I published my debut novel a year ago, along with six contributions to anthologies in the same time frame. The novel sales have been disappointing. Last month, Devon said that "books don't have expiration dates." John's comment about "building that library" was also encouraging--and I'm working on it. I already bought Devon's book. Now it's time to buy Black Crown.
Yes, it can be so hard to be patient while you build momentum. Even though it's a relief that books don't rot, it's hard to keep grinding while you wait for it to catch on.
This is a fantastic interview and it was inspiring towards the end. I have a deep dislike of teachers too and could empathise with how the teachers didn't believe bullying was happening. Because I was tall it was immediately assumed I was the instigator.
Definitely shall read John's work, I want to read more fantasy. I've read Lord of the Rings some Elric of Melnibone but some of this sounds great. Great work Kristin.
I mostly read classics (old stuff), but I'm always open to read new stuff. The point of old, dead authors is that you know that they won't tarnish your reading experience by saying something on social media that would lead you to believe that they hate you. I am open to new media because I'm an author now, so I want people to try new things.
I was the weird kid and the girls in my grade took that as permission to slam my head into my locker. I was still making up imaginary friends and writing comics in highschool and felt childish for it. But the reality of it was I needed an escape hatch. That's the problem with all the a lot of the trad spaces, they're just trying to tell me where I can sit in the lunchroom or what I have to wear to fit in all over again. I went through that once and and I'm not doing it again, thanks.
Right there with you. Bullied by girls and saved by writing X-Men and Deep Space Nine fan fiction (no, none of you can read it 😆). I think kids who were bullied grow up to refuse to ever be pushed around again, so we don’t fit in with any “side”
Awesome talk. Thanks for sharing, sorry you couldn't post it on YouTube, but on the plus side, I found you on Substack where I have been spending a lot more of my time lately.
I understand John’s complaint about people who claim to only read the classics. For me, I’d have to read in English because Dutch written fantasy is horrible if it exists at all. I wish it was easier for indie authors to get their books translated.
I also recognize his experience with “fandom” “gayifying” male companionships. Just look at the Sherlock Holmes fandom. Apparently men can’t be friends, they have to be gay and become a representation for whatever subsection of society. I don’t mind people getting representation in media, I am all for it, but it shouldn’t be shoehorned in and force other representations out.
Not beating the guy up. Gotta admire anyone who can bring down the Wrath, no matter how they did it. Most of us can stumble through a long life of being a Grade A Asshat and never get the personal attention of the Almighty.
Happy to see someone able to succeed in writing. Got one book out myself, slowly chiseling the sequel’s MS into shape. It’s no small thing to get books out there.
I wonder how much we may owe to our bullies for our present creative superpowers?
I'm going to shoot straight here, and hopefully John sees this. Based solely on the cover (which is exactly how I have ran into his book in the past) I would not read his book. I'll be picking it up anyway now because now I want to see his efforts succeed due to watching this interview, but previously I have seen The Black Crown and passed it up because the cover art did not speak to me. The design is great John, I love the idea you have there. It's just that to my eye, it looks very fake, like in the way of bad CGI or something. It looks plastic to me. I hope that your next book you go a different route for the art.
Here's the thing about the cover art: the new marketplace is digital. Most people will see the cover art when its the size of a thumbnail on their phone and at that distance the covers colors pop and the pose catches the eye. Jcaleb Designs uses 3D models to great effect, but I understand WHY you think this. No shade. Your support is greatly appreciated even if the cover doesn't do it for you.
Ah, that explains it then. Yeah the setup for the posing and whatnot is very dynamic and I love that. You're right that the color, especially on the boy, immediately catches the eye. Maybe, I'm just set in my ways but I think on my own I would have preferred a traditional illustration.
Either way, the cover for my own first book should be starting to cook later on this month. Hopefully it won't look like butt when it's done but if it does then do please tell me haha.
Great interview. I will be reading John's works.
I'm humbled and appreciative. I hope you enjoy your time with it.
Of course. It is the writer that makes readers, not the opposite, at least, that is my belief.
Another great interview!
I published my debut novel a year ago, along with six contributions to anthologies in the same time frame. The novel sales have been disappointing. Last month, Devon said that "books don't have expiration dates." John's comment about "building that library" was also encouraging--and I'm working on it. I already bought Devon's book. Now it's time to buy Black Crown.
Yes, it can be so hard to be patient while you build momentum. Even though it's a relief that books don't rot, it's hard to keep grinding while you wait for it to catch on.
This is a fantastic interview and it was inspiring towards the end. I have a deep dislike of teachers too and could empathise with how the teachers didn't believe bullying was happening. Because I was tall it was immediately assumed I was the instigator.
Definitely shall read John's work, I want to read more fantasy. I've read Lord of the Rings some Elric of Melnibone but some of this sounds great. Great work Kristin.
Humbled and appreciative. I hope you enjoy your time with it
I mostly read classics (old stuff), but I'm always open to read new stuff. The point of old, dead authors is that you know that they won't tarnish your reading experience by saying something on social media that would lead you to believe that they hate you. I am open to new media because I'm an author now, so I want people to try new things.
I promise I don't hate you
I was the weird kid and the girls in my grade took that as permission to slam my head into my locker. I was still making up imaginary friends and writing comics in highschool and felt childish for it. But the reality of it was I needed an escape hatch. That's the problem with all the a lot of the trad spaces, they're just trying to tell me where I can sit in the lunchroom or what I have to wear to fit in all over again. I went through that once and and I'm not doing it again, thanks.
Right there with you. Bullied by girls and saved by writing X-Men and Deep Space Nine fan fiction (no, none of you can read it 😆). I think kids who were bullied grow up to refuse to ever be pushed around again, so we don’t fit in with any “side”
Yep, I'm on my side and my family's side. To keep things 'platform friendly' anyone who isn't may fly several kites and get lost in the wind.
OMGosh GREAT interview, Kristin. Oh John I am so sorry you were bullied. But LOOK at you NOW! 💖
Highly recommend the Black Crown. Such a fun read.
Awesome talk. Thanks for sharing, sorry you couldn't post it on YouTube, but on the plus side, I found you on Substack where I have been spending a lot more of my time lately.
I understand John’s complaint about people who claim to only read the classics. For me, I’d have to read in English because Dutch written fantasy is horrible if it exists at all. I wish it was easier for indie authors to get their books translated.
I also recognize his experience with “fandom” “gayifying” male companionships. Just look at the Sherlock Holmes fandom. Apparently men can’t be friends, they have to be gay and become a representation for whatever subsection of society. I don’t mind people getting representation in media, I am all for it, but it shouldn’t be shoehorned in and force other representations out.
It is the shoehorned nature that turns people away. People know when something is organically included vs forced.
Great interview. John is spot on. Us authors are trying our hardest to get fantasy back to where it should be.
Keep swinging, John. I'm going to buy your book now.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy your time with it
Wow.
Your writing has got to be BAD when God Himself sends a flood to wash it away.
Pleased you persisted. Buying a copy of The Black Crown now.
We all start somewhere. But I'd rather The Black Crown be the place where people start
Not beating the guy up. Gotta admire anyone who can bring down the Wrath, no matter how they did it. Most of us can stumble through a long life of being a Grade A Asshat and never get the personal attention of the Almighty.
Its a talent
Quite a talent, at that.
Happy to see someone able to succeed in writing. Got one book out myself, slowly chiseling the sequel’s MS into shape. It’s no small thing to get books out there.
I wonder how much we may owe to our bullies for our present creative superpowers?
We all start in that state 😆
Yeah, but most of us don’t incur The Wrath of God with our awful writing…
That’s a real mark of distinction.
I guess, once you get the attention of the Almighty, he backs your play. Glad he persisted.
I was bullied pretty badly in school myself. To me it seemed the point of school was to allow a small number of children to abuse everyone else.
Maybe I need to try provoking the Wrath as my strategy…
I’d get the locust treatment… I know it… the bugs ate my manuscript…
Worth joining Substack to hear.
"They're not writing what I want to read." Darn right. It isn't easy, but somebody's gotta do it
John just moved to the top of my TBR list. Great interview.
I'm going to shoot straight here, and hopefully John sees this. Based solely on the cover (which is exactly how I have ran into his book in the past) I would not read his book. I'll be picking it up anyway now because now I want to see his efforts succeed due to watching this interview, but previously I have seen The Black Crown and passed it up because the cover art did not speak to me. The design is great John, I love the idea you have there. It's just that to my eye, it looks very fake, like in the way of bad CGI or something. It looks plastic to me. I hope that your next book you go a different route for the art.
Here's the thing about the cover art: the new marketplace is digital. Most people will see the cover art when its the size of a thumbnail on their phone and at that distance the covers colors pop and the pose catches the eye. Jcaleb Designs uses 3D models to great effect, but I understand WHY you think this. No shade. Your support is greatly appreciated even if the cover doesn't do it for you.
Ah, that explains it then. Yeah the setup for the posing and whatnot is very dynamic and I love that. You're right that the color, especially on the boy, immediately catches the eye. Maybe, I'm just set in my ways but I think on my own I would have preferred a traditional illustration.
Either way, the cover for my own first book should be starting to cook later on this month. Hopefully it won't look like butt when it's done but if it does then do please tell me haha.