Hello! Today with us we have Jet Boston (reader) and RA Winter (author)! *Applause*
Jet Boston: What inspired you to become a writer?
RA Winter: Where should I begin? Picture this: a tapestry woven with threads of genealogy, mystery, and a mischievous black cat named Kitty. My journey into writing started with uncovering the secrets of my family history, a saga filled with intrigue, murder, and a vow to publish only when the last of my father’s twelve siblings had passed. Yep, my great grandfather was murdered-and it was wild. I’ve always wanted to publish the story, but my father wanted me to wait. I guess the first minute I heard the story I knew I’d have to write it. And then there’s Kitty, the furry protagonist who inspired a series with his antics and unforgettable personality. After his death, I couldn’t let go of him. His memory still prowls through the pages of my stories, refusing to be forgotten. You’ll find him in every one of my series. His antics are legendary. Lastly, my insatiable curiosity about the fates of secondary characters in book series led me to create my own worlds, where everyone gets their story. I just hate it when a good book ends!
Jet Boston: Do you outline your stories before writing, or do you prefer to let the story unfold as you write?
RA Winter: You’re asking eternal dance between the meticulous planner and the rebellious characters? I start with an outline, a blueprint of sorts, only for my characters to hijack the narrative and lead me on unexpected journeys. It’s a delightful chaos! Switching to my new genre of historical gaslamp fantasy murder mystery has only added more layers of complexity. It’s like planning a grand ball and then realizing your guests prefer a masquerade in a swamp.
Jet Boston: Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? If so, which one and why?
RA Winter: Meet Grandfather, the enigmatic figure from my Native American Fantasy Series, “The Spirit Key.” He’s not just a character; he’s the embodiment of my family’s saga, wrapped in defiance and whispers of the past. He’s the kind of character who speaks to you, guiding the story with his wisdom and stubbornness. Sometimes, I think he’s more real than some people I know.
Jet Boston: What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
RA Winter: The joy of creation! Crafting characters and worlds is my artistic sanctuary. I might try to rein in my penchant for lavish descriptions, but who can resist painting with words? Each stroke adds depth, texture, and a touch of magic to the canvas of my imagination.
Jet Boston: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
RA Winter: Embedded in each of my tales is a nugget of wisdom, a beacon of hope amidst the storms of life. I want readers to embrace the theme of redemption, to forgive themselves for wrong turns and celebrate the journey. It’s about learning to dance in the rain, even when the storm feels endless.
Jet Boston: What advice would you give to authors who are considering self-publishing?
RA Winter: The treacherous waters of self-publishing! Picture a ship navigating through uncharted territory. My advice? Think beyond the horizon. While I started writing what I loved, the contemporary Native American Fantasy genre isn’t exactly mainstream. If you’re in it for the long haul, consider the up-and-coming hot market trends. That’s where the money is-read-read-read everything you can get in your hands. And learn what the readers’ expectations are for the genre. But remember, writing to market doesn’t mean sacrificing your voice entirely. It’s a delicate balance between art and commerce, with a LOT of luck thrown in. Start early; gain a tribe. You can’t do this alone. A support group of other authors will do wonders.
Jet Boston: What got you into Greek mythology?
RA Winter: Blame it on my dad, the mythologist extraordinaire! He spun tales of gods and heroes, weaving a tapestry of ancient wisdom that captured my imagination every evening before bed. From bedtime stories to high school and college courses, Greek mythology became the thread connecting me to a world of epic proportions. It’s like having Zeus himself whispering secrets in your ear—how could I resist?
Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!
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