About A. Nation:
I've always read as a child and now that I'm retired I want to write my own stories. After joining a writing group I published my first book in 2013. This book, Where Did They Go? was my first attempt at nanowrimo. I wrote it in 11 days and had it published two months later after my editor helped me. I love science fiction and mysteries and this book as a Urban Fantasy is a mix of the two genres. After this book, WDTG?, I wrote four more in the series.
What inspires you to write?
I want to read the stories that have a moral compass and a resolve to the MCs situation and still be entertaining to the reader. I've always wanted to write but life got in the way and resources weren't available to indies 30-40 years ago. My first book started with a dream about us interviewing aliens.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Isaac Asimov, Agatha Christie, Diane Mott Davison, J. A. Jance. I occasionally will read fellow indies works and help them out if the Tell is more than the Show. If someone asks me to review, I will if I have the time.
Tell us about your writing process.
I think about my story for a month or two and jot down scenes that should happen. When it comes to writing during nanowrimo in November, I usually have the story completely wrote in my head. On a daily routine, I start either in the morning or just after lunch. I quit before dinner time as that is my time to relax. Some technical aspects I would research or ask my engineer husband. I don't outline, I just make a list that usually becomes my chapter headings. I use Word to write and format my book for ebooks and print. I might try to locate pictures that match my characters but I like to leave that to the reader's imagination.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I just watch them play out the scene as if they are in a movie. I just write down what they are doing and guide them toward the final goal. Sometimes, they deviate but I welcome surprises. When a new character enters the scene, I know exactly what they look like and their mannerisms. From that, I show bits and pieces about them as the story unfolds.
What advice would you give other writers?
Read as much as you can. Watching TV shows and movies help by showing mannerisms, but reading is the best to help you with grammar. Every time I receive my books back fro my editor, I learn something new and try to incorporate it into the next book and previous books. Commas were not my favorite thing, but after practice, I'm much better for it.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I publish through Amazon's kdp and a few others that I don't have in kindle unlimited. I learned about these and internet searches through my writing club. I decided to go indie just due to my age. I don't have the time to waste waiting for a traditional publisher that will only give you 1-3% royalty or say no after 6 months. I write for my enjoyment and the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on my reader's faces after they have read my books.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Indie is a fast growing avenue but I'm not an expert to judge. It works for me. The desire to read will always be in demand.
What genres do you write?: science fiction, urban fantasy, travel mysteries, and one and only nonfiction.
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
A. Nation Home Page Link
Link To A. Nation Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on Smashwords
Your Social Media Links
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
