For this week's installment of the Author Interview Series, I spoke with Marissa Gramoll about her experiences with writing as she finalizes her novel, Born of Winter. Check out what she had to say below!
1) Describe your most recently published book and/or your current work in progress.
Born of Winter is a story of Andalin, a poor young man with forbidden powers. When the king orders all Wanderers (people with powers) to be captured, Andalin runs. He does not know any other Wanderers and needs to find them in order to outrun the government and preserve his life.
2) Which do you prefer: self-publishing or traditional publishing? What factors made you choose one over the other?
Traditional Publishing. I’ve always liked the idea of working with a publisher and seeing my book launched into bookstores and libraries.
3) Are there any books, movies, music, etc. that influenced your writing?
Oh yes. So many things inspire my writing. Everything from the show Penny Dreadful to Weezer’s music has played a role in my creative fuel while working on this project.
4) Which is your favorite genre(s) to write in? Which genre have you never written in but would love to try someday?
Fantasy [is my favorite]. I would like to try horror.
5) Do you prefer reading on an e-reader or actual books? Which do you think is better from a publishing point of view?
Actual books. I only read digitally if I am editing my manuscript or that of other writers. The feel of the book in my hand is so much a part of my reading experience.
6) How has the online writing community affected your writing career?
I love my Facebook writing groups and my Twitter community. They help me in so many ways. I love talking to other writers working on projects just like I am.
7) Describe your typical writing routine.
I have small kids, so anything I can get done by carrying my laptop around the house is a bonus. In addition, I make sure to spend a couple sessions alone with my computer each week. Thankfully I write fast, so when I find the time, words fly out of me.
8) What is your ultimate goal in terms of writing?
Share my stories. Be able to help others find meaning in life through my words. We all struggle. Our characters struggle and it helps us to escape into their world. Whenever I can write messages of hope, I do so. Because we all need more hope in our lives.
9) What has been your biggest writing struggle? What is your greatest strength?
Biggest struggle is the doubt in my head that I won’t succeed or that I will and I won’t be ready. My biggest strength is writing no matter what. No matter how crazy life is, I make sure I write every week.
10) Have you taken any writing classes? If yes, would you recommend them? If no, do you want to?
I’ve watched Brandon Sanderson’s lectures on YouTube. They are awesome.
11) Is writing your full-time job? If yes, what was your last profession? If no, do you want it to be and what do you do now?
It’s not. I would love to be a full-time writer. I am a freelance marketer and I also edit and beta read for writers.
12) What advice would you give to someone who has just started writing?
Stick with it and learn as much about the craft as you can. Simple things like learning how to use strong verbs and active voice will make a huge difference for your writing. It’s a difficult hobby/career path, but it is very rewarding.
Keep up with Marissa's writing endeavors by following her on Facebook!
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