Many years before I became an author, I worked as a marketing and communications manager, crafting messages for large and small companies, primarily in the tech industry. I enjoyed the profession and found it rewarding, at least most of the time.
Writing was always a cornerstone of my responsibilities during that period of my life, and I learned many best practices, which I frequently use today as an author. For example, I learned to be concise, limit unnecessary superlatives, use proper grammar, and captivate readers regardless of the topic.
Although good writing is always essential, whether for promotional marketing material or a fantasy novel, I quickly learned that writing fiction was an entirely different ballgame.
Today, I am grateful for the chance to touch readers on a much deeper emotional and personal level.
When readers open a novel (or turn on their e-reader), they often bond with the characters in the story. Readers invest their time and expect to come away feeling some level of emotion. They want to be entertained. So my priority as an author is to meet reader expectations. Everything else is secondary.
I understand that not everyone enjoys science fiction and fantasy. But for those who do, I try to craft stories with a sense of wonder and intrigue that will keep you wanting more.
Even though today’s Indie publishing industry favors those who rapidly churn out books, I’m not a particularly fast writer. I take the time I need to develop stories that will stay with you long after you close the last page.
And as my plot develops through multiple books, you have the opportunity to form a relationship with the characters. So when you open the next book in the series, I hope it feels like coming home to spend time with close friends.
Elthea’s Nemesis, book four in The Story of Elthea Realm series, will be available in a few months.
Until next time,
John
Photo by Aaron Burden on StockSnap