Ask the Author: Sistar SunRA
Answered Questions (6)
Sistar SunRA
For myself, the best thing about being a writer is incorporating everything that I learn, hear, or see into an entertaining way to reach. I don't feel like I'm a teacher. I'm a storyteller. I see how so many topics, situations, and emotions conflict with daily living and I think...It's bad...so bad...but it could be worse.
I've learned to stand in the shoes of others and see life from their perspective. It may not be the way others interpret the view, but it doesn't make anyone right or wrong or another less intelligent. People are the products of their environment until they move to better surroundings to enjoy the view. Many never make that one choice for whatever reason that holds them stagnant.
But those that can master alternating perspectives, there is a sense of peace that is found in sharing what you learn. That's why I write, and love being an author. It's all I ever wanted to be, and I feel that no one can tell a story as I deliver. You may not like a few characters or certain ones...
You may be offended by the levels of immaturity displayed by a few...or you can feel that I take things too far.
But isn't that what great books are supposed to do? If they don't make you feel or think differently, then I believe someone edited out the best stuff. I don't want to water anything down for long. I have to stay true to my art.
I've learned to stand in the shoes of others and see life from their perspective. It may not be the way others interpret the view, but it doesn't make anyone right or wrong or another less intelligent. People are the products of their environment until they move to better surroundings to enjoy the view. Many never make that one choice for whatever reason that holds them stagnant.
But those that can master alternating perspectives, there is a sense of peace that is found in sharing what you learn. That's why I write, and love being an author. It's all I ever wanted to be, and I feel that no one can tell a story as I deliver. You may not like a few characters or certain ones...
You may be offended by the levels of immaturity displayed by a few...or you can feel that I take things too far.
But isn't that what great books are supposed to do? If they don't make you feel or think differently, then I believe someone edited out the best stuff. I don't want to water anything down for long. I have to stay true to my art.
Sistar SunRA
Find a subject that moves you, and add as much of yourself into the story as possible. There are so many novels out there, and great writers bringing them to life. You want to put something out there that no one else could do like you can. This is your story, and it isn't over until you put down the pen or say goodbye.
When that day comes, your work will remain to remind this world that you existed and had something to say.
When that day comes, your work will remain to remind this world that you existed and had something to say.
Sistar SunRA
When I find myself unable to move forward with a particular novel, plot, or character arc... I find myself going back to dig up more dirt I can pile into the story that will come up and have everyone react to it in different ways. Sometimes I hit gold, other times I laugh at my flux of character morality.
But it entertains me, so I always keep writing just to see what's the worse that can happen? LOL...You have to keep a sense of humor when it comes to writing. People are going to talk one way or the other, so why not be your own worse critic?
But it entertains me, so I always keep writing just to see what's the worse that can happen? LOL...You have to keep a sense of humor when it comes to writing. People are going to talk one way or the other, so why not be your own worse critic?
Sistar SunRA
King of Diamonds is nearly complete for release and continues about a week after the end of King of Clubs.
Now I'm also editing Queen of Spades to follow King of Diamonds. Queen of Spades will be big and could possibly be divided into 3 parts. It's worth the wait for all the arguments, fighting, and cheating that begins for the Lions thanks to a trip to Jamaica for Spring Break. That entire week became three very long novels...lol...
There was so much healing that took place, surprise twists and turns, and the introduction to so many new lions that it had to be shared. I loved spending hours going over fine details and connecting the dots for all the characters in the storyline. It's insane... :)
Now I'm also editing Queen of Spades to follow King of Diamonds. Queen of Spades will be big and could possibly be divided into 3 parts. It's worth the wait for all the arguments, fighting, and cheating that begins for the Lions thanks to a trip to Jamaica for Spring Break. That entire week became three very long novels...lol...
There was so much healing that took place, surprise twists and turns, and the introduction to so many new lions that it had to be shared. I loved spending hours going over fine details and connecting the dots for all the characters in the storyline. It's insane... :)
Sistar SunRA
I listen to a lot of different music from so many genres, and time periods that I start to see a story unfold from the lyrics. I wind up writing dialog, describing scenes, and find myself connecting the song to the story's chapter titles. It's my way of giving tribute to musicians that inspired me through the years. Queen of Hearts and King of Clubs were written back when Kendrick Lamar dropped To Pimp A Butterfly, and I used so much of his previous and recent works as a playlist that made chapter and acts titles.
For the next installment, King of Diamonds, I used J. Cole! There is Hip-Hop ruling Mandisa and the Lions' reality. But my other Lions in the next series are all Rock/Alternative/Grunge ruled. Who says that worlds can't collide thanks to lyrical influences?
For the next installment, King of Diamonds, I used J. Cole! There is Hip-Hop ruling Mandisa and the Lions' reality. But my other Lions in the next series are all Rock/Alternative/Grunge ruled. Who says that worlds can't collide thanks to lyrical influences?
Sistar SunRA
I actually split King of Clubs from the novel Queen of Hearts due to the enormous page count. You can't start a series with a 1000 page novel. But I didn't want to remove the content thusly diluting the story. I felt that the insanity had to keep going as Mandisa and her choices began to meet insecurity. It was too epic to cut anything out since the novels of the Lions & Love Series continue one another. The next one begins right about the time the last leaves off. Each gets deeper, more emotional, and eventually, the genres start to flip.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more