About Rain Oxford:
Rain Oxford is a middle school teacher who is compelled to spend every free moment writing. The Asian-influenced cultures she creates were inspired by Japan, where she attended Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto on an exchange program. She does most of her writing in a secluded cabin in the woods, with a four-pound Maltese as a companion. When she’s not teaching or creating worlds, she usually enjoys cooking, playing the piano, or photographing exotic wildlife.
What inspires you to write?
Anything can inspire me to write. I have actually heard the name of a person, thought it was an awesome name, and made up a character on the spot with that name. I have an overactive imagination, and I guess I always hated that I couldn’t go on amazing adventures.
Tell us about your writing process.
My process changes according to how well the story flows out of me and what I have to work around. Lately, I wing the first half of it while keeping notes, then I outline the rest of the book. Or at least I try to; my characters like to think they run the show. I take notes in a notebook and usually make outlines on Microsoft Word.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I see and hear the characters in my head. I normally tell them what is going to happen and how and then they do what they want anyway. Some characters literally come up with better ideas than I have, and the things they say or do can really surprise me.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write. Don’t let anyone stop you from writing, not even yourself. Research, edit, review, scrutinize, throw it away a few times, but never stop writing.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
As I grew up, the only option was traditional publishing by either submitting straight to a publishing house or getting an agent. I did my research into getting an agent and after about a month, I knew I would rather go unpublished. Then there was the option of self-publishing. After much stressing over it and researching my options, I went with self-publishing. I haven’t regretted it once.
New authors should absolutely look into every option and decide for themselves what is right for them. Self-publishing is a lot of work; it is definitely not an easy out solution.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe ebooks will become the norm, because they are easier to take with you, cheaper, and more accessible. I can choose from hundreds of books on my iPad without going to the store, and I can read more than one book without having to carry them around.
What genres do you write?: Fantasy
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Rain Oxford Home Page Link
Link To Rain Oxford Page On Amazon
