About Sean Clarke:
Sean Clarke is an author, blogger and freelance writer who lives in Saltcoats, Ayrshire.
He writes fantasy and supernatural horror fiction. His debut novel, Crestmore: The Lost Elmkey is out now!
When he's not writing, Sean enjoys gaming, swimming and spending time with family and friends.
What inspires you to write?
A desire to tell stories. It's true! Telling stories has always been at the heart of why I write fiction.
There's nothing better than starting with a blank page and creating something that others can enjoy and get invested in. It's a wonderful feeling, and all the inspiration I need.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Michael Crichton
JK Rowling
Stephen King
J.R.R. Tolkien
Tell us about your writing process.
I always start by writing down a list of ideas that come to me over a period of time. Plots, characters, themes etc. I'll continue on this path until I'm ready to write a general outline, always telling myself this is the first time I've planned an entire novel right down to the last detail.
Sadly, after a few drafts, it's always the bare bones of my outline that remains. I tend to write between ten and twelve drafts before sending the manuscript off to my editor. The book will usually be ready for release by Draft fifteen.
It's a long process but one I feel the most comfortable with. The worst thing a writer can do is compare their technique to anyone else's. Everybody has their own process.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I do both. Sometimes I'll catch myself having imaginary conversations between two characters in my head, or worse, acting them out loud.
It's helpful to see how dialogue flows but other times it can be quite revealing. I always want my characters to stay true to my vision because if I don't buy into their behaviour and motives then I doubt readers will.
What advice would you give other writers?
Practice!, Practice!, Practice!
If you work at your craft then you can only improve. Try to write everyday and never let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big. Use their skepticism as inspiration. There will always be disappointments and rejection in this game but that's part of the writing journey, and everyone's journey is different.
Prove the doubters wrong by being the best writer you possibly can.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I'm self-published but I wanted to be trad-published when I started out. Like so many newbies, I believed trad-published authors were guaranteed instant success and untold riches. Then I learned it doesn't work like that.
I love having control of my own brand and books but I would never rule out going the trad-route. It all depends what works best for me at the time.
My advice to new authors is to be in possession of the facts. Research both routes and make an informed decision on what works best for you.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It's constantly evolving isn't it? I would imagine Covid-19 will play a big part in how the future shapes up. I believe there will be more digitally published books than before. The way we do events will change too. Virtual book launches are massive right now and that trend could continue along with virtual book signings.
Ultimately, it's hard to predict but we don't know if the traditional way of doing things will ever return. All we can do is see how it all unfolds.
What genres do you write?: Fantasy and Horror Fiction
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Link To Sean Clarke Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
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.
