Book Nerds Unite discussion
ARCHIVE: AIE 2021
>
AIE | The Event!
date
newest »
newest »
message 2:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?
message 3:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
(For example, if your favorite genre to read is fantasy, but you write historical fiction, why is this so? Why not be a fantasy author?)
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?"
I got the initial idea for Nokturn Rising after reading a lot of different series in the YA fantasy genre and I started thinking about what I wanted to see in a main character and the love interest. Strangely, the character of Ash was born before Lark! As I developed my characters and their personalities, I felt like the world of Nokturns built itself up around that naturally.
message 5:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?"
I got the initial idea for Nokturn Rising after reading a lot of diffe..."
That's really interesting! How did you come up with the name "Nokturn Rising"?
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "What is your favorite genre to read? Does this match what genre(s) you write? Why?(For example, if your favorite genre to read is fantasy, but you write historical fiction, why is this so? Why no..."
My favorite genre to read is YA fantasy. I love being able to go into a completely different reality and get lost in a world that is so different from our own and that makes you feel anything is possible.
I write mostly in the YA fantasy genre, though I do have a couple of side projects that lean toward NA genre as well.
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?"
I got the initial idea for Nokturn Rising after reading a..."
'Nokturn came from the word 'nocturnal'. This is because all of the "creatures" in my series are creatures of darkness, vampires, reapers, and werewolves. So, the name Nokturn was born. The 'Rising' part of the title is a nudge toward the brewing uprising and civil tensions that are happening between each faction of Nokturns and where all that unrest is going to lead.
message 8:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
(For example, if your favorite genre to read is fantasy, but you write historical fict..."
Ooh, side projects?! I know your website hints at your future projects, but which of them are NA leaning?
message 9:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?"
I got the initial idea for Nok..."
That's actually really clever!
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,Where did you get the idea for your Nokturn Rising series? What inspired that world?"
I got the initial..."
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the first book and have been a wonderful and continued support for the series!
@M.C. Clay,
What kind of audience did you write your book for (as in maybe an age range, or a reader who likes a certain genre)?
@M.C. Clay, @Isaiah
What was the self-publishing process like? What kind of challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
What kind of audience did you write your book for (as in maybe an age range, or a reader who likes a certain genre)?
@M.C. Clay, @Isaiah
What was the self-publishing process like? What kind of challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
message 12:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
What was your self–publishing process/experience like? Particularly in comparison to M.C. Clay's?
M~ wrote: "@M.C. Clay,Who would your recommend your book to, as in what kind of audience did you write this book for? Also, what was the self-publishing process like?"
I would recommend my book for anyone interested in YA fantasy. In particular, fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, Victoria Aveyard, Sarah J Maas, etc. There is a good blend of fantasy, romance, action, and more, with something for just about everyone. This is also great for anyone who likes the Enemies-to-Lovers trope!
As far as my self-publishing experience, it has always been a fairly straightforward and stress-free process. I use KDP through Amazon. It is really simple to set up your book and get it published. When I first published my books, I used their Cover Creator and just uploaded the front cover art, but recently, I designed the entire cover myself (front, back, and spine) and re-released my first 4 books. The process of getting the cover file to the right size was much more difficult than I expected (just a warning for anyone out there who intends to do the same thing, be prepared for plenty of edits to your cover).
message 14:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "What is the hardest part about writing and publishing a book?"The hardest part for me about writing and publishing a book is when I get into a slump or find that I can't focus on the manuscript that I'm currently trying to finish. Sometimes, when other life factors come into play, it can throw off the creative process for me and that can be difficult to overcome sometimes.
I also find it difficult to finally get to a point where I feel like my work is ready for publication. I read and re-read my manuscripts so many times that I could probably recite my books from memory! I just always want to feel like it's exactly what I want it to be before submitting it for publication.
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "What is the hardest part about writing and publishing a book?"The editing of the book, so it can be printed properly. That took me awhile to do and a multiple fixes to ensure the pictures and texts in the book didn't come out all messed up.
message 17:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!
M~ wrote: "@M.C. Clay,What kind of audience did you write your book for (as in maybe an age range, or a reader who likes a certain genre)?
@M.C. Clay, @Isaiah
What was the self-publishing process like? Wh..."
Doing it through amazon made the process easy, other than having to do all the editing on my own. It just took some time and effort to learn how to use the amazon tools to ensure that the editing was correct. There were several editing attempts and corrections made over the course of a few days to ensure everything worked properly. Having done the process once now it would be very easy to do it again. This is good as I do hope to write some more stories related to Timmy.
M.C. wrote: "M~ wrote: "@M.C. Clay,
Who would your recommend your book to, as in what kind of audience did you write this book for? Also, what was the self-publishing process like?"
I would recommend my book ..."
That is so cool! I'm a huge fan of Leigh Bardugo, and the books by the other 3 authors you mentioned are pretty high up on my TBR list. Also, I do like enemies-to-lovers :) I would love to read ASOGAE soon!
It's really interesting to hear about your self-publishing experience, and as an aspiring author, this gives me some insight into how self-publishing works. I still have yet to write my book, though, so once I can put my ideas on paper, I can start thinking about publishing then. Where do you start when you write a book (especially when it's the first book of the series and you haven't written anything that takes place in the same world before it)?
Who would your recommend your book to, as in what kind of audience did you write this book for? Also, what was the self-publishing process like?"
I would recommend my book ..."
That is so cool! I'm a huge fan of Leigh Bardugo, and the books by the other 3 authors you mentioned are pretty high up on my TBR list. Also, I do like enemies-to-lovers :) I would love to read ASOGAE soon!
It's really interesting to hear about your self-publishing experience, and as an aspiring author, this gives me some insight into how self-publishing works. I still have yet to write my book, though, so once I can put my ideas on paper, I can start thinking about publishing then. Where do you start when you write a book (especially when it's the first book of the series and you haven't written anything that takes place in the same world before it)?
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@Isaiah,What was your self–publishing process/experience like? Particularly in comparison to M.C. Clay's?"
This is very close to my experience. Everything was straight forward, the editing was just hard for me to get perfect and took a few attempts.
My cover came out really well. My sister did the artwork for it and then I worked the image file in photoshop to get it to correct dimensions to work as the cover. It took a bit of math using the kdp tables of sizes but was fun and came out really well.
Big thanks to my sister Talia for doing all the artwork in my first book!
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my research into what is currently drawing attention in the YA Fantasy genre. I looked at the top charts on multiple sites, looked at blogs featuring cover art for the most popular books, and compared what all of those had in common and determined what would work for my books. Then I created them myself (which is awesome to be able to do and cut out the cost and hassle of finding someone to create what I wanted). I'm hoping the new covers will generate some new interest in the series and catch the attention of readers who might not have discovered it yet!
Isaiah wrote: "M~ wrote: "@M.C. Clay,
What kind of audience did you write your book for (as in maybe an age range, or a reader who likes a certain genre)?
@M.C. Clay, @Isaiah
What was the self-publishing proce..."
That sounds nice! I agree that the tools would be easier to use once you get familiar with them. Where did you get the inspiration for 10 Little Dandelions? I read your review, where you mentioned that they are some of nature's most amazing plants, but what made you notice in dandelions in the first place? Also, do you share any similarities with Timmy that you incorporated into your story (I haven't read your book yet but I would love to know more about it and where I can read it :)
What kind of audience did you write your book for (as in maybe an age range, or a reader who likes a certain genre)?
@M.C. Clay, @Isaiah
What was the self-publishing proce..."
That sounds nice! I agree that the tools would be easier to use once you get familiar with them. Where did you get the inspiration for 10 Little Dandelions? I read your review, where you mentioned that they are some of nature's most amazing plants, but what made you notice in dandelions in the first place? Also, do you share any similarities with Timmy that you incorporated into your story (I haven't read your book yet but I would love to know more about it and where I can read it :)
message 23:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my research into what is currently drawing at..."
Although I did like your original covers a LOT, I really do like your newest covers! Maybe that means I'm a sucker for covers like that, but I don't care! lol XD
How did you design your original covers? They look almost handmade (in a good way)!
M~ wrote: "M.C. wrote: "M~ wrote: "@M.C. Clay,Who would your recommend your book to, as in what kind of audience did you write this book for? Also, what was the self-publishing process like?"
I would recom..."
When I first started writing ASOGAE, it began with a rough outline. I had already had ideas for my few main characters and what kind of personalities I wanted them to have, but I hadn't come up with the specific plot line or anything yet. Once I had my two main characters, I started thinking, 'Okay, what would their relationship look like in this world where there's so much turmoil and hatred between species?' I feel like writing this first book was the most difficult and time consuming, because if you're writing a series, it's setting up the foundation for everything that will follow. I have a notebook for every series I intend to write. In each of those is a character list with short descriptions, setting descriptions, quick summaries of what I want to accomplish for the storyline in each book within the series, etc. For me, this is a step I HAVE to complete before I can begin actually writing a manuscript. I think this is where many people differ. Some authors like to do a formal outline, some people don't outline at all, I have my own sort of "outlining" process.
I can say, once you complete the first book in the series, the ones that follow come a lot more easily! And I'm also in the editing process of the first book in a new series I'm working on and I can say that writing it was much easier than ASOGAE. I think that first book is always the hardest because as an author, you automatically put so much pressure on yourself to get it perfect.
M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my research into what is currently drawing at..."
I do a lot of gardening and work outside and enjoy plants. I follow this permaculture orchardist on youtube and he did and episode on dandelions. That is how I learned how awesome they are. I was also inspired to make them the main focus as a good flower, since most people just dismiss them as a weed.
Right now the book is only available on amazon as a hardcopy, I need to go get the digital version setup. This requires some more editing and I haven't gotten around to it yet.
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my research into what is current..."
I'm a sucker for those types of covers too! I don't think it's a bad thing!
I will always be partial to my original covers. My mother, who is an amazing artist, drew all of them by hand. She works mainly in charcoal, pastels, etc., hence the hand-drawn quality which was part of what I loved about them! When I approached her about doing the cover art, we talked about a lot of different options, but we ultimately decided on using silhouettes and choosing something iconic about each one to add a pop of color (i.e., Lark's hair on the original ASOGAE cover).
message 27:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(last edited Oct 02, 2021 01:37PM)
(new)
Mod
How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my research into what is current..."
^^Going off @Isaiah's reply:
@~M,
It's actually a paperback! (I have a copy.)
message 28:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I really did my re..."
That's so cool! Your mom deserves a ton of credit for making such stunning covers!
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "M.C. wrote: "Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay,How did you come up with your book covers? They look great!"
When I decided to refresh my covers, I rea..."
Thank you so much! I will definitely pass along the compliment! I know she will love to know that someone loved her covers!
message 30:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Earlier, you said you have some future projects that lean NA. Which ones are those?
message 31:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Where do you think Timmy will go next?
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "@M.C. Clay, Earlier, you said you have some future projects that lean NA. Which ones are those?"
I have a 2-3 book series that I'm working on with my daughter that is more of a NA paranormal romance that will have a lot of witchcraft/curses/etc. involved.
I am also working on a series that isn't fantasy at all, but more of a NA college romance type book (those are my guilty pleasure when I find myself in a YA fantasy book hangover). So, I'm trying my hand at that, but it is definitely not as high up on my priority list of projects. I have many YA fantasy series and spin-offs that are upcoming and those are definitely my first priority to finish.
Probably back to the yard to look at bugs! But eventually to the ocean to go diving. That one will probably be a while away though since I want to use real photographs of ocean wildlife for it.
message 34:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
Earlier, you said you have some future projects that lean NA. Which ones are those?"
I have a 2-3 book series that I'm working on with my daughter that is ..."
Very cool!
message 35:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
That's cool! Is Timmy going to be older for the diving one? Or will he not be the diver, but the one like learning from a diver?
@AsiaUnsure at this point, will have to see what thoughts I have later on.
@M.C, Clay Who is your favourite author!?
Prior Eaton (NEW BIO!) wrote: "@M.C, Clay Who is your favourite author!?"My favorite author is Leigh Bardugo. I love the world she has created with the GrishaVerse! I have plenty of other favorites, but she definitely tops the list!
M.C. wrote: "Prior Eaton (NEW BIO!) wrote: "@M.C, Clay Who is your favourite author!?"
My favorite author is Leigh Bardugo. I love the world she has created with the GrishaVerse! I have plenty of other favorit..."
She is one of my favorite authors too! :)
My favorite author is Leigh Bardugo. I love the world she has created with the GrishaVerse! I have plenty of other favorit..."
She is one of my favorite authors too! :)
M.C. wrote: "When I first started writing ASOGAE, it began with a rough outline. I had already had ideas for my few main characters and what kind of personalities I wanted them to have, but I hadn't come up with the specific plot line or anything yet. Once I had my two main characters, I started thinking, 'Okay, what would their relationship look like in this world where there's so much turmoil and hatred between species?' I feel like writing this first book was the most difficult and time consuming, because if you're writing a series, it's setting up the foundation for everything that will follow. I have a notebook for every series I intend to write. In each of those is a character list with short descriptions, setting descriptions, quick summaries of what I want to accomplish for the storyline in each book within the series, etc. For me, this is a step I HAVE to complete before I can begin actually writing a manuscript. I think this is where many people differ. Some authors like to do a formal outline, some people don't outline at all, I have my own sort of "outlining" process.
I can say, once you complete the first book in the series, the ones that follow come a lot more easily! And I'm also in the editing process of the first book in a new series I'm working on and I can say that writing it was much easier than ASOGAE. I think that first book is always the hardest because as an author, you automatically put so much pressure on yourself to get it perfect."
That is so relatable! I know firsthand how hard it is to write the first book (I didn't even know where to start, so I dropped it at the time), and it's good to know that you found a way to start that works best for you. I've always wanted to ask this question to an author, and I wanted an answer that was actually a bit detailed so I could understand what the process was like - so thank you so much for answering my questions! I really appreciate it :D
I can say, once you complete the first book in the series, the ones that follow come a lot more easily! And I'm also in the editing process of the first book in a new series I'm working on and I can say that writing it was much easier than ASOGAE. I think that first book is always the hardest because as an author, you automatically put so much pressure on yourself to get it perfect."
That is so relatable! I know firsthand how hard it is to write the first book (I didn't even know where to start, so I dropped it at the time), and it's good to know that you found a way to start that works best for you. I've always wanted to ask this question to an author, and I wanted an answer that was actually a bit detailed so I could understand what the process was like - so thank you so much for answering my questions! I really appreciate it :D
Isaiah wrote: "I do a lot of gardening and work outside and enjoy plants. I follow this permaculture orchardist on youtube and he did and episode on dandelions. That is how I learned how awesome they are. I was also inspired to make them the main focus as a good flower, since most people just dismiss them as a weed.
Right now the book is only available on amazon as a hardcopy, I need to go get the digital version setup. This requires some more editing and I haven't gotten around to it yet."
That is so cool - Thank you for answering my questions! I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy of your book to read with my little sister. It sounds like something she might like :)
Right now the book is only available on amazon as a hardcopy, I need to go get the digital version setup. This requires some more editing and I haven't gotten around to it yet."
That is so cool - Thank you for answering my questions! I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy of your book to read with my little sister. It sounds like something she might like :)
message 42:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
I will be creating a poll for you to leave feedback, so once it’s posted please do so!
Thanks again to few who participated!!!!
~Asia :)
message 43:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Asia (semi–hiatus) wrote: "Here is the poll: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2..."
Thanks for organizing this, Asia! Also, thank you M.C. Clay and Isaiah Morgenstern for participating and answering our questions!
Thanks for organizing this, Asia! Also, thank you M.C. Clay and Isaiah Morgenstern for participating and answering our questions!
message 45:
by
Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor, Creator, Head Mod, Book Nerd #1
(new)
Mod
» 2 October 2021 // 12:00p PST (3:00p EST) «
~Helpful Terms~
**BNU refers to this group, Book Nerds Unite.
**GR refers to Goodreads.
**Members refers to members of Book Nerds Unite.
**Participants refers to the authors et. al who are registered for this event.
**Authors refers to authors and all other participants.
**Members will be the interviewers.
**Participants will be the interviewed.
This thread will be open for you to ask questions!
Please only ask one (1) question in a single comment. However, if your question has two parts to it, you may ask them in the same comment.
This will make it easier for authors to respond to specific questions at their leisure. Even though this event is not a "live" interview, we still want to treat it as such!
Furthermore, it is encouraged that members ask as many questions as possible. This will create a more engaging interview!
If your question is geared to one specific author, please include a @(author's name) at the beginning of your question. If it is a general question, you don't need to do that.
You may ask any questions you want to, but some topics can include:
・ Upcoming books
・ How to publish books
・ Overcoming writer's block
・ Coming up with ideas for books
・ And more!
Participants, are you registered? If not, please do so by midnight on October 1!
Please refrain from answering any questions until the date of the interview. This thread is only open for BNU members to start asking questions. If you are not asking a relevant question, please do NOT comment in this thread until October 2.
Thank you for complying!