What are you doing to succeed as an author?

My first ever interview as an author!

After reviewing my novel, Serpents Underfoot, John Purvis was gracious enough to interview me for a post on his blog, John’s Notes! I feel honored! My very first interview as an author! How absolutely cool is that? I will do my level best not to get the “big head.” I do still need to get through doors! I guess if I get too cocky … Sophie can knock me down a peg or two.

John had some really good questions!

John did ask some really great questions. I hope my answers inspire other aspiring authors. Or, at least give them a few practical tips they use to further their writing careers. I got some really great tips talking to other authors. Christopher Woods, the author of the SoulGuard series and other works took time at a book signing to offer me a few tips that were very helpful. This is actually one of the main reasons I do attend writer’s conferences … to talk top other writers. It can certainly make a difference.

A few segments from the interview

John:  How did you pick the genres for your stories?

Me: There is an old saying, “write you know.” That may, in fact, be kind of limiting. I say, “write what you enjoy.” If you are not interested and enjoying what you write, how can you be good at it? I think I tell the story and then see what genre it fits in.

John:  I think that is very good advice for the prospective author. Where do your story ideas come from?

Me: I start with a character or an idea. Then I let the story unfold on its own.

John  I know that you say you prefer just to see where an idea takes you, but do you work to an outline at all?

Me: I do use a loose outline. That functionality (essentially drag and drop chapter and scenes) is built right into the tool I use for my first drafts. I think working from a plot is too confining or limiting.

If you are interested in reading the rest of the interview, here is the link!

https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/2018/06/28/interview-with-author-darren-c-gilbert/

And if you are interested in acquiring a personalized copy of my novel, Serpents Underfoot, check out my online store!