Author L.D. Taylor
on her award winning title:
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Either a musician or a writer. Too bad we don't have a "bard" job these days (probably should have been born in the Middle Ages).
WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?: Around age 12 -- I understood it was one of my strongest skills (so I thought I might be a journalist) but then I realized I wanted to tell stories... actually that I was kind of compelled to tell stories, even if I didn't want to. I knew that some of the things I would write would be challenging for me to say and possibly (at times) for others to hear.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?:
My sons, who were then coming into their teenage years, inspired me to write to young people, and to set the story in the videogame industry. I was already quite familiar with this industry because of my work with 3D animation companies and magazines -- I had visited many game development studios as part of that. I wanted to make it a mystery partly because I loved mysteries myself, but also because mysteries were the "games" I played as a kid. The video game is in many ways just the next iteration of the detective novel.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
My whole family gets involved in writing the mysteries... especially my husband who is a computer programmer. However, I don't fill in any of the details for them until I've drafted a chapter. My youngest (daughter) who is not yet a teenager, always says after I read the draft... "Ah no. Not another cliff hanger. You can't stop there! What happens next." To which I always answer, "I have no idea. But I can't wait to find out!"
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?:
I read many YA authors and do try and emulate their style to some degree... however, I also have my own unique voice as well. Authors who have influenced the style used in Motive Games would be: JK Rowling, Louis Sacchar, Madeleine L'Engle, and C.S. Lewis
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?:
The book that most impacts my life is an ancient work of non-fiction and poetry that records the teachings of my best friend. But in terms of fiction I think I would have to say The Chronicles of Narnia.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?:
Getting traditionally published. After that: winning two awards with my debut novel (including a Literary Classics award).
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?:
I spent decades writing professionally as a copywriter and trade publication journalist. I also spent years studying literature (I have a BA in English Lit and History). It really helps to both read and practice writing. You also need to study the art of writing in your genre. Once you have a really solid story, written in the best practices of your genre, seek out small presses. Few debut authors get published immediately with one of the "Big 5" publishing houses.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
I think that having a presentation prepared on one of the key themes of your book -- and seeking out opportunities to speak to your target audience -- can be one of the most important ways to get the word out about your book to the right people. Other than that: enter awards (good media opportunities there) and have a website that you keep up to date.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?:
Balance your life with more active things as well as reading. It's by getting out there and "living" that we find topics to write on.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?:
I am planning a third Motive Games book ... and you'll never guess where this one will be set....
It will most likely be available via Rhza press. I'm hoping it will be available in fall 2016.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
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