Interview with Shawn Proctor

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest is Shawn Proctor, a fellow author of short stories who is published in the latest anthology from Elephant's Bookshelf Press alongside myself. Shawn's writing resides at the intersection where the traditions of literature and pulp fiction meet. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College and is the book editor for Nerd Caliber. His work has been nominated for Best New American Voices and published in several literary journals and anthologies, including Apiary, Anthology Philly, and Schuylkill Valley Journal.

Short stories aren't easy to write, and - if we're being honest - even harder to get published. So with a fellow short-scribbler to jaw with, I asked Shawn a few questions.

Do you find writing short stories to be harder or easier than writing novel length projects?

I started by writing short stories because I believed the power of storytelling went back to mythology and fantasy and horror stories, rooted in the oral tradition. They were the kind of tales that kept you awake. They were short and haunting.

Over time, I realized that novels have the same potential, but they immerse the reader more than a short story. The end goal is still to create a lasting impression. I have less experience writing novels, so crafting a longer yet focused story is an exciting challenge.

Do you tend to work in the same genre with shorts as you do with novels, or do you feel free to dabble a bit more?

In the last two years I have been writing more superhero fiction, including a novel and a prequel short story that's coming out next month from This Mutant Life. However, I tend to be much more experimental in shorter pieces and write fiction that straddles two or three genres, mostly because there's less plot to manage. I worry less about what to call the genre and more about telling a knock-you-on-your-butt story.

What has your experience of publishing with an Indie been like?

Generally, I have had positive experiences with Indies. As an author, you are your own best advocate though. Keep your head. Read the contract. Understand what could happen if things don't work out. In short: hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Matt Sinclair at Elephant's Bookshelf has been awesome. He communicates all of the details very well and is a great partner in all phases of the publishing process. Matt's gets it. He wants writers he works with to succeed. Better yet, he's a guy I could imagine talking with over a beer.

As a reader, have you ever discovered a new writer or genre that you like through an anthology?

Absolutely. I always read the "best of" anthologies that come out each year, including Best American Short Stories and the Pushcart. You get to see the new work from familiar names along with emerging authors.   

Indie anthologies are the center of publishing right now and for good reason. There are fewer journals and many of the ones left either running endless contests or charge for submitting, which I ethically oppose. Anthologies fill the gap where literary journals used to shine. They are where you're going to find the stars of tomorrow.

EBP's seasonal anthologies all fall under a theme. Did you write your short story "Just A Perfect Day" to fit the theme, or was this a story that already existed and it was a good fit for submitting?

This was a very odd horror story called "Leaving the American Sector" that I wrote a few years ago after a trip to Germany. I believed in the concept, but was never sure how to make the love-gone-awry beginning mesh with the Lovecraftian turn in the end. It turned out that by cutting the supernatural elements it became a surreal story about love tainted by delusion. 

"Just A Perfect Day" is about a relationship that is supposed to be working, but it's not. Do you think it's human nature to resent it when others fall short of our expectations?

We're fixed in our own point-of-view and that means even when we say in the moment, "It's not your fault, it's me," we mean, "It's totally your fault." It takes time to realize that maybe those failings weren't as monumental as they seemed. It takes perspective to consider that perhaps my expectations were unfair. 

What's next for you, as a writer?

I'm finishing up a revision of my novel Stand-In Heroes, which is a story in which two people receive half of a fallen superhero's powers. They have to learn to quickly learn to use their abilities because the man who killed the hero is coming for them next.

Tales of capes and costumes are obviously exciting, but the novel also examines the lives and relationships of two people who must find extraordinary courage to oppose a threat to the entire city.

Interview with Stephanie Kuehn

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest for the SAT is fellow Class of 2k13 member Stephanie Kuehn. I had the pleasure of rooming with Stephanie (and Debra Driza and Kate Karyus Quinn - it was a blast!) at ALA 2013, but more importantly, I've also had the pleasure of reading her book. CHARM & STRANGE is what Steph calls her "dark little book." It's a mind-bender.

Are you a Planner or Pantster?

I think I am a bit of both. I’m not someone who sits and outlines every detail before I get started. If I have an idea and I have an itch to write it, I’ll start writing. But at some point, I’ll pull back and try and summarize where I’m going with it and what the major themes and arcs are. 

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

It has varied greatly for me. But I usually anticipate it will take a few months to write a solid first draft. 

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi tasker?

I used to only work on one project at a time, but I’ve learned how to multi task. Learning how to set something aside and come back to it, is definitely an acquired skill for me, but I am working on it!

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

Yes. I am very self-conscious person, and even though when I first began writing I wasn’t thinking about publication or ever showing anybody what I was doing, I still felt uncomfortable and exposed.

How many trunked books did you have before you were agented?

CHARM & STRANGE was my fifth full novel.

Have you ever quit on an ms, and how did you know it was time?

Yes, I have quit and moved on to other projects. I think I have to love something to keep working on it. I don’t have to love it in its current form, but I have to love what I’m saying or how I’m saying it, and if that passion isn’t there, I will put it aside.

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them?  

My agent is Michael Bourret of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management. I am so very fortunate to be working with him. I connected with him by sending a query to someone else at his agency, who passed it on to him—something I am so very grateful for! As to how I got a yes out of him, I have no idea. I suppose I had a polished novel, and one that was unique. I also think my novel fit his particular taste, which was probably the more important factor.

How long did you query before landing your agent?  

It took about two months and a half months of querying.

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

Be patient and be willing to wait for the right agent. It is worth it.

How did that feel, the first time you saw your book for sale?

Very surreal! It’s still surreal. In some ways I feel disconnected from the actual product…the story is something from inside my mind, an abstraction, but all the rest of the work that went into making it an actual physical book, well, I had nothing to do with that. The book is beautiful to see and hold and read, but my sense of ownership really only extends to the characters and the story.

How much input do you have on cover art?

I was able to give a little bit of input on the design, but it’s the designer, Kerri Resnick, who came up with the amazing cover. 

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

I learned how far I could push myself with revisions.

How much of your own marketing do you?

I have a social media presence, but I don’t do very much direct marketing. I’m involved in YA Highway, which is a group blog that has allowed me to connect with other authors and people in publishing. I’m obviously a part of the Class of 2k13, which is a small group of debut authors who work together on marketing. I’m most often on Twitter, but I don’t think of it as a marketing tool as much as I do a social networking one. 

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

I am not very marketing minded. I do think authors should have some social media presence, if only to connect with other authors and publishing folks, so that they have a handle on what the industry climate is, and to not feel alone in the whole process. But I have very limited time and my efforts are usually best spent writing.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

I’m not sure. I think a good book and marketing on the level that a publisher can do, is what matters most. I also think social media in the form of word-of-mouth from readers to other readers can build interest, but that doesn’t involve the author. 

Interview with Demitria Lunetta

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest for the SAT (Successful Author Talk) is fellow Class of 2k13 member Demitria Lunetta, author IN THE AFTER. A Chicago native, she holds a BA in Human Ecology and has spent countless hours studying the many ways in which people are capable of bringing about their own destruction. In case the end is near, she always carries a good book and a chocolate bar--the two items essential for post-apocalyptic survival.

Are you a Planner or Pantster?

I actually don't have a set writing process. Sometimes I outline, sometimes I don't. It really depends on how complicated a plot I’m working with and how many characters in the story. I have a strangely high capacity for remembering small details…awesome for writing but bad for the people who borrow books from my home library. You know who you are. I’m coming for that copy of GAME OF THRONES you borrowed last year.

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

IN THE AFTER took four months to write. It was at a time I could completely focus on writing. If I have a lot going on in my life it takes anywhere from six months to a year. I also have side projects that I think about for years before even acting on them…so I guess I’m saying anywhere from a few months to a lifetime.

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi tasker?

I like to work on one project, but think about others. I have too much of a wild imagination to completely shut out other project distractions.

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

I don’t remember having a first time. I started “writing” in kindergarten, making up elaborate stories involving characters from the movies I’d watched…one involved the characters from the Wizard of Oz meeting Ewoks. Clearly my imagination knows no fear.

How many trunked books (if any) did you have before you were agented?

I tried to query a fantasy novel a few years ago that only got rejections. I loved that book and it was hard to move on, but I decided I had to keep going forward. In case all the rejections were because of a problem with my query I decided to do a ton of research on successful queries. The work paid off when I tried to query a travel book. Unfortunately, that was also when the economy was in the gutter so it was a no go for travel books. My third time was the charm though, and to be honest, even if I didn’t get an agent for IN THE AFTER I would have moved on to the next project and kept trying, always examining what I could do better. The only way to fail is to give up. Yes, it’s very THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD, but it’s the truth, and that won’t be the last POLLYANNA statement I make.

Have you ever quit on an ms, and how did you know it was time?

I don’t know if quitting is the right word, but I’ve definitely put MS away for another day. Sometimes things need to sit for a few years and be revisited. You should definitely put aside an MS if you’re stuck or simply sick of it. You don’t want to start to hate what you’re working on.

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them? 

My agent is Katherine Boyle with Veritas Literary and I sent her a traditional query letter after researching her on the AAR website.

How long did you query before landing your agent?  

For IN THE AFTER I queried for about a month before I got my first offer. I then contacted the eight or so agents who had partials and fulls and let them know I was offered representation. I got three passes and five “Holy crap, I’d better hurry up and read so you can make your decision!” Then I spoke to those five agents and chose the one I thought best suited me.

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

Time for me to channel POLLYANNA again…Don’t take rejection personally. Writing is extremely subjective and a hundred no responses can come before that one important yes. All you need is one agent who believes in your work. Keep trying! Also, chocolate helps.

How did that feel, the first time you saw your book for sale?

At the time of writing this I haven’t seen my book but I imagine it will go something like this:
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeee! I may have to be escorted from the book store.

How much input do you have on cover art?

I knew I wanted my cover to be dark/creepy/eerie but other than that I let Harper Teen do what they do.

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

This may sound naïve, but I didn’t realize I would get bound advance copies. I mean, I knew they existed and that reviewers got them to read, but when I opened the box of ARCs I was beside myself.

How much of your own marketing do you?  

I think it’s important to market your own book as much as you can on social media sites and connect with readers. I have a blog, a Facebook page, and I'm on Twitter.

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

You should definitely start building your platform before you get an agent. Blog and tweet to share your experiences and follow other aspiring writers. You’ll be amazed at the sense of community.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

Yes! Social media is a good way to connect with readers. Believe me, I was hesitant at first. I thought “Why should I be on twitter…who gives a crap about what I have to say?” But I’ve completely changed my tune. My blog, twitter, facebook, they’re all places for readers to find you and your book.