Author interview: Susana Imaginário
Susana Imaginário, thanks so much for being willing to share something of yourself. I think people will enjoy getting to know you a little better.
What made you decide to sit down and start writing? What made you say to yourself "this is what I want to do"?
Circumstance. I always wanted to write a book, and I finally reached a point in my life when I had both the time and the confidence to do it. And so I did. Then I wrote another one, and another one and well, I guess that's what I do now.
Is there a genre you don't write in that you are a fan of, that you might consider writing in one day? If so, which one?
I really like historical fiction, but I'm intimidated by the amount of research involved. I can see myself getting caught up in a spiral of details instead of actually writing a good story. Maybe I'll just write historical fantasy instead.
Who are some of your favourite writers? Either inspirational or just for entertainment?
It's a long list...
Here's just a few who both inspire and entertain.
Joe Abercrombie, N. K. Jemisin, Dan Simmons, Mark Lawrence, Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Jose Saramago, Fernando Pessoa, Jane Austen, Bernard Cornwell, Adrian Tchaikovsky, J. Zachary Pike, Josiah Bancroft, Nicholas Eames.
I never know what might inspire me and even an author I don't particular like may write something I enjoy.
We always hear the expression write what you know. How much of you is in your book/s?
Not much in each individual book, but I've written five books, so... I guess it all adds up?
I always try to give my characters at least two personal traits: one quality – or at least a trait that I consider to be a quality! - and a personal flaw. This helps me relate to them and delve deeper into their personalities and motivations.
For example: One of my characters is a writer. Another swears a lot. So do I. Writing her is almost cathartic since I don't have to constantly watch my language. One of my villains hates tardiness and I've written some of his best Machiavellian rants while waiting for people to show up to their appointments. Things like that...
And then there's the weird sense of humour and the sarcastic undertone of the whole thing, of course. That's all me.
Are there any trends in current Sci-fi and Fantasy you aren't a big fan of? And conversely, trends you are really into.
I'm saturated with coming of age stories and I can't stand the 'special one' - as in what I like to call how the 'chosen one' trope is portrayed these days. The whole idea that you were just born special, able to achieve anything you want without having to work for it, and anyone who doesn't praise you or support you on your 'quest' is a villain, is utterly boring, childish and predictable.
Ontological mysteries and introspective stories set in whimsical and often questionable realities are my favourites. I love allegories, morally grey characters, hidden meanings, unreliable narrators, complicated plots, political intrigue and time travel.
For any wannabe writers out there what’s the most useful thing you’ve learned?
Writing a book is hard work, and it will never be perfect. (Even if it is, you'll probably never see it that way)
Perfection is the enemy of completion, so aim for competence and find what works for you. Not everyone can write 10k words a day, every day, and that's fine. Aim for quality, not quantity.
Are you a plotter or a pantser (make it up as you go)?
Both. I always know the general outline of the plot, but the actual story develops as I write.
Tell us a little bit about your latest project and the challenges you’ve faced putting it all together?
My latest project is the last book in the Timelessness series, and I was not prepared for the challenge of wrapping it all up. It's been emotionally draining and terrible for my mental health. I can't help thinking that if I screw up the ending, I'll screw up the entire series. Well, it's written now. I guess the most pressing (and still the most challenging) thing left to do is marketing it.
What’s your favourite fantasy/sci-fi franchise?
Stargate (especially the original movie and Atlantis) and the MCU, but only up until Infinity War. It sort of derailed from there...
Follow Susanna via -
Universal link to Wyrd Gods: mybook.to/WyrdGods
Amazon link to the series: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F2SG8Z6
Link to my Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19484357.Susana_Imagin_rio
Link to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Chronodendron