Ask the Author: Austin Worley
Answered Questions (6)
Austin Worley
Well, I haven't published a standalone book yet, but my latest story ("Law, Love, and the Whippoorwill" from Under The Cape) was originally inspired by the theme of Cantina Publishing's Silk & Steel anthology:
"We’re looking for stories of high adventure that feature one weapon-wielding woman and one woman whose strengths lie in softer skills, but who is just as powerful in her own right. You’re free to choose any setting – from historical to modern to wildly futuristic."
I already had the broad idea for Topsannah Price/the Whippoorwill from other projects, and as a vigilante specialized in Escrima she fit 'Steel' very well. From there, I tried to think of 'softer' skills which could still have agency in an adventure plot and would contrast a vigilante in an interesting way as a romantic partner; I settled on 'prosecutor', and this was the genesis of District Attorney Madison Harper for 'Silk'.
Once I had my main characters nailed down, I turned to crafting an adventure/romantic suspense plot which could incorporate the strengths of both characters. So Madi's excellence and incorruptibility as DA leads to a group of corrupt cops hiring a superpowered hitman, and it's up to the Whippoorwill to stop him from completing his contract. Along the way, sparks start to fly.
Although Silk & Steel ultimately rejected the story, I'm glad I stumbled across their call for submissions. If I hadn't, I probably never would've written "Law, Love, and the Whippoorwill". And that would be a shame. Personally, I think it's one of the best stories I've ever written.
"We’re looking for stories of high adventure that feature one weapon-wielding woman and one woman whose strengths lie in softer skills, but who is just as powerful in her own right. You’re free to choose any setting – from historical to modern to wildly futuristic."
I already had the broad idea for Topsannah Price/the Whippoorwill from other projects, and as a vigilante specialized in Escrima she fit 'Steel' very well. From there, I tried to think of 'softer' skills which could still have agency in an adventure plot and would contrast a vigilante in an interesting way as a romantic partner; I settled on 'prosecutor', and this was the genesis of District Attorney Madison Harper for 'Silk'.
Once I had my main characters nailed down, I turned to crafting an adventure/romantic suspense plot which could incorporate the strengths of both characters. So Madi's excellence and incorruptibility as DA leads to a group of corrupt cops hiring a superpowered hitman, and it's up to the Whippoorwill to stop him from completing his contract. Along the way, sparks start to fly.
Although Silk & Steel ultimately rejected the story, I'm glad I stumbled across their call for submissions. If I hadn't, I probably never would've written "Law, Love, and the Whippoorwill". And that would be a shame. Personally, I think it's one of the best stories I've ever written.
Austin Worley
Themed anthologies are a great way to get ideas, even if I don't end up sending a story to the anthology which inspired it. Otherwise, quiet alone time spent thinking about a basic premise is my main source of inspiration.
Austin Worley
It depends. Sometimes I take a break to creatively recharge. Sometimes I reevaluate my plan; do I really need this scene/paragraph/sentence that I'm stuck on? And sometimes I just write through it.
Austin Worley
Seeing your work in print! I doubt I'll ever get tired of that thrill.
Austin Worley
Keep trying. It's very easy to get discouraged by a stream of rejections or complete radio silence, but as long as you're still writing you still have a chance to make your dreams come true.
Austin Worley
Right now, I'm working on a prequel of sorts to "Law, Love, and the Whippoorwill" from Under The Cape. Specifically, it's a short story about how Whippoorwill met Rosa and why she took her in.
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