SPFBO Author Interview – Staci Olsen “Defender of Dragons”
I might be coming to the end of my received interviews. I don’t think I have many left from those who did send in their responses. It’s been a great trip and we are nearing the end of SPFBO Phase 1. I’m not sure how many I have interviewed and posted up on this blog, but it has to be nearing the 50 range. That’s quite a large chunk of those who took part. It’s been a wonderful thing, but do not think that is the end.
My interviewing offer is open to everybody, whether you are a Finalist, Semi Finalist or you went out in this round. I would love to hear from you all and help bring you into the spotlight! Just get in touch with me, either through here or with my email: anduril38@googlemail.com. Once Phase 1 ends at the end of 2018, I will extend my interviewing offers to all authors, so don’t be shy. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Today’s interview is with Staci Olsen, author of Defender of Dragons. Here is my interview with her while I get some coffee and continue probing my manuscript of The Aegis Mora.
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I write YA fantasy. I would live to write adult fantasy, but for some reason, my voice comes out YA and I don’t know how to change it.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
I’m a pantser. I usually just start with a single scene. If it’s good enough, I’ll turn it into a novel. The plot and characters develop as I go along.
Tell us about your current project.
It’s an Alaskan mythological fantasy.
Who would you say is the main character of your novel? And tell me a little bit about them!
The main character of my published novel is Alskan, a 17-year-old girl. She’s noble, but has little value as a female until she proves that she can capture dragons.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Practice. Don’t give up when the words don’t come out the way you want them to. Writing takes just as much practice as playing football for the NFL.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
The setting is very much like the northern USA state where I grew up.
What inspires you to write?
I love making people respond emotionally to words.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Originally, I was pursuing traditional publishing and the publisher asked me to cut 20,000 words, nearly a quarter of the novel. I sat on it for a year because I had no idea where to begin doing that. By the time I finished, the publisher had moved on. But it’s a better book now.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
The 23rd chapter when the villain is revealed. The scene flowed so naturally. It hardly took any effort.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
That’s hard to pinpoint. The entire journey was a learning process. I learned to accept critiques and follow advice. I learned that I’m capable of obtaining my dreams. I learned how to format a book for publishing.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
Some of them just come easily. They are fully developed people in my mind. Redrick was one of those. For other characters, I have to ask myself what he or she might do or say in a certain situation and think about it for a while.
What are your future project(s)?
The Alaskan mythological fantasy is what I’m working on right now. I’m really excited about it. After that, I think I better write a memoir about my unique childhood.
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
Actually, I was recently hired as an acquisitions editor for Immortal Works Press. I am very blessed to be able to do all my favorite jobs: writing, publishing, and wifing/parenting.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
I maintain my best presence on Facebook and I’ll be friends with anyone who has a connection of some sort.
https://www.facebook.com/staci.olsen.7
I’m also on Twitter in my professional role as acquisitions editor.
https://twitter.com/StaciOlsen12
My website is https://staciolsen.com and I’m also on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16971868.Staci_Olsen but I’m still learning how to be active on these sites.
