Welcome to this week’s Blog Ring of Power guest, C.P. Bialois. Don’t miss the rest of CP’s interview at :
Part 1 @ Emily – Friday, June 21
Part 2 @ Sandra – Monday, June 24
Part 3 @ Dean – Tuesday, June 25
Part 4 @ Terri – Wednesday, June 26
PART 5: WORDS OF WISDOM
Tell us about your route to success – how/when did you decide to self-publish? Did you query an agent first? How did you handle the editing, proofreading, cover design, etc.? I did a lot of research for months before I was ready to have it published. In the end, I felt it was better for me to self-publish and keep full control over my product. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t want a publisher. I’m looking at several right now, but I want to make certain it’s the right fit for me. I don’t feel I should go through one just because someone says I should.
When it comes to editing and proofreading there are a core group I rely on for that. They know I want them to be honest and they haven’t disappointed me yet. For covers, I again have a group I throw the question out t
o if they’re interested. I prefer covers with an organic feel to them and they’ve been great thus far.
What are the most important elements of good writing? For me, there are two things. First, it’s being open to new ideas and taking what you like or can use. We’re surrounded by tons of information on how to write, how to be a better writer, and so on. The trick is to not become overwh
elmed with it all and follow your heart. Secondly, and the most important to me, is read. Read, read, read, read, read. It may not seem like it, but you can learn more from reading a book by your favorite author than you can in any classroom. Everything from sentence structure, to plot development and character building to scene description are all there for the taking. It’s a cool thing when you pick up on how to tell a story through little more than exposure and osmosis.
What tools are must-haves for writers? I think a working vocabulary, the ability to tell a story, and the willingness to learn and grow are among the most important. No one is perfect, but the more you work at it, accept critiques, and read the faster you’ll learn. I think of it like learning the alphabet. We all have to start somewhere before we can master something.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Don’t ever quit and keep mining for gold. As I mentioned earlier, there’s tons of information out there for us. Our task is to sift through to find what we can use and leave what we can’t.
What do you feel is the key to your success? I think it’s my willingness to share my stories. They’re not perfect, but they were ones I wanted to write and I’m glad others are enjoying them as much as I am.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Yes, buy my books. Just kidding… or am I? Seriously, I want to thank all of you for your support. I love to hear from you whether it’s good or bad and hopefully I’ll be able to keep you entertained in the coming years.
What are your current / future project(s)? This is going to be a bucket list lol. I’m currently working on the third Sword and the Flame novel called The Lightwalker. It picks up four years after the Purging with the original characters and a few new ones. At the moment I’m up to chapter 16 and I have a feeling it’s going to be a big one. I hope I didn’t just jinx myself lol. I’m also working on a series of horror novellas collectively called Gruesome Tales as well as getting ready to begin hammering on the second novella about Eron’s adventures as well as formulating some ideas for a potential sequel to Call of Poseidon.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? I’d like to say thank you for spending time with me during this interview and giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings about what I do.
Please let us know where your readers can stalk you:
Blog: http://cpbialois.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCPBialois
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286504.C_P_Bialois
Twitter: @CPBialois
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/CP-Bialois/e/B006QK4TX2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/cpbialois
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/cp-bialois
Is your book in print, ebook or both? All are in both except for Stranger Passing.
STRANGER PASSING: Eron Lightheart has always been a dreamer. While thievery is the preferred and respected way of life for a Halfling to embark on, Eron has other plans. Facing a determined sister and mother wishing him to follow the path of his people, the young boy is determined to become a brave warrior.
Reinhart, a warrior with a painful past, is embarrassed to have been caught unaware by a young boy while napping. He takes it upon himself to see the child gets home safely, having no idea he’s about to enter a town inhabited by Halflings.
Will this stranger be able to help Eron fulfill his dream?
