Three Questions and a Cover — a short interview with one of my favorite authors, along with one of the author’s covers.
I’m excited to have Deborah Bailey as my interviewee today. She’s an award-winning multi-genre author, and she’s full of great advice for other authors.
What is NOT in the book that readers might find interesting? (Deleted scene, background information, etc)
My novella, Metamorphosis, is part of the Pets in Space 6 anthology, but it’s also part of a series I’m writing called Worlds of Fire. It features different worlds that are connected by portals. The portals are created by phoenix shifters who open portals when they have their fiery transformations. In this story the action mainly takes place on The Floating World, which is a place between the portals. On this world, a group called The Alchemists regulate and monitor the portals. In my upcoming novella, Blood Red Moon, I introduce another portal world and go into more detail about the phoenix shifters. In fact, I added a few Easter Eggs to Metamorphosis that readers of both stories will be able to find.
Do you start with plot or characters?
Usually, I begin with the characters. I get an idea and write down a few notes. Sometimes I continue with it and other times I let it sit until I can get back to it. Since I’m a “pantser” I don’t start with a plot, though I do try to create an outline before I start writing. It can be hard though because if I get an idea about a character that goes in a different direction, that changes the entire story. I’ve had that happen quite a few times! It would be great if I could plot everything out and follow that, but that doesn’t feel comfortable to me.
What warning can you give to aspiring writers?
I’ve found that it’s best to stay open to learning and to evolving as a writer. Never believe that you know it all and have nothing to learn. Taking classes, working with mentors, and interacting with other writers is very helpful. Writing isn’t easy. It takes time and emotional energy to create stories. If writers believe they should write perfect stories right away or are afraid to get feedback, then they won’t be able to grow. One more thing: writers should decide what success looks like to them. If you don’t, you may fall into the trap of always measuring your success (or your output) by what others are doing.
Pets in Space® is back for a new year of adventures!
Join the incredible authors in this year’s Pets in Space 6 for another out-of-this-world adventure. This award-winning, USA TODAY Bestselling anthology is packed full of your favorite Pets in Space®. Featuring 11 original, never-before-released stories from some of today’s bestselling Science Fiction Romance and Fantasy authors, Pets in Space 6 continues their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that improves quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities. Don’t miss out on this limited-edition anthology before it’s too late!
WORLDS OF FIRE: METAMORPHOSIS
When an alchemy student is deceived into using her transmutation skills to assist a smuggling ring, will her gargoyle shifter mentor help her expose the criminals or turn her in?
About the Author
Deborah A. Bailey’s Paranormal & Science Fiction Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat. Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. She’s the author of non-fiction books, and articles for various online publications.
Website: https://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorDeborahB
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AuthorDeborahB
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahAB/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/deborah-a-bailey
