Author Xen Randell #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

First of all, thank you for taking interest into this new author. To be honest, I’ve always abhorred questions of this kind. I find it easier to talk about my writing, than myself. But then, that may be the same thing, right. In short, I’m a 35-year old artist. I paint, I design, I illustrate, I tattoo (or am learning to)… and now I’m a writer. I guess the art is in my blood and whatever shape it chooses to take, I always feel good creating.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes. I have always felt the push, the need to write, but I wasn’t very good at it. Not at first. It took years and years of reading and learning the English language to finally feel confident enough to try and pour my imagination into words.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

The inspiration came in various forms: places, knowledge, dreams, music… I am what you might call a pantser writer, and I find my characters and plots in all things life can offer. The Wave inspiration came when I moved into the building with an atomic shelter underneath it. I imagined what it could be used for and the rest just… happened.

What are you working on now?

I’m working of finishing The Wave of Silence trilogy, then I’m about to start publishing a short novella series in Paranormal / UF genre with a twist. Also, I already have some ideas ready for The Wave spin-offs.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Uh, yeah. I find it hard to concentrate, or when I do, I dive into the hyperfocus where nothing exists but what I’m doing. The house may just burn out around me and I’d still be plotting my story. Needless to say, I’ve burned quite a few lunches while working.

What are your hopes for the future?

My plans and my hopes are different. My plans are to publish The Wave trilogy ‘till the end of the year and at least one or two novellas. My plan is to slowly start getting back the money I’ve invested into what I now consider my life-calling: writing. And my hopes? My hopes are that I’ll soon be able to write and design, and nothing more. It’s a dream come true.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

I’m still too green to have any real advice, but I guess I do have two: 1. Don’t design your own cover if you’re not a designer! It’s a mistake many make, and it just may be the difference between success and your book sitting on the Amazon’s virtual shelf without being picked up. I say this as a designer and a librarian.

Learn. Read. Read a lot! Read authors that are better than you, read about writing, just read! Not all knowledge will be made for you but you will be able to take a bit from everything and create something your own.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Just – thank you! I am often amazed by the support I get, and I won’t ever cease to be thankful!