We’re delighted to welcome author R.L. Martinez to the Pantry today. With her first fantasy, In the Blood, released today (review to come), it seems like a fitting time to question her about all things writing related!
Hi R.L., thank you so much for joining us. So, let’s start at the beginning, what were you like at school? Were you good at English?
I was one of those middling students – not popular, but not an object of ridicule. In high school I took part in colour guard so I had a small, tight circle of friends I enjoyed spending time with.
Besides maths, school was pretty easy for me so I maintained high grades throughout college and university – particularly in English and literature classes. But I think the main reason for that is I actually love to learn. I think I would still be in school today if I could afford it. And I was always an avid reader, so I had bits and pieces of information floating around in my brain at all times.
Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured?
Well, that’s a tricky question. I stay at home (my husband works) but not necessarily by choice. I’ve tried finding paying work outside of the house for three years now and have been unsuccessful. And, though you would think that allows me to write all day, I have two small sons (four and six years old), one of whom is not in school yet. So, I’m not able to spend very much time on my writing during the day.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively since the first thing you wrote?
One of my biggest developments as a writers is losing my penchant for over description and purple prose. College and various writing workshops/critique sessions have whittled me down to a cleaner, more straightforward storyteller. I sometimes still meander towards overwriting, but am better able to see that when doing revisions. Plus, I have beta readers and an editor who help shave off unnecessary descriptions and words.
This book is part of what looks set to be a bestselling series; tell us a little about it?
The Witchbreed is a loose trilogy that follows members of the Dominax family and their adventures (e.g. misadventures) in a pre-industrial world on the verge of world war. The first two books revolve around twin sisters Oriabel and Ottilde Dominax, while the third book focuses on Oriabel’s child.
Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors? What book/s are you reading at present? If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Reading is my second favourite pastime! I try to read a book a week – though that doesn’t always happen. Some of my favourite authors are Sharon Shinn, Jane Austen, Stephen King, Marge Piercy, Joy Harjo, Margaret Atwood, Charles Dickens, Sherman Alexie, Toni Morrison, and Michel Faber.
Hmmm… If I could have authored any book… well, I guess I would say I wish I had already authored the books that are still in my pipeline. I wish they were all already out in the world.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
- Keep EVERYTHING you write. Even if you think it’s horrid and will never use it, keep it.
- Read. A lot. Nothing irritates me more than hearing other authors dismiss the need to read widely and deeply. And you might be surprised to know just how many writers think reading is unimportant to their craft. To me, that is the height of disrespect and amateur thinking.
For readers I would say, don’t force yourself to read a book you aren’t absolutely loving – I say that even if you are reading MY book at the moment. What a waste to slog through stories that do not engage you! Life is way too short for that sort of nonsense.
As for writers hoping to be published, I advise taking a good, honest look at your skills when deciding between indie and traditional publishing. For example, I like many aspects of indie publishing (ultimate control over product being paramount), but I just do not have the marketing mind to make it successful. So, I might be able to put out a decent book with a pretty cover, but it will never go anywhere because I don’t know how to get it into readers’ hands. Take a look at my one – and only – indie-published title, Wild Horses Don’t Stop at Whoa. I have still never received a penny for it because I’ve never been able to reach the minimum number of sales for Amazon to send me a royalty check.
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful? How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Write a review! Reviews and person-to-person recommendations are the best marketing out there. Every time you tell someone about an author you’ve enjoyed, you’ve helped increase that author’s reach.
If you want to learn more about my work, visit my website at http://robinLmartinez.com
Yes, we say definitely check out and follow R.L., if the first reviews of her book are anything to go back, she’s about to make some serious waves in the fantasy book network! And, if you’d like to read – and review! – In the Blood, these links might help!
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121315.R_L_Martinez
Thanks so much for joining us, R.L., we wish you all the best!