SPFBO 9 Author Interview- Debbie Iancu-Haddad

What inspired you to write your SPFBO entry? Is there a particular story, personal experience, or idea that sparked this book?

This book started as two short stories in a collaborative anthology. 30 authors from all over the world got together during the covid lockdown and created the world of Achten Tan. Then we each wrote our stories. Later I expanded the short stories into my novel. 

How would you describe your writing process? How did it evolve during the creation of this book?

This book was written during Nanowrimo 2020. I decided that I needed to write 80,000 words so I set a daily goal of 2500 daily words. I had a broad outline in my head for the story and wrote chronologically. It also helped that I had a critique partner who read my daily chapters. 

Because I write a chapter a day, all my Nanowrimo books have 30 chapters. 

What challenges did you face during the writing or publishing process, and how did you overcome them?

I think the biggest challenge in indie publishing for me is just finding the resources to finance the different aspects of production. Which is why I've learned how to format my books and create my own covers. 

Who are your biggest literary influences and how have they impacted your writing style?

I'm not sure I have literary influences because I don't want to emulate anyone else's style. I just want to sound like me. Every time I'm enamoured with another writer's writing I ask myself if I want to sound like that, and the answer is always no. 

Some of my favorite authors are Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, V.E. Schwab and Douglas Adams. 

How do you approach world-building in your fantasy novel? What elements do you think are essential for a compelling fantasy setting?

I was very lucky in that my world building was a collaborative effort and done up front, so it felt like I was writing in an existing world. The world was fully populated with characters, history, language and culture, not to mention food (Ribs with tar sauce anyone?). All of which are important elements. 

If you could give a piece of advice to the main character in your book at the start of their journey, what would it be?

Trust no one. (But you can trust Kaii).

As a self-published author, how do you navigate marketing and promoting your work?

It's a full time job that never ends. 

I participate in Bookfunnel promotions. Run Amazon ads, unsuccessfully. Petition Bookbub for featured deals (and get turned down.) Have a newsletter. Write reader magnets. Participate in Anthologies. Have every social media known to man, but not TikTok. (I know I should be on TikTok, but ugh.) Sell at conventions and book fairs. 

What made you decide to participate in the SPFBO competition? How do you think this experience will benefit you as an author?

It sounded very cool and I'd love more people to hear about my work. Hopefully being a part of SPFBO9 will be a stepping stone to interesting projects and new collaborations. 

If you were to win SPFBO, what impact do you think this would have on your writing career?

Wow. I'm not even thinking of winning. It's an honor just to be participating. 

What's next for you after SPFBO? Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I'm currently working on the launch of my YA sci-fi series, coming out in September. I'm also working on book 3 and 4 in the Sands of Achten Tan series.