Interview with Author Paul Dorset

Spotlight: Paul Dorset, author of Ryann and others ... Sit back, relax, read, and enjoy!
You seem devoted to helping other authors by giving advice, spotlights, interviews ... what's the most rewarding part of helping others?There’s no specific part that is more rewarding than others. I just think it’s important for Indie Authors to help each other. After all, we don’t have a big publishing house or an agent behind us. We’re all in this together and need as much cross-marketing as possible.
Why do you put so much effort into helping other authors?I have a vague hope that other Indie Authors will help me too J
What do you think the most valuable advice is, that you could give to another writer?Take your time in getting your book published and ensure it is as error-free and as perfect as you can make it. You only get one chance to get your book out there, but it’s available forever to read and people will judge you on the quality of it. So it’s better to take a few extra weeks or months cross-checking everything rather than take the viewpoint of I must get the book out on Amazon by x.
What's the greatest advice you've ever been given by another writer?That just like Van Gogh, you can’t please everyone with what you produce. Everyone has their fans and detractors. Get over it!
You're a writer yourself, so tell us a bit about your latest book. I currently have ten published books, ranging from YA Epic Fantasy, through 16+ Urban Paranormal, and a couple of self-help books. My latest published book is entitled Ryann and is a YA fantasy novella. It’s available for FREE on Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Smashwords (I’m still trying to get Amazon to make the book free). From the back of the book: “Living during a time when children were sold as indentured servants, Ryann must find a way to buy her freedom before the bullying son of her lord and master exacts a deathly vengeance upon her. The castle at Walthern is inhabited by lords and soldiers, potion-makers and sclavas; all trying to eke out an existence in an unforgiving country laid waste by battle. With only a tattered yellow nightdress, two dark brown dresses, and a small assortment of odds and ends, what chance does Ryann have of beating the odds?”
Which character do you most identify with in the book and why?I’m not usually someone that identifies with individual characters in my books. Instead I try to make all my main characters as interesting as possible, in different ways. I’ve been told that Ryann is a very strong female character that will appeal to teenage girls and women alike.
Is there anything in particular you hope readers gain from reading it?I think it’s important to write strong adventurous characters that readers can relate to. I also want readers to imagine they can break boundaries and think outside of the box. Life should be something we all look forward to.
Who are a few of your favorite authors?Gosh, so many! When I was younger I read books by C.S. Lewis, John Wyndham, Isaac Asimov, and later Stephen King. Nowadays I read a lot of fantasy authors including Kate Elliott, George RR Martin, Robin Hobb, Douglas Adams, and Jacqueline Carey. I also try and read as many Indie Author books as I can.
Do you have an all-time favorite novel?Yes. Oh, you want to know what it is too? It’s a book called Mister God, This Is Anna by Fynn. I read it as a teenager and it had a profound effect on me. I haven’t read it for years but it still sits on my shelf. I should pull it down again.
How many books would you say you read in an average month?It really varies. Sometimes I don’t get to reading any, while other months I read 4 or 5. I guess overall I read about 25 books a year (including audio-books I listen to).
What other activities do you enjoy, when you're not writing?Eating, bar-hopping, drinking wine, and traveling. I just wish I had a few spare hours in the day to get to them all J
Now, where can readers stalk you? Your web presence?Blog: http://blog.pauldorset.comWebsite: http://pauldorset.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/jcx27Facebook: http://facebook.com/pdorset27Books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Dorset/e/B004OEFF80
Many thanks, Ryan, for interviewing me.
Thanks, Paul, for the interview!