IndieView with Sean M Hollows, author of Serpent Game: Slave to the Shadows

I always strive to complete a thought process per day. That is to say, I do not rely at all on general word count caps to gauge progress. Those limits have since served to hold me back and discourage rather than their inverse.

Sean M Hollows – 4 September 2018

The Back Flap

A bullet severed him from the public eye.
One man fights to right his previous life.

Gyone Irensho, an infamous contract killer who worked the bristling wilds of Crygor City, loses his life, only to be reanimated from his six-foot slumber. His benefactor harnesses an unspeakable evil at his whim, all in favor of his battle against the Shadows that he, himself, has learned to control.

As they say, fight fire with fire.

Upon being greeted with another contract, Gyone has a kneejerk change of heart, sets aside the offer and heads off with a festering guilt that had plagued his heart for years prior. And now, he begins his journey back home.To a stricken lover that may or may not be there waiting for his return.

An offer, as he would soon find out, that would haunt him forever.

About the book

What is the book about?

Serpent Game: Slave to the Shadows is a redemption story about a contract killer, Gyone Irensho, getting a second chance of life after he, himself, became victim to his occupation.

When did you start writing the book?

When I was 14 years old.

How long did it take you to write it?

Nine years. That would make me 23 when it was finally at a place I was happy with.

Where did you get the idea from?

Hard to say. I think it came from watching so many anime shows where the protagonist would just get away with being so strong. I wanted to start in one of those types of character’s prime (or past, in this case) to showcase how prophetic power can come with its own consequences, if left unchecked.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Man, where do I even begin? Correcting the beginning chapters and updating them to my current abilities was its own undertaking!

What came easily?

The actual process of coming up with new ideas is a breeze for me. I’m always jampacked with new concepts to try out.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Nobody by name, but there are some characters that borrow traits from friends, family, and others.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Danie Ware. Her ability to write action in an efficient way blows my mind, and has inspired my own way of relaying action text.

Do you have a target reader?

I’d say the young adult market is what I shoot for mainly. People who are looking more for general entertainment and are more accepting to colorful descriptions. That’s not to say I’m not inclusive in my writing, though. I’m sure any age group could get something out of my work.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I always strive to complete a thought process per day. That is to say, I do not rely at all on general word count caps to gauge progress. Those limits have since served to hold me back and discourage rather than their inverse. Y’know. What they’re supposed to do!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Very minimalistic, but I do. I’ve learned that when outside of the Word document, some of the ideas you come up with pale in comparison to what you come up with on the spot. So my outlines only cover broad arcs and when they’ll most likely fall in line.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I try not to worry too much about editing, but it’ll end up happening – if only in its own contained spurt.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I hired one of my close friends to edit for me. Now, that’s not to say I didn’t pay for Angora’s services. I was a customer all the same.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Can’t write without it. Nujabes always seems to end up on my playlist when writing anything. The king of smooth easy listening with a hip-hop aftertaste. I can never get enough of his music, rest his soul.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I tried, but following the trend, I felt three “no’s” was enough encouragement to self-publish.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was a suggestion at first, propelled by rejection letters. I’d say it was a slow-burn sort of decision.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done. There’s a funny story around the front cover art of Serpent Game, but I’ll leave it at there were two artists involved. One just has some unfortunate timing.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Step 1: Gain the social media edge.
Step 2: Garner some traction locally, hold some events, just talk to human beings.

Step 3: Profit (?)

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Few things, actually. First thing: always start your marketing early! And never ever underestimate the power of a giveaway. You should be focused on getting your book into as many hands as possible!

About You

Where did you grow up?

In the deserts of Southern California, in a town called Hesperia. Definitely seen better days, and everybody is said to have been born here with a bone to pick. Myself included.

Where do you live now?

Still my hometown.

What would you like readers to know about you?

You can find more on my various web pages. I’m also looking for beta readers for the next book. More about that on the Facebook page!

End of Interview:

For more from Sean, visit his website, follow him on Twitter and like his Facebook page.

Get your copy of Serpent Game: Slave to the Shadows from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

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