Tuesday, November 29, 2016

An Interview with Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Arwen Chandler

arwen chandler books, fantasy books by women, science fiction books
Arwen Chandler is a science fiction and fantasy author who has recently published her first full-length novel, The Collision of Fire and Ice. Arwen has been writing for several years. She has turned her love for fantasy into a passion for writing. Arwen is a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, and Dune.

--Susan

An Interview with Arwen Chandler


If you could, would you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I have been educated in creative writing. I love teaching people how to write, especially teenagers. I've been able to work with students and teach the craft of creative writing for several years. It really has been amazing. I love to see kids learn, and grow in their writing ability.

So, what have you written?

I have written Odds & Ends: A Collection of Short Fiction, Blue Springs, Kansas, The Louvre Still Stands, The Collision of Fire and Ice, A Practical Guide for Vampire Hunting: By Lady Scarlet Ashcroft, Moroi Venator Society: (Prequel to the Scarlet Ashcroft Vampire Slayer Saga), and Remove Your Shackles and Write.

Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own books?
Yes, I've created two for The Collision of Fire and Ice. I really enjoyed making them, and I plan to make more.








Where can we find your books?
My books are available on Amazon @ Arwen Chandler. Click:here.

What genre are your books?
Romantic Fantasy, Marine Science Fiction, and one Romantic Thriller.

Is there something about this genre that draws you to it?
I grew up loving science fiction and fantasy. I remember having Superman posters on my wall above my bed in fourth grade. (I got them at 7 Eleven every time I got a slurpee.) I love Star Trek, and all kinds of fantasy. I guess what draws me to it is the ability to escape into a world that I would like to see exist.

Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
Hard question. I think my favorite book is The Collision of Fire and Ice, but I really love the characters in The Louvre Still Stands. In fact, I am working on a prequel to my short read. It's called The Militarian Job.

If you could cast anyone to play the characters in your most recent book, who would they be?
For The Collision of Fire and Ice I would choose :

Karn Elohite: Chris Pratt
Lilia Maekel: Bryce Dallas Howard
Iaian Elohite: Chris Hemsworth 
Annielie Maekel: Emily Blunt
Tiernan Maekel: Eddie Redmayne
Fridtjof Maekel: Tom Hiddleston
Magnus Maekel: Benedict Cumberbatch

Why do you write?
I love to tell stories. I have so much floating around in my head. Writing is actually a release.

Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?
I know it's a dream, and doesn't happen for most people. But, I am hoping I can support our family by my writing. I really need to have a steady income coming in. And, I think writing will do it for me. I hope (fingers crossed!).

Where do the your ideas come from?
They usually come from somewhere in my life, or a dream. I have always looked at pictures and imagined myself inside them. Maybe it just comes from my wild imagination.

Some authors use outlines, some just fly by the seat of their pants. How do you write?
Both. I usually outline but only loosely. I generally know where I want to go, but the characters tell me how I will get there. Sometimes it surprises me where the characters take me. For example, I had no plans for the book The Collision of Fire and Ice to have dragons in it. Never even entered my mind. But, one day I was writing, and I thought. This book needs dragons. So, they were suddenly there.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the book. A couple of the short reads took me a day, or less. The Collision of Fire and Ice took me eight years to complete.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I usually write late at night, or early in the morning. Occasionally, I will write during the middle of the day.

Do you design your own book covers?
Yes. I love art, and I really want to learn the art of cover design. I think mine have gotten better, but I still have a lot to learn.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes. They are so important, because it's what draws readers to the story.

How do you market your books?
I am on Goodreads. I use Twitter. I also have been asking people for book reviews. Of course, getting reviews is hard. I also started using MailChimp, and doing a few Facebook ads. Oh, I've also used Amazon Giveaways.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Everyone who is making money with their books says that it is crucial to build an email list. Unfortunately, I am behind the game in that. So, I'm working on getting an e-mail list.

Do you have any advice on how to get book reviews?
Join Facebook groups, and just ask people. That's the only thing that has worked for me.

What are your thoughts on good vs. bad reviews?
I think all reviews are good reviews. I had a review on one of my short reads that stated I had a few typos in my book. I took the review and fixed the typos. I really appreciated it. Besides, isn't all publicity good publicity?

Who are your favorite authors?
Stephanie Meyer, JK Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Frank Herbert, Stephen King

If you could have been an author for any book, who would it be and what book?
Bram Stoker, and Dracula.


What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don't let fear hold you back. I let the fear of success, and the fear of failure hold me back for too long. If you want to write. Do it! Don't tell yourself you can't. If you have always wanted to write, just do it. Do it! Do it! Do it!

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website/ Blog: sculptingwordsfromair.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorarwenchandler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/arwenchandler
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Arwen-Chandler/e/B00PL7WMBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8567876.Arwen_Chandler


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