Author Bio:
I’ve been reading Epic Fantasy and Science fiction nonstop since the age of eleven. Before long, I started writing my own stories and kept adding to them throughout the years. As a father, I began telling my kids about the stories that became part of the Safanarion Order series. It was their enthusiasm and constant “Tell us more Dad,” that lead me back to the keyboard. My main focus is to write books that I would like to read and I hope you enjoy them as well.
You can find out more about me and upcoming books on my website at http://kenlozito.com
What inspires you to write?
An escape from the normal everyday mundane world.
Tell us about your writing process.
I’m an outliner. I use Scrivener for my writing projects. My outlines are fairly high level providing just enough information for me to dive right in. Sometimes when I’m outlining the muse strikes and I start writing the scene. I do some character bios with answers to some basic questions about who they are. One thing I’m sure to include in my character sheets is what they would be doing if they were not pulled into the plot of the book. This adds depth to the character that helps me connect with them.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I hear my characters so I guess that’s the same thing. The scenes I create I do build in my mind as I put them down on paper. I listen to music while I write to help set the mood. However when I’m going back through a manuscript I like it quiet.
What advice would you give other writers?
Create a schedule and treat that writing time as sacred. Take thirty minutes or an hour and devote it to writing everyday. 90 percent of life is showing up so show up to your computer or notebook, cut out all distractions, and start putting words on a page.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish my book. I’ve never submitted anything to a traditional publisher. I read a few articles about how long it takes to actually make a decent living publishing with a traditional publisher and decided that this wasn’t for me. I like having control of my work. Advise to new authors is to find and hire an editor. You may think you can edit your own work or your friends and loved ones can because they are super smart and good at grammar. They can’t. Nothing beats hiring an editor to help you polish off your work. Having said that, do your homework. Interview the potential editor and get references. Also invest in a book cover. Unless you’ve been blessed with multiple artistic talents chances are you can’t design a book cover. After you finish your book start writing another one right away. Don’t wait. The other advise i could give is to read lots of books for fun and to improve your craft.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I don’t think Traditional publishing will go away. I think their business model will need to change. If there were to become more service oriented without requiring lifetime ownership of authors work they might make it. Self Publishing is here to stay. I think there will be a growing hybrid of direct sales as well as through sites like Amazon.
What do you use?
Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
Fantasy and Science Fiction
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Ken Lozito Home Page Link
Link To Ken Lozito Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7389638.Ken_Lozito
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Safanarion-Order/664767760225996
https://twitter.com/kenlozito
