Author Interview - Rudy Lopes
What inspired you to write in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, and how does that inspiration reflect in your stories?
My mom was a huge scifi fan, and so was I. When I got to college, my friends introduced me to a wide range of fantasy. These two quickly became my go-to reading targets. My ideas for plots, characters, and settings reflect elements of both, but the stories are 100% fantasy.
Why did you choose the indie author route to publication?
I wanted the full range of the author experience, so after readying Mystics of Sonoduhl I went through the querying process. After many months of little success, I approached an indie publisher I knew and agreed to publish with them.
Can you share a bit about the world-building process in your series or novel? How do you balance creativity with consistency?
Back in my college days I created a world for an RPG. I drew maps, made up backstory, and peopled the world, and then promptly stuck it all in a box in my closet. Fast forward many years, I had a story idea for my debut novel but no world to place it in. I remembered that box, and it rewarded me for not throwing it out all these years!
I try to maintain consistency in my stories, but this is fiction after all. So far when creativity ran afoul of backstory, I just went back and changed the backstory. In the end, the story is the driver and it has to be engaging.
What unique challenges do you face as an indie author in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, and how do you overcome them?
There is such a wealth of titles for readers to choose from. It's hard for new authors to break through the noise to find their audience. All we can do is keep plugging away, trying to get the word out, and (meanwhile) keep on writing.
Who are your favorite fantasy/sci-fi authors or works, and in what ways have they influenced your writing?
There are soooo many. Start with the classic greats like Asimov, Heinlein, and Clarke, and add in Tolkien, Brooks, and Pratchett. Sprinkle in contemporary choices like Scazi, Kim Stanley Robinson, Novik, and Sanderson. (I'm leaving out names that I shouldn't, but you get the idea.) Reading such a variety of author voices can't help but turn up in my own writing - Asimov's plain speak, Sanderson's more prosaic verbiage, Scalzi's snark, and Novik's breadth of worldbuilding.
How do you develop your characters, and who is your favorite character from your works? Why?
Sometimes my characters come from individuals or combinations of people I know, while other times I take aspects of characters from TV or movies. The trick is always to make them as real and well-rounded as possible, even if only I get to see it all. Of all my characters, my favorite so far is from my as-yet unpublished second novel. He was deliciously fun to write!
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?
Magic has to have consequences, even if you don't see them. It's sort of like strength in a person - they may be able to lift heavy boxes for a while, but each one saps a bit more energy until they're finally too tired to continue. Otherwise, how can you create hardship and challenges for your characters?
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 typically start with a broad idea and a handful of moments - scenes that need to be in there. (An example of a moment is Rowling "seeing" Hagrid carrying a lifeless Harry back to Hogwarts.) Once I have these broad strokes, I start thinking about the characters I'll need and what they'll be like. Then I just dive right in. Sometimes the story or characters will evolve over the course of the writing, but I'm willing to go with it. I tried planning everything for my second book, and it just didn't work for me. :(
What is a theme or message you hope readers take away from your work?
The theme of Mystics of Sonoduhl is to have faith in yourself and your friends. I needed to remember to have faith in myself while I was struggling to write it!
In what ways do you connect with your readers, and how has their feedback influenced your writing?
I belong to a writing critique group and a writing group (both through my local public library) as well as a virtual book club. In addition, I have a website and facebook page, along with social media presence. The reviews I've gotten so far have been great, and I love the conversations I've had with my growing circle of writer and reader friends. All of these things have helped to sharpen my writing and storytelling abilities.
As an indie author, what advice would you give to aspiring writers wanting to publish in the fantasy/sci-fi genre?
First of all, DO IT! Don't let your friends, family, or your own brain tell you it can't be done. Second, give yourself permission to write a crap first draft. It won't necessarily be crap, of course, but at the same time that first draft doesn't have to be solid gold either. You can always edit afterward. Third, reach out on social media to other writers. There are lots of us out there, and we're generally good about sharing and encouraging each other. And fourth, READ.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an indie author?
Ah, yes. Marketing is the biggest challenge. We write because we want to tell stories, but we end up having to spend lots of time convincing or exposing others to those stories. Still, the satisfaction I get from a total stranger telling me how much they enjoyed my work is well worth the struggle.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share with you and your readers. Give some love to the Indie published - review a book today!
Find Rudy here –
Mystics of Sonoduhl on Amazon
http://www.rudylopes.com
https://twitter.com/RudyLopes5
https://www.instagram.com/rudylopesauthor/
https://www.threads.net/@rudylopesauthor
https://www.facebook.com/RudyLopesAuthor
