At the beginning the plot seemed to be too complicated, and I didn’t want that. So I had to find a way to keep the idea I had, but to be able to transmit the whole concept in a way that wasn’t too hard to understand, because I didn’t want it to be a difficult reading.
Marina Sandoval – 28 January 2020
The Back Flap
In a world where men are neither alive nor dead, the gods had given to the Sermerios the Stone of Destiny, which determines who comes back to life and who should die. However, when Grant becomes king of the Sermerios, he hides the Stone of Destiny. During a battle on the high seas – navy against pirates – Steven, the crew doctor, two of his comrades, Richard and Hubert, and one pirate, Thomas, drift away from the combat in a small boat. They reach a lighthouse, occupied by a curious woman named Virginia. She gives them a map of a world they have never seen and that will lead them in an adventure full of mysteries and dangers.
About the book
What is the book about?
It is a fantasy book about four men that are in a coma within our world. They arrive into a new world where there used to be a system where humans that arrive there could go back to life or die, but this system is now corrupt and they will have to fight their way to wake up once more.
When did you start writing the book?
The first sentence of the book was written mid-2008.
How long did it take you to write it?
About 3 years.
Where did you get the idea from?
I saw a picture of a lighthouse in the middle of the fog and an idea came to me.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
At the beginning the plot seemed to be too complicated, and I didn’t want that. So I had to find a way to keep the idea I had, but to be able to transmit the whole concept in a way that wasn’t too hard to understand, because I didn’t want it to be a difficult reading. I think that at the end I managed to do that.
What came easily?
My characters, they have a life of their own and I love that.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Entirely fictitious.
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone above 14 that loves fantasy.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I always start without having too much knowledge of where it is going to go, but after, when I can see the story developing, I picture the end and then my characters and I just have to figure out how to get to that end.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No outline, usually I let my characters take me, I only outline the end after I’ve already begun.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wait until I’ve finished, then I’ll go back reread everything and start editing.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No, but I hired a professional proofreader.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes, when I want to get in a certain state of mind. The kind of music will depend on the state of mind I want to be in. For instance, if I’m writing an action scene, I will listen to strong instrumental music to inspire myself.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did submit to some, but not many. I already had in mind to publish on my own, but I wanted to try it for the experience, so I’ve sent to some.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I have self-published before in Brazil, so it was a natural process for me. I already knew all the steps I had to take.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professional.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m working on a plan, but for now I am totally winging it!
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Whatever you do, don’t write your first draft and then just put it on Amazon. Reread it, make edits, and hire a professional to proofread it. If you don’t have the money (like me) save until you can pay for one. Hold from the rush to launch the book. I know how much you want to see your book published, but it is worth the wait until it’s really well done rather than just rushing into it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
São Paulo, Brazil.
Where do you live now?
Montréal, Canada.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I write fantasy, it’s my favorite genre, but my readings aren’t limited to it. Pagan mythology is one theme that fascinates me and has a great influence on my writing. My favorite authors are Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, among others.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second volume of The Fourth World and I’m translating another series I’ve called “C.S. – Private Detective” into English.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of The Fourth World from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
