Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Stephen St. Clair from Council Bluffs, Idaho.
Thanks for joining us, Stephen. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
How long have you been published?
I was first published last September with a short story. I now have a full-length book out.
Congratulations.
Please give details about both your published works.
Tales from the Wondrous Attic appeared in Realms of Fantastic Stories Vol. 1, and my own title- Kindred Souls: Voyage of the Scotsmen. Both are with Solstice Publishing.
Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.
So far, I have written in fantasy and historical romance genres. A sequel is in the works for Kindred Souls: Voyage of the Scotsmen. No date set for release or completion at this point.
Very nice. I believe my short story, The Path to Rainbow Bridge, was also in the same Solstice anthology as yours. I have a mystery series with Solstice, but I also like to write other genres. My short historical romance, The Seashell and the Stone, is being published in February in their Cupid’s Arrow anthology. Two of my Cobble Cove mysteries should also be published in the spring.
Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
My interests are writing fantastic tales that take people out of their normal, everyday life and puts them in a world that grants them reprieve, dare I say a different adventure outside of their own normal life. I hope to continue to write and gain some sort of positive notoriety for what I write. I want to learn to write better and have a better marketing plan for everything I put out.
I think most readers enjoy immersing themselves in a good book to escape the daily routine. Improving one’s craft and planning marketing strategies are two important parts of being an author. I wish you luck with those goals.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
If I write in a specific genre, I hope to attract new readers to my book. It’s hard for the average reader to step outside of the author-comfort zone. I hope that most people that pick up my book are already into that kind of genre, but if not, I hope they will give my book a chance.
I hear you completely. It’s difficult for new writers to reach an audience initially; but, with persistence and more publications, a good author will eventually attract readers.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
Don’t be afraid, learn to craft your stories with passion and a sense of adventure, and try your hand in different genres. you never know what might come from them.
I agree, as I like to experiment with different genres myself. I think it helps one grow as an author.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
I blame April Erwin. She’s the one who got me in touch with Solstice. I also blame my wife, she’s the one who kicked me in the proverbial writing pants and said “You’re not done! You have more stories to tell!” My biggest challenges were staying put long enough to actually write something.
Lol. I think many writers can relate to that. We need motivation from our friends and relatives and belief in ourselves. For me, it was my husband’s suggestion to self-publish my first book and then a patron at the library where I work who continued to ask if I was writing anything else. Had it not been for her and a series of events that followed, I would never have published with two publishers and currently have several short stories and a mystery series.
Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.
I sat thru two college degrees and wrote paper after paper. Each one having their own praises and put-downs. You learn as you go.
Very true. I also have two degrees, one in English and the other in Library science. I also gained a lot of experience from writing for my college newspaper as well as taking several writing and publishing online classes.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
I like to wood carve/wood burn(pyrography) I like to spend time with my wife and go hiking in the woods in hope of coming across some hidden city or alternate reality or dimension.
That sounds like fun especially the last part.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
I like the most is seeing what I have created. The part I like the least is going over and fixing my errors. It’s a time-consuming monster that sucks the life out of you!
Yes, editing if very time-consuming. It usually takes even longer than the initial writing. I don’t mind it so much. It’s the Promoting and marketing of the book after and before that I think takes up the most time away from writing and that I least enjoy.
Please list your social media links, website, blog, etc.
stephenstclairwriter@gmail.com
@craftedquill on Twitter
stephenstclairwrit.wixsite.com/craftedquill
stephenstclairwriter.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for the interview and reciprocating by having me on your website and Facebook page. I wish you the best in your future writing endeavors.
Ruff Drafts 