Author Interview: D.M. Barton
What inspired you to write in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, and how does that inspiration reflect in your stories?
My drive to write my own books hit when I discovered Keri Arthur. She writes paranormal romance and I fell in love with her books. I’ve always loved tv shows and movies featuring supernatural beings or extraordinary creatures and situations. Love the unique takes on them, the lore behind them both fictional and factual.
So when I write I try to put my own spin on things. Something unique and possibly original. I try to steer clear of cliches although that’s not always possible. My self-published book is pure fantasy. Taking inspiration from Japanese Mythology and the Final Fantasy games.
Why did you choose the indie author route to publication?
I’ve written quite a few books over the years. Tried to get agents and publishers. Queried so many times I can’t count. Seeing posts on Facebook and other social media I started to look into self-publishing. Learning about it and the avenues to take. It took a long time but I’m very happy with the finished product.
Can you share a bit about the world-building process in your series or novel? How do you balance creativity with consistency?
I started off with an idea that fit it into the world that best fit. I’m not a planner by nature. So I start and make it up as I go along. Then go back and make sure everything fits together perfectly. So when it came to world-building I added bits here and there as I went along. Making sure, even when dealing with the more fantasy based moments that it still feels realistic with the world I’ve built.
What unique challenges do you face as an indie author in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, and how do you overcome them?
The main challenge I’ve hit is marketing and getting my name out there. There are so many books in this genre. Also I’ve found it isn’t as popular as a genre like romance is. Trying to find independent book stores that hold fantasy/sci-fi books in my area is really hard.
Who are your favorite fantasy/sci-fi authors or works, and in what ways have they influenced your writing?
Keri Arthur is definitely at the top of that list. Not only did I find her books when I needed them the most. Reading them also pushed me to take writing more seriously. I loved her mix of well-known supernatural beings and the ones she created herself.
More recently I found the Skullduggery Series which brings in more magical elements which I really enjoy the way the author has done it.
How do you develop your characters, and who is your favorite character from your works? Why?
My characters sometimes just come to me. I imagine what they look like, how they act. How they would react to different situations. These are usually my main characters. With the supporting characters. Sometimes they come out of necessity to the story. Acting a certain way to explore more of the main characters personalities. Bringing in plot points and side-plots to flesh out the book.
My favourite one would have to be Cassie from my Leecher Chronicles Series. She’s a vampire who simply wants to have fun and have friends. In her past she lost her loved one and during the books timeline she has no choice but to turn someone because of the need of blood. She hates doing this but it turns out she finds someone that she can fall in love with again.
Could you discuss the role of magic/science or fantastical/sci-fi elements in your stories? How do you create rules and limitations for them?
I have different systems of magic in my two series. The first one the magic is divided up into three groups. Destruction, Illusion and Healing. Witches can only use one section of spells. Warlocks have trained themselves to use all three but they aren’t as powerful. In my other series the main system of magic is elemental magic. Starting with fire, water, air and earth. More complicated spells involve ice and time. In my second series I also have Titans which are monsters or creatures that can be controlled by the main character. Some of them become theirs through battle and some choose who they want to be taken by.
How do you approach the plotting and planning of your series or novels? Do you prefer to map everything out beforehand or let the story evolve as you write?
I’m a pantser. So I tend to get an idea for a book or something that would be cool and build on that in my mind until I have a fair direction I want to take. I start from the beginning and I write. Coming up with what to do next as I go along. I find this taps into my creativity more but also means I need to go back through a lot to make sure it’s all consistent. In the past I’ve planned out my books. And I’ve either found it boring to write or my ideas take over and the plan changes drastically.
Saying this, with my current WIP I planned out the chapters very loosely. Then did bullet points for what I want to achieve in each one. And so far this is the book I’ve written the quickest. I started it on the 1st Jan and I plan to finish at leas the first draft by the end of the month. I guess it’s finding out which works best for you.
What is a theme or message you hope readers take away from your work?
I love the fact that you can make friendships that feel like family. That the bonds you make with friends can be the strongest ones you have. The MC from the Leecher Chronicles finds out the family she has is fake. But she manages to get through obstacles in her life with the bond she makes with her new friends. They become her family.
In what ways do you connect with your readers, and how has their feedback influenced your writing?
I’ve sold some copies in person with people. Love hearing what they love about reading especially about the fantasy/sci-fi genre. Learning about other authors they enjoy so I can expand my own bookshelf.
When I get feedback from readers it’s amazing. It really does push you to keep writing even when the self-doubt monsters are bashing down your door. I recently used beta readers which were invaluable. Not only did they point out spelling mistakes but they made opinions on the story and the writing. Not only this give you insight in what works and doesn’t work with your genre. But the praise really lifts you up and helps you keep the elements that work.
As an indie author, what advice would you give to aspiring writers wanting to publish in the fantasy/sci-fi genre?
The first piece of advice is to take all advice you find with a pinch of salt. Some with swear by outlines and planning things down to the very feelings each characters has in each moment. Others will say just sit down and write. You need to find what helps you write and you do that through writing. Trying different things, different ways. Don’t put yourself in other peoples’ boxes. You write the way you write. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You guarantee failure if you don’t try.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an indie author?
Not having the pull of a big publisher. It’s much harder to get your books into brick and mortar shops. Luckily it’s easy to get your books into online stores, especially Amazon. But you have to work on getting your following. Creating readers that anticipate when your next book comes out. Personally I find this hard but I keep on plugging away for the day I can do this full-time.
Add any Links here –
www.facebook.com/dmbbooks
Amazon.co.uk: D.M. Barton: books, biography, latest update – this is the link to all my books available on Amazon
Crystal Darke eBook : Barton, D.M.: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store – this is the link to my self-published book
Thank you!
