Author Bio:
This is where I get the chance to explain myself. Listen very carefully because you can’t hear the written word. If you could, it would sound like keyboard clicks, with the ghostly echoes of typewriter strokes haunted by the soft whisper of pen or pencil intimately caressing the page.
I am a writer.
What I do with that occupation is hopefully captivate your attention for a few brief moments while you take a mental vacation from the world that you reside in. I write the books I’d like to read, and suppose some others circling the sun with me might enjoy them also.
What inspires you to write?
Everything. I connect strongly with visual imagery, being inspired first by fantasy art and graphic novels as a child. As I grew older, I drew inspiration from books, movies, music, nature, and so much more. My brain is always clicking , every experience working its way in the creative swamp, sinking into the subconscious only to emerge somewhere along the journey from fingertips to printed page.
Tell us about your writing process.
I pretty much throw myself into the story and write. I enjoy the surprise twists and turns the story takes as it works itself along. Characters will suddenly change my plans for them and so something completely unexpected, altering my entire story at times. I forgive them, though. All in the process of the seat of your pants process.
My one rule is to know the end of the story before I begin it. That way I know where I’m supposed to be headed. I’ve found it extremely difficult to write without knowing the endgame of the story. It’s not impossible, but it helps a great deal to be in the know.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I’m not a writer that interacts with the characters. In my case, I’m watching a movie in my head and recording what I see. The only difference is that with writing it gives me the opportunity to get inside of the characters’ heads, see through their eyes, feel what they feel. I try to pull myself as far away from the characters as possible in order for them to live their own lives without my intrusive presence affecting how they deal with situations. It’s hard enough being fictional without having your author always telling you what to do, after all.
What advice would you give other writers?
Recognize that writing is a craft, and respect it. Take your time to develop it. I had to learn those things through trial and error, and see many new authors rushing their work out without the proper revising and editing that a great novel deserves. The chances of making a fortune from your words is remarkably slim, so what’s the hurry? Invest whatever you can afford for professional editing and striking cover art. Learn all you can about the business of writing. And lastly, realize that the fun part about writing is the writing. After that, it’s called work. So be a professional.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I self published my work so far, although for my latest novel I’m going through the submission process for and agent/publisher. I enjoy the freedom of self publishing because I’m very much control oriented. At the same time, I can see advantages with traditional publishing as well, although the window is very tight and ultra competitive to get in. My ideal position is the hybrid approach, using traditional means for certain works, and the indie market for others.
I think new authors should start by considering what they really want out of publishing, and what work they’re willing to put in to accomplish their goals. There’s a lot of frustration and long-term patience involved with the submission process in the traditional road, but the possibility of rich rewards can be tantalizing. The self-publishing route offers immediate control and some satisfaction, but the idea of marketing and trying to get your work noticed can be quite intimidating to many. The prospective author should definitely do their research before making a decision.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
With the rise of the e-book, everything has changed. Yet as the saying goes: the more things change, the more they stay the same. Yes, the options have increased for authors. But the workload has increased as well. It is still difficult to stand out in a heaving sea of writers waving fluttering pages that look similar to yours. Millions of books are still published, yet only a handful go on to become bestsellers, and even fewer authors become household names. The digital ‘revolution’ will only go as far as the quality of the writing. I still believe that the writer that takes the time to develop their craft, exercise patience, produce quality work will have the greatest chance of recognition. And in that, the future of publishing will be secure, no matter the avenue that the actual publishing takes.
What do you use?
Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
fantasy, science fiction, young adult, horror, adventure, paranormal, mystery
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Bard Constantine Home Page Link
Link To Bard Constantine Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5220786.Bard_Constantine
https://www.facebook.com/bardwritesbooks
https://twitter.com/BardConstantine
http://www.pinterest.com/BardofDarkness/
