We recently carried out an interview with author C. Greenwood of Oklahoma. We quizzed C. Greenwood about her journey as a writer, and about her latest book called Rule of Thieves from her Legends of Dimmingwood series. We also found out about her work in the area of author and book promotion, and got some top tips on writing and publishing. Continue reading to find out what the USA Today Bestselling author had to say.
Welcome to e-Books India, C. Greenwood! Many thanks for joining us for this interview. Can you start off by telling us about your background? Where are you from? What was your journey to becoming an author like?
Thanks for the invite, Hiten! I’m always happy to chat about two of my favourite subjects – books and writing. Here’s a little about me. I was born and raised in a small Oklahoma town, where I still live with my husband and kids. I’ve worked in freelance graphic design and now make my living as a fiction writer. I started writing stories when I was a kid, kept it up through my teens, and finally had a few short works published in my early twenties. Today, I write indie ebooks full time.
What types of books do you write?
I’ve written several genres under various pen names but, for the past couple years, my focus has been on epic fantasy.
One of your most recent books is Rule of Thieves, which is the sixth instalment in the Legends of Dimmingwood series. Can you please give us an overview of the Legends of Dimmingwood concept and tell us a bit about Rule of Thieves?
Absolutely. If I had to describe the Legends of Dimmingwood series briefly, I’d say it’s something like Robin Hood with magic. If Robin Hood was a teenage girl with some elf-like qualities, who doesn’t always make the noblest choices. Rule of Thieves, the final book in the series, picks up with the heroine, Ilan, returning to her home province to find things in chaos. Old enemies are back and new dangers are threatening Ilan and the people she loves. In this last book, she’ll have to deal with betrayal, unmask an assassin, and battle the powerful raiders threatening the borders of her homeland.
Are you working on any other books(s)? If so, can you please tell us what we can expect to see from you in the future?
With the Legends of Dimmingwood series now complete, I’ll be giving my full attention to my new Catalysts of Chaos series in 2016. I’m currently hard at work on Betrayer of Blood, the second book in the series, tentatively scheduled for release around February 2016. Following that will be Book 3, Summoner of Storms, releasing later in the year.
Can you please tell us about your approach to writing? For example, do you follow structures and writing rules? Or do you write in a free flow way? Do you have any particular time of the day you like to write? Or any specific environment you prefer to sit down and write?
I follow detailed scene-by-scene outlines, with the beginning, middle, and end of the book neatly laid out before I begin writing it. But of course a few surprises occasionally sneak into the final version. I tend to work late at night, anytime between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. My stories are mostly written from my desk but sometimes I move to different rooms for a change of scenery. I envy writers who can work from a coffee shop or anywhere away from home but I always focus best in a quiet, familiar place without too much activity around.
What things do you like to get up to when you’re not writing?
Caring for two young children (and a mischievous little Yorkshire terrier) keeps me pretty busy. But when I’m not driving anyone to and from school or helping with homework, I enjoy doing a bit of graphic design. I spend a lot of my non-writing time designing promotional banners and ad graphics, organizing print and audio editions, responding to reader feedback, arranging advertising, running social media accounts, and putting together special activities for followers of my newsletter and reading group. I also have fun participating in multi-author promotional projects, in addition to my individual books. All of this keeps me occupied year-round.
From your experiences as a published author, could you please share 2-3 important lessons you’ve learnt to help beginner authors who are new to writing and publishing?
I would say the best thing a new writer can do for herself is to seek out as much information as possible. Information on how to hone her craft and how to get her books into the hands of readers. And accept that disappointment is going to happen sometimes. Especially in the beginning, while she’s still finding her feet. When a project fails, assess the most likely reasons for that, and then try something different. The new author needs to be prepared for false starts, but she can also improve her odds of success with a bit of research. Online communities where writers discuss craft and publishing topics are great for gaining advice, news, and support. And following writing/publishing blogs can help with keeping on top of the changing market. So stay informed, make friends, and be involved. All the while writing a lot of awesome books.
How can people find out more about you?
My website at www.cgreenwoodauthor.com is a good spot for following my latest news. From there, readers can sign up for my newsletter, find links to my books in all available formats and stores, and get info on how to contact me. I also have fun interactions (and giveaways!) with readers over on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/C.Greenwood.Author/
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hv1.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Hiten Vyas is the Founder and Managing Editor of eBooks India. He is also a prolific eBook writer with over 25 titles to his name.[/author_info] [/author]