This past weekend I participated in Fantasy Fest Rijswijk in the Netherlands with my publisher Butterdragons Publishing.
It was a learning experience for sure, but so much fun. The costumes was elaborate and full of imagination. The booths was colorful and tempting. I can’t wait to try it again, I just have to account for me sleeping at least two days after lol.
Wohoooo… I’m going to participate in Fantasy Fest at De Broodfabriek in the Netherlands the 15 & 16 October. The theme is masquerade and I can’t wait to show you my costume.
I’m going to be there with my publisher and you can find me at the stand Butterdragons Publishing. I’ll be signing my poetry books there *Squeeeeeeee*
I’m going to take a crazy amount of pictures and videos to share.
I’ve never been to a fantasy festival before, so I’m extremely excited to see all the costumes, booths, food and entertainment.
Two places I must check out š¤¤š
Tell us a bit about yourselfā¦
My name is Matthew and Iām an author residing in Illinois with my wife, two children, and pug. Iām a huge geek when it comes to all things fantasy and sci-fi and belong to a number of fandoms like Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, which are all huge inspirations for my stories.
Have you always wanted to become an author?
Since about the 4th grade in elementary school, when I was first taught about creative writing, Iāve gravitated toward storytelling. This turned into a passion in my later youth to become an author one day. I wrote short stories for fun over the years until I felt ready to pursue my first novel. So yes, for as long as I can remember.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
Like I mentioned before, my favorite movies and shows are a big inspiration for my writing. Specifically for my current book/series, I fell in love with a video game franchise called Kingdom Hearts where a kid and his friends leave their simple island life and travel to all these amazing worlds. I was always fascinated with the idea of portals and different realms and knew I wanted to craft a story around that concept, hence how āThe Portal to Aardonā was born.
What are you working on now?
Right now Iām gearing up for the release of my debut novel, which is very exciting, but at the same time Iām working on the sequel as this series is set currently to be three books. This second book is going to take all the magic, action, and emotion of the first book and amp it up fifty notches.
Do you have any quirks while working?
Iām not sure if youād call it a quirk, but I like to listen to various scores while I write. That is, instrumental music without lyrics, which I feel strikes the perfect balance of stimulating the brain without being too distracting. I also find motivation for my writing in commissioning artwork of my characters so I can see them come to life, as well as creating āmood boardsā which are basically pictures/artwork that showcase the aesthetics and themes of your story.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hopes for the future are to 1) have my debut novel sell well, so that my sequel books will have the audience they deserve and 2) complete my series in a satisfying manner while continuing to grow my author presence across social media so that I can eventually afford to quit my day job and write stories for a living.
Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
My main advice would be to start networking and building a social media presence as soon as they can. The publishing industry can be a frustrating and overwhelming place, and having writer friends and people there to support you who understand what youāre going through is crucial to your success as an author.
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
I hope youāll check out my YA fantasy novel, āThe Portal to Aardon,ā when it releases on Sept 13 and leave an honest review. Iāve worked so hard on this story and feel it will resonate strongly with readers. Iām absolutely grateful for all the friends, family, and fellow readers/writers who have supported me in any way along my journey. Thank you!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hi, Iām Ada and Iām an author – how fabulous to be able to say that! Iām thrilled to be releasing two novels with Butterdragons Publishing this year. I spend as much time as I can reading and writing, but I also love yoga and gardening.
Have you always wanted to become an author?
Yes and noā¦ Iāve come to this in my forties, having not written any stories, nor having dreamed of doing so. But Iām an avid reader and I have a cat, so writing stories seemed a natural progression. But I was recently reminded that, when I was a child, I said I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, so I can safely say itās always been a part of me, just hiding away, waiting for the right moment to bloom.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
When lockdown came in 2020, I was luckier than most and able to spend as much time as I wanted in my little bit of the English countryside. I became fascinated by tiny changes, every day something altered colour, grew or flew, and I wanted to capture those in a novel which was rooted in one place. I started taking notes, and I realised how these observations sparked memories, from childhood, or a trip out, which made me think about how we share our histories with others, out of order and not all in one goā¦ from there, the structure and style of The Condemned Oak Tree was firm in my mind, all I needed was a story, which emerged as I wrote.
What are you working on now?
Iām finishing up the edits on my second novel Statuesque. Itās a loose retelling of Austenās Emma, with a contemporary twist to explore a new narrative within this classic story. Apparently, it has some amusing moments. Iāve also started thinking through some new ideas. Iāve so many ideas, Iāve not decided yet which one is next.
Do you have any quirks while working?
Not at all, Iām all about a quiet place and a routine, which sounds really dull and it is, but it works for me. When Iām writing, I aim to write at the same time each day, and every day. While I donāt berate myself if it doesnāt come, I do have a plan and I try to stick to it. Iāve been known to create spreadsheets, which now I think about it, everyone thinks itās downright weird! So maybe I should have said yes to this question.
What are your hopes for the future?
I have this overwhelming desire to chat with book clubs about my stories. Iāve been fortunate to be supported while Iāve been writing, by my partner and my publisher, but Iād love to talk to readers who donāt know me, and explore my characters, see another side of them and learn how they appear to other readers. Plus, Iāve never been part of a book club, and I really want to be.
Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
Gosh, I donāt think Iāve enough experience to be handing out advice, so Iāll stick to dishing out some encouragement – keep going! Just like training for a marathon, you donāt have to want to go for every early morning run, but you do have to like running. Have fun, work hard, be bold, persevere, enjoy!
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
Do you have a book club, and if so, can I come say hi?
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hey, thanks for having me. *sips coffee* I guess Iām still the same weirdo you interviewed waaay back.
But concerning myself, I am V. I write books. Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. I grew up in Namibia (a beautiful country directly above South Africa) and now live and work in the German woods with my husband.
What has happened work wise since our last interview?
Many things! I have almost finished my first series, The Myre Series, that I have self-published. It only needs one additional book and will be done! Wooot!
Then I was snagged by a Butterdragons Publishing and have thus far published two novels with them. I am also featured in two anthologies with BDP and it has been a blast so far.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
My Duology (the second book released on the 30 of November) plays in Namibia for the most part, and obviously the nature and feel of my home has been very inspiring when it comes to those books. Other than thatā¦ dunnoā¦ Hahaha. My dreams? My dreams are crazy, and filled with fantastical ideas and inspirations.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on editing my first novel in its German version to release it in January. Furthermore I am finishing up a standalone, called Lakeborn, and am trying to get time in to write that fifth book in my Myre Series. Soā¦ Busy, busy, busy!
Do you have any quirks while working?
Hmmm. I listen to music. Thatās it. No real quirks, sorry
What are your hopes for the future?
To actually ā for once ā deserve a little orange bestseller tag. That would be awesome. And generally to be able to live off of my writing.
What have you learned about publishing since our first interview?
That the hardest part about writing and publishing is marketing. Writing the book is easy in comparison.
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
Thank you for standing at my side and reading my books. I actually know most of you by name by now and I am very lucky to get to interact with the people reading my stuff. You are awesome!
I hope to be able to entertain you far into the future!
The audio books of my poetry collections The Fighter, Poesi, Dolce Amore and How to Tame A Wild Tempest is live *Squeeeeeeee* I’m so exited!!!! š¤©
Martha Webb did an absolutely amazing job narrating it!!!!
Eyes as deep as the bottom of her lake. A heart as wide and alive as the forest surrounding it. A voice as soft as the wind rustling through trees and as melodic as waves on pebbled ground. A power that is rooted within her very soul, the soul of her lake. She passes time flipping stones and dipping her toes. She has never asked for anything but peace. This is her lake. The lake of dreams, the lake of truth, the lake of life. And she will do anything to defend it.
This poetry collection is extraordinary in the way it interweaves the authorās emotions towards family, partner and life. It is a collection of all beautiful and some less beautiful memories of a gentle person, and it encompasses love, pain, and happiness. It will find its way into the hands of the readers and open up the whole new world. The poetry of this young author will touch you deeply and make you feel special. Poetry was always intended to touch peopleās souls and make those who write it or read feel powerful and divine. The authorās goal was to achieve that effect on her readers.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is K. R. Fajardo and I am an indie author from East Texas. I currently have 4 self-published books and many projects in the works. My genre of choice is fantasy but I also dabble a little in paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance. My interests include 80ās music (specifically 80s hair bands), reading(of course), RPG video games (Assassinās Creed and the Witcher are my favs), and watching movies. Dr. Pepper is my caffeinated beverage of choice.
Have you always wanted to become an author?
To be honest, I never considered it an option. Kind of like becoming a movie or rock star, it was one of those things that was reserved for the privileged few. I always loved reading and the escape it gave. And for years I had this one character running amok in my head, driving me crazy at night, but it wasnāt until my youngest child started to school and I found myself with some free time on my hands, that I decided to sit down and put some words on paper. One hundred and twenty thousand words later, Kās story was finally free. Shortly after that, I discovered self-publishing was a thing that existed, and fumbled my way through the process. And I am so glad I did. I have learned so much since then and met so many wonderful people from all over the world. It truly has been an adventure learning to be an author, but I donāt regret it one bit, and I never want to give it up.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
The Shadow Chronicles series is literally the voice in my head that would never shut up. K has rooted around in my mind for as long as I can remember. I think she is the embodiment of everything I wish I was. Strong, fierce, drop-dead gorgeous, and yet still vulnerable. And she is a vampire, because they have always fascinated me. Her story is unique in that it is told from the point of view of the other characters in the book. Her thoughts and feelings are never revealed, and that leaves her open to the interpretation of the reader.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on revising Stalking Fate for a rerelease with Butterdragons Publishing. The story is getting a complete overhaul with lots of new content that I think readers will enjoy. I also have several projects, including on Fae book and a paranormal romance in the works that will hopefully be ready for release next year.
Do you have any quirks while working?
Silence. I am easily distracted, so no music or TVās can be playing in the background. Also, I have developed the habit of lighting a candle while I work. I like the aromas they emit and find it soothing to have the flame flickering nearby.
What are your hopes for the future?
To keep writing stories. It is every bit as much of an escape as reading and it is my own world. Would I love to say that I will one day be able to quit my day job and just write, sure. But that is the dream isnāt it. If it is meant to be, it will be. In the meantime, I will just do me and have fun creating new worlds.
Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
Beware wolves in sheepās clothing. In particular vanity presses. If someone offers to publish your book but then tries to charge you to do so, run. You can self-publish your book for a fraction of what those people are charging. Also beware all the so-called ācoachesā that are running around out there. Donāt get me wrong, there are some legit sites out there that will be of great help and many reputable coaches. But there are also just as many frauds. Social media can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. I have found many wonderful cover designers, editors, and formatters using these resources. I just recommend you do your research, speak to other authors, and interview any new prospective business before you send your money their way.
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
Thank you so much for sticking by me. I have had to deal with a lot of personal tragedies the last couple of years. This year in particular has been devastating. And through all these hard times, it has been your words of encouragement and patience that has helped me pull through. Finally, I have found my way back to writing, and it is all because of you guys. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. And you all have a special place in my heart.
Helle Gade 