Hello Raven,
When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I
was laid off from my last place of employment in 2010 due to
outsourcing. I decided to get my college degree. It was late in
life, but something I’ve always wanted to do. During my college
career, I had to write many papers and found I actually enjoyed it
and was quite good at it. I have been writing since.
How
long does it take you to write a book?
The first book in my
fantasy series took me well over a year to write. When I sat down to
write it, the original story I wanted, would not come. After much on
again, off again attempts, I finally stopped trying to force what I
wanted and started listening to the characters. Once it was finished
and published, I immediately started on the second book.
The second book took
a matter of two months to write the first draft. The main characters
of the story were eager for it to be told. After rounds of editing
and polishing, the book was published within a little of three months
of the first one.
While the second one
was being editing, I immediately started on what I thought would be
the third one. However, that one got put on hold rather quickly as
two other characters stepped to the forefront. Their story took
about four months to write and is in the final editing/polishing
stages. It will release next month on September 25th.
As soon as the third
book was in editing, I started working on three more. Along with the
series, I have several companion novellas planned. I am almost
finished writing the first of these and it has an expected release
date of January. The second is also another novella which will be
part of an anthology slated to release in July of next year. And the
third is the fourth book in the series slated to release late
2016.
What is your work
schedule like when you're writing?
I am first and
foremost a caregiver for a disabled family member, so his care and
whatever he needs takes priority. However, it does give me more time
to write than most. I write every day. Sometimes it is only an hour
and other times it could be two, three, or more hours. It just
depends on how talkative the characters are on any given day.
What
would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I usually have my
blurb for the book done by the time I am halfway through the story.
The blurb, like the story, goes through many edits before it hits its
final draft, but it helps me remember what my story is about.
As I also design my
own covers, I usually will create the cover around the same time I
write the blurb. I find having a cover to look at helps drive my
writing.
How do your books
get published?
I
have self-published all of my books. I love the control it gives me
and wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to choose when and where
they are published. I am grateful for the self-publishing platforms
as they have allowed me to live a dream I may never have pursued
otherwise.
Where
do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The
initial book of my fantasy series was inspired by thoughts that arose
during my mind when watching the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
I’ve always had an affinity for Elves and not having had the
opportunity to actually read Tolkien’s works up to the point, I had
no answers to the questions I had. So, I started imagining my own
answers, which led to other questions and my book was born.
As
to the non-fiction and poetry, the essays were messages laid on my
heart to share and the poetry arose out of the chaotic swirl of words
always in my mind.
When
did you write your first book and how old were you?
It
was 2010 and I was 39/40 years old. My initial writings took the
form of blog postings. In 2013, I was inspired to take those essays
and poems and compile them into a book, which I self-published in
July of that year. Needless to say, once it was done, I was hooked
and I never looked back.
What
do you like to do when you're not writing?
Like
most authors, I am an avid reader. I also create fractal art. I
love watching the abstract designs take shape and form as I layer the
mathematical equations. I find it to be quite relaxing. I started
creating fractal art in late 2011 and have over 200 designs to date.
An author friend recently suggested I set them up and sell them for
those who might be interested in using them as covers and teasers.
I’m in the process of doing so and should have the site ready to go
by the end of the year, if not sooner. They are also set up as art
prints and canvases through an online store.
What
does your family think of your writing?
My brother, who I am
caregiver for, things they should be made into movies. His childlike
wonder is amazing and he doesn’t mine me writing because it gives
him control of the television.
What
was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your
books?
I found out my
imagination is much more vivid than I thought. When I originally
started writing, it was limited to non-fiction. I wanted to write
fiction, but felt stuck. It was only after I stopped trying to force
it, the words began to flow. Now I listen to and trust my characters
and the words haven’t stopped coming. I’ve also found the
stories and my writing gets better with each book I write. I think
it’s mostly due to becoming comfortable and more sure of
myself.
How many books
have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve
written eight non-fiction/poetry books and, so far, three in my
fantasy series with at least twelve more planned in the series. As
to my favorite, it’s always the one I’m currently writing.
Do
you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so,
what are they?
Advice from others
is good to a point. Trust your gut instinct, for it will never lead
you wrong. Write the story you want to write and trust it will find
the readers meant to read it. While rules are good, save them for
the editing and polishing and throw them out while writing. Trust
your writing process and leave others’ to theirs. Each writer is
different and what works for one, may not work for you.
Do
you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I have several
readers who keep in touch. Some have given me great constructive
criticism I have used moving forward. Others want to know when the
next book will be out and their excitement motivates me to keep
writing. Others want to talk about the characters. Some they love;
others they hate. It’s fun hearing their thoughts.
Do
you like to create books for adults?
I love fantasy.
Always have; always will. I want to create books that all ages can
read in a fantasy setting they can get lost in. While creating for
just adults has an appeal for many authors, I want to appeal to all
ages. I think many of our children have lost an interest in reading
and all that comes with it. If I can create fantasy tales that draw
them in and keep them engaged, then I have helped a whole generation
of readers to move forward in their lives. That means something to
me.
What do you think
makes a good story?
What
one considers good, another would not. I know for me, it has to keep
my interest. If I get bored, I am not as invested in the story and
don’t get as much out of it. I’ve read many a book lately that
has not kept me as engaged as I would have liked. In fact, in the
past seven months, I can only think of two that have peaked my
interest to the point I’m waiting on the next book. I hope the
stories I write engage the interest of readers as they do me when I
am writing them.
As
a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I get asked this
a lot. To be honest, I remember at around the age of six wanting to
be a teacher, but lost that interest within a couple of years. After
that, I never really thought about it. I knew I would grow up and
work, but never really had my heart set on anything in particular.
Elf-Witch
Synopsis and Buy Links:
A
collision of worlds as destinies entwine.
At
35, Maia wonders if she'll ever fit into the human life she's living.
She's always felt different, something more. The dreams and visions
of Elves confuse her, leading her to seek answers. The
Dragon-shifter Drago, soon learns news of his and his "father's"
past that changes everything he ever knew about himself.
It
is not long before destiny brings Drago and Maia together and they
find themselves connected in ways they had never imagined. As the
destinies of the human with Elven memories and the Dragon-Shifter
entwine, they become drawn into a war between Dark & Light.
Where will this quest lead them? Will any of them survive?
Second
book in the Realm Jumper Chronicles, Elf-Witch, by Raven Williams.
Buy
Links:
Paperback:
Printed
Hardcover:
Hardcover/Dust
Jacket:
Elven-Fire Synopsis and
Pre-Order Links
Third book in the Realm Jumper
fantasy series, Elven-Fire, releasing September 25, 2015.
War between Dark and Light is
coming. Will the Universe fall into Darkness?
Unknown to humans, Earth
stands on the cusp of war. One which could cause the Earth as well
as the Universe to fall into Darkness. Elemence, leader of the
Phoenix-Shifters, steps down from her position to lead her Warriors
on Earth. Is it a decision she will live to regret?
Arlondyn of Elf-Kin volunteers
for the Elven contingent on Earth. If there is to be war, he will do
his part to prevent the shift to Darkness. Even if it means his
death.
With war looming, each of the
Elder Species must make a choice. The Elves and Phoenix-Shifters
have pledged their support. Will the other species join them or
leave Earth to its fate?
Pre-order Links:
Facebook
Author Page Link:
Elven-Jumper
Synopsis and Buy Links
Elwyndyn
is a Moon Elf and a Realm Jumper. His mission; travel to the Earth,
to assist humans experiencing dreams of another time; another life.
When hearing their options, what will the humans decide?
Ayana
is one such human. After her parents died. she meets a stranger with
unusual eyes, eyes very much like hers, and everything she thought
she knew changed. Before she knows it, she is on a quest to delve
into her past lives. Will she like where this quest takes her, or is
she in over her head?
First
book in the Realm Jumper Chronicles: Elven-Jumper, by Raven
Williams.
Buy
Links:
Paperbacks:
Printed
Hardcover:
Dust
Jacket Hardcover:
Other Books By Raven:
