Tag, I’m it!

I’ve been nominated by the great M.L. Davis for Writers Tag, which was originally set up by Lorraine Ambers  and Ari Meghlen.

Like other “blog awards” this one is meant to get bloggers talking about themselves (and also as a means to get ping backs). As such, the rules are very similar:

• Post the Tag and Image on your blog (see above)
• Thank whoever nominated you and give a link back to their blog.
• Mention the creators of the award and link back to their blogs.
• Nominate deserving bloggers and notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.

The interesting thing about this chain-post is that the questions remain the same with every new writer. Other blogger awards have the new poster come up with his/her own questions. So the questions here are the same that M.L. Davis answered, and the same as whoever nominated her. It’s a lot more organized and communal this way, I think.

I like taking these opportunities every once and a while. I rarely talk about my personal life on this blog, so this gives me a chance to do so. And it’s also a chance to connect with my favorite bloggers.

Tag, I’m it. So here goes.

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Name one novel that inspired you to write.

I’ve been a writer since I was a child, and I don’t think any specific novel spurred me to it. Magic: the Gathering gave me a lot of ideas (the card game, not the books), but I’ve always been filled with stories begging to be told.

That being said, before I started writing formally under this pen name, I had been reading a lot of Terry Pratchett. His “City Watch” series of novels had a significant effect on my first stories, particularly The Adventures of Iric.

What’s your favorite genre to write and read?

I read many different sorts of books. These days, I read (an listen to, in the case of audio) a lot of nonfiction, particularly history and mythology. I also listen to a lot of audio lectures on mythology and science fiction, as a means to develop my roots.

Regarding my writing, my writing ranges from hard science fiction to literary magical realism. But everything I write is speculative in some manner. My short stories tend towards science fiction, and my longer works tend to be fantasy. I’m not exactly sure why this is, but if I had to guess, it would be because fantasy is usually character focused, where as SF is concept focused.

Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?

I prefer to read and write stand-alone stories, though I am not against using the same character and setting multiple times in new stories that can exist on their own.

 Use 3 words to describe yourself.

Intelligent, dreamer, stubborn.

Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.

If you know the story of Genghis Khan, you’ll have a very good idea of what The Fierce is going to be like. Nomadic tribal battles spiraling into epic fantasy war.

How long did your first MS take to draft?

I started this whole professional writing adventure with a clear idea in mind. I also hired an editor to work me through the process. He was a friend, so I got a good deal. I ended up quitting my job to take the time to write the book, and wrote about 2-3k words a day, so it only took me about a month and a half for the first draft. But I don’t think that really counts, as the second draft added about 30% more to the book. Ultimately it took about six months to complete four rounds of revisions and edits with my editor, James Hallman.

The book in question, of course, was my short-story-novel In the Valley of Magic, published by Fiction Vortex aka FV Press.

Who is your author idol?

I do not have an author idol. There isn’t a single author that I admire or strive to emulate. I love reading Terry Pratchett, and do, from time to time, try to incorporate his style of light-heartedness in some of my work. I honestly do not read as much as I should, certainly not enough to have found an idol yet.

Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.

I submitted one of my recent stories to Abyss and Apex, a professional level SF magazine. Though it was rejected, the response was personal and inspiring:

“This came very close to what I am looking for. The beginning was weak but I am glad I pushed through to the ending. You have a lot of promise, and I sincerely hope you send us more of your work.”

This story also earned me an Honorable Mention in the Writers of the Future Contest, so I know there is something to it. The above response was just part of a steady growth in my success as a professional SF/F writer.

Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.

I used to rap in high school and college. This, too, was about writing rather than performing. I was then, and still am, a deep introvert.

Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.

I started out with the foolish idea that once I had my first book written, I would make enough money from sales to keep writing full time. I have yet to make back the money I invested in my work in the form of editing, covers, and advertising. Someday I would like to write full time, but I know now that it is going to take a lot of time to get there.

What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.

I don’t care for social media. I am just no good at it. I think even social media requires a bit of extroversion and social adeptness, both of which I lack. I like writing stories, not communicating with the masses.

Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Michio Kaku

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Well, that’s my spiel. Now it’s time for me to bother some of my colleagues. I am selecting these bloggers because I am very interested in reading their responses to the above questions.

1. Gina, Singledust
2. Nthato, A Scribe to Describe
3. Jane, Jane Dougherty Writes
4. Shawn, Shawn Writes Stuff
5. Joy, Tales from Eneana
6. Richie, Richiebilling.com
7. K.M., K.M. Allan
8. Jo Hawk, Jo Hawk the Writer

Looking forward to hearing your responses.

As for those of you reading this, thanks for stopping by.

~JM