About M. A. Phipps:
M. A. PHIPPS is an American author who currently resides in the picturesque English West Country with her husband, daughter, and their Jack Russell, Milo. A lover of the written word, it has always been her dream to become a published author, and it is her hope to expand into multiple genres of fiction. When she isn’t writing, you can find her counting down the days until the new season of Game of Thrones.
What inspires you to write?
I find the most inspiration from music. I listen to a lot of classical and instrumental scores, in particular, from films, and I find they usually provide me with a host of great ideas for stories.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a big time planner. I outline the entire book in bullet points (in detail) before I even write the first sentence. Every single action that occurs, from dialogue to a character moving their head, is planned out before I actually write the first draft. I also have to find the perfect music to coincide with each chapter and put the songs in a playlist on my computer. Only then, can I begin writing.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I’m a bit of a spectator when it comes to my characters. I linger in the shadows, watching and listening—allowing their stories to unfold in front of me. I try not to interrupt them, otherwise I might miss out on something great.
What advice would you give other writers?
To write what you love and never be afraid to reach out to other authors for advice. Everyone started out at the bottom and you’d be surprised to find how many authors out there are not only willing but happy to offer advice.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Originally, I self-published my debut novel, Ultraxenopia. I had spent a few years querying agents and publishers with two different books. Despite a certain level of interest, I grew tired of nothing happening, so decided to take the plunge and do it myself. Five months later, the book was acquired by CHBB Publishing who have also contracted its two sequels. While I can greatly understand the benefits of self-publishing, it just wasn’t for me and I’m incredibly excited and grateful to now be working with a publisher.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think physical bookstores will be phased out within the next twenty years. There has been such a shift to digital books and even those who do still prefer paperbacks or hardbacks (like myself) tend to go for the convenience of online providers like Amazon. I also think we’ll see a huge rise in the visibility of indie authors as platforms like CreateSpace take the world by storm (which is already starting to happen).
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Science Fiction & Fantasy (for now)
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
M. A. Phipps Home Page Link
Link To M. A. Phipps Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
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.
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