why Peter Pan, and just how dark can in get? 

 

I’d never had any intention of doing a retelling. If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it, you know? But then I was asked to write a short story for a twisted fairytales anthology, but as soon as I started working through the concept for Never, Never, I knew it needed to be a full-length novel to do it justice. It’s more of a prequel than a retelling, I think! Just the premise of your children being lured out of their bedroom windows in the middle of the night is scary enough, right? So it made sense to me to turn Pan into a malevolent being…

 

3. Oooohhh, skin crawlies just from one description but I love that. One of the fun parts of retellings it to flip characters. Heroes become villains, villains become victims, victims become something else. What’s your trick to do a really good flip?

 

I think you really need to let go of everything you think you know about that character. Break them down to the very core of their motivations and go from there. 

 

4. Deconstructing a character. Interesting. So beyond the source material, it really shows you have some other influences. What other authors influence you and which works inspired you to go for this project?

 

I’ve always been a massive fan of Stephen King and Anne Rice, but I’m also inspired by a lot of non-fiction. I love reading about paranormal phenomena and fringe science. 

 

5. Hey, the broader we read, the better right? So as per usual, I like random questions and making authors visiting have a thinky think sooooo… you’re hired to do 3 haunted houses. It could be original haunted houses or messed up retellings, but you have to take something sweet and make it wicked. Describe those three haunted houses.

 

I would definitely love one to be Amityville Horror style. The combination of ancient burial grounds and a terrible crime makes for an enduring haunted house! The second I would do a retelling of Stephen King’s 1408, and the third I would love to do a haunted house that only appears to certain people and at certain times of the year. In fact, I think you’ve just inspired me to write this story!

 

6. Ha!!! What more could I ask for. To inspiration from anywhere. Back to your writing though. So some of your works take place in England, which is quite a ways from Australia. I’m always intrigued in how people do research for their works. Tell us a bit about Leroux Manor and how you tackled the research aspect of that one.

 

I would love to say I got to travel there, but sadly, no, ha ha! Instead I created a fictional town, and my research was based around the weather, the school year, and what kind of trees etc. are found there. Lots of scenic research!

 

7. Scenic research is such an underused resource and with YouTube and Google Maps the world is literally a click away. Another random Q: A local entertainment company wants to do an escape room and they want YOU to produce it. What’s in the escape room, what’s the challenge, and remember, no budget restraints, go wild!

 

I’ve always wanted to do an escape room! Though naturally, mine would have to be scary…Let’s say the challenge is to get out of the room before an ancient witch awakens and takes you as her slave for all eternity. The escape room would look like a mausoleum, filled with sigils and symbols. There would be apparitions, whispering voices and eerie sounds, some of which are clues and others not, so you always have to pay attention.

 

8. Hahaha. People will need something to calm nerves after exiting, for sure. I always enjoy making food and drink related questions to authors because I think few things unite us better than food or drink. If you had to do a 3 drink cocktail menu based on your works, what are the cocktails, what is in each, and describe the experience. 

 

What fun! Let’s see:

 

Fates’ Fury – Chambord, Tequila, Frozen berries

 

The LeRoux – Ink Gin, Blue Curacao, soda water, Crushed Ice

 

Never, Never – Green Fairy Absinthe, Sour Apple Liqueur, melted sugar, apple slices.

 

9. BOTTOMS UP!!! Nice selection. Another curious thing in each writer’s author journey is the people they connect with. Being from Australia, I’m sure there are different challenges, opportunities, and things unique to your experience. How has where you lived impacted your journey?

 

I don’t think it really has. The world of social media has led to so many connections with other writers that you never really feel like there’s distance or isolation.

 

10. I dig it and hey, you have a friend on this side of the world. Wonderful answers, Liz. Thanks so much for your time and now all that’s left is to tell people where they can find you online and where they can pass by to grab a copy of your books. 

 

Website: https://lizbutcherauthor.com.au

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lunaloveliz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunaloveliz/
Tiktok: @lunaloveliz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liz-Butcher-1394868604152823/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13845425.Liz_Butcher

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/lizbutcherauthor/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X6XN5O6

 

 

****

 

So there you go, fellow humans. Thanks for dropping by and getting to meet another writer. Means a lot and I appreciate you sitting down for a read. Make sure you follow Liz on the links above and til next we chat…

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls. 

 

Writer Wednesday: Anna J. Walner

Greetings fellow humans and welcome to another Writer Wednesday interview. To keep things interesting and explore another genre, today we’ll be talking about our favorite blood suckers with Texan author, Anna J. Walner. 

 1. Howdy, Anna! Hope that hokey hello doesn’t put you off from chatting it up with us on the blog, lol. So tell us, who is Anna J. Walner, what are some of your claims to fame and why should people dive head first into The Uluru Legacy Series?

 

It’s a pleasure to have you ask! The Uluru Legacy Series takes readers to a new place within the genre of Paranormal Romance. I grew tired of reading the same things, and so I wrote something entirely different from what I’d been able to find. My own adoption story was given to our main character Amelia, and her journey to discover her heritage is where the story begins. But it’s far from where it will end!

 

2. I can definitely relate to wanting to write something different from the norm and it’s great when an author goes for it and freshens things up. And wow, what a compelling thing to add to the story. Keeping with our nosfe-favorites, there are a lot of things that draw me to vampires and what I’ve realized is that it varies drastically from one person to the next. What are some things you love about vampires and what things, well kinda suck?

 

Great question! I’ve always had a fascination with the supernatural elements of this world. Within each tale retold there lies a kernel of truth. I think for me the simple possibility of a society like The Colony existing in secret is alluring for so many different reasons.

 

The things that I didn’t like were the standard things you might find in a lot of contemporary tales. Especially within the YA genre. I didn’t want to go back to school, or be riddled with teen angst. I didn’t want vampires falling in love with vampires. I wanted something unpredictable and believable. The characters in The Uluru Legacy could truly exist and coexist with us and we would never know!

 

3. Believable is definitely the best and people respond to that. Actually, you won an award for your debut novel, Garkain. How did that feel to come out of the gates cracking? Has that initial push affected your plans for the series and how many books will be in the series?

 

Of course winning two awards was a confidence boost, without a doubt. But really the push to continue on, to keep digging deep and keeping up the faith came from an amazing support group of online friends I made while marketing. But the awards did give me the realization that it is a good book. I wrote a really good book. People will enjoy reading it. And they have!

 

4. That’s so lovely to read, and indeed, our tribes definitely push us to keep on keepin on. Your series seems to deal with a Matrix type of dilemma, either know or revel in the bliss of ignorance. What does knowledge mean to you and what role does choice play in the series? 

 

Speaking from personal experience, I sought out my biological mother and siblings with a desire to not revel in the bliss of ignorance, which I think I brought to Amelia’s character. She’s driven to find out more, open minded about the choices presented, but at the end of the day Amelia isn’t one to be pushed around. She makes her own choices.

 

5. I can get an idea of why people respond so well to your stories then. To offer a different type of question, I saw during June, there was a period where all proceeds from preorders of Garkain were donated to the Montgomery County Women’s Center https://mcwctx.org/ to benefit those who are in need to support for Domestic Abuse. Beyond being commendable to support a good cause, tell us, what does this cause mean to you, why do you support it, and why should others support it as well?

 

In April of 2019, I found myself in a dangerous situation at 6 months pregnant. A violent situation. I was unable to run, because he wouldn’t allow me. Unable to hide and call for help, because he had taken my phone. I did the only thing I could. I fought back. In doing so, I saved both my life, and my daughter’s life. Although that choice is not one I regret, I was charged with assault. Which only proves how the system can and does further punish survivors of domestic abuse.

 

I was lucky. I had a support system, a loving family and a place to go. Many women do not. And many women need help getting out of situations like the one I was in. Before they find themselves fighting for their lives. That’s why this cause is so close to me. Because I lived it. 

 

6. It’s crazy how messed up the system is. Still, that’s an amazing story and I’m just happy you were able to do the right thing, consequences be damned. I do hope people also give a check to that cause. Everyone deserves support and a chance to live. Anyways, back to books but thanks for sharing that with us. In the Uluru series, there’s the mention of THE Colony…is that the only Colony? If not (and without giving spoilers) how many colonies are there?

 

I can tell you that there are others around the world, which is within the first couple of chapters. Going into further detail would be spoiler territory. But we will explore it later in the series...  

 

7. LOL, I appreciate not getting the spoilers. And hey, it wouldn’t be an interview on For Writing Out Loud without some random questions, so here goes. If vampires and werewolves had to do a dance off, what music would each side play, and who would win?

 

Literally laughing right now! I would say the Garkain (vampires) would be a sort of dubstep crowd. While Larougo (Werewolves) would be more of a country vibe to their playlist. And Garkain would totally win. Except for Amelia, who can’t dance. She would be watching or laughing. 

 

8. Ha! Now I’m laughing and can imagine a lot of my two left footed friends relating. Beyond being a published author, you’re also a Mom, and that’s even more important to you. How has writing impacted being a mother and vice versa? 

 

I don’t try to let them impact each other. All of my writing, marketing, and editing are done after she’s in bed. Which makes for long nights! As a single mom, we’re very close, so she always comes first. She demands to come first LOL. She’s head-strong, just like her mom. 

 

I will say that I do spend a lot of time on my phone, so I may have to respond to an E-mail or take a call in the middle of our tea party. But she has a wonderful maw maw and paw paw who adore her, and they help me out at times when I have to dedicate a chunk of the day to an appearance. 

 

9. Here’s to that wonderful support system and hey, I’d happily take over a tea party lol Check my #Teactionary entries on Instagram. It’s a thing. Lol ok, another random Q: You are tasked with designing spa packages for vampires and werewolves, how do your pamper members of each race and what would the price tag be?

 

Hair cuts and trims for Larougo. Definitely focusing on the hair. Garkain get the full treatment, all luxury. Spare no expense!

 

10. Which is the way it should be :D There you go, friends. Thanks to Anna for stopping by and indulging in a little randomness though all that is left now is to roll the crimson carpet for her so she can tell us where she is at online and where you can find her books. 

 

Website:          https://annajwalner.com/

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/annajwalner/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/AnnaJWalner

TikTok:           https://www.tiktok.com/@annajwalner?lang=en

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/AnnaJWalner

 

****

 

Kindest thanks to Anna for her time and generosity to share about her life story and the stories in her books. Give her a follow and til next we chat, 

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls