About Sofia Diana Gabel:
I am a multi-genre author with a YA sci-fi trilogy (books one and two published, book three in the works!), a historical romantic suspense, a historical women’s fiction and several short stories published. I recently won third place in the Ventura County Writers Club’s annual short story contest! Born in Australia, I now live in southern California with my wonderful three daughters and equally wonderful three hairless Sphynx cats. In addition to writing, I love to travel. Last year was a trip to Scotland and Ireland. This year, a few local places; Seattle, Oregon and Las Vegas.
What inspires you to write?
It’s the escapism for me! It started when I was really young and I used writing as a way to escape the reality of being teased because I was a ‘foreign’ kid with a strong accent. I could keep my head down, not talk to anyway, and create alternate worlds and people. It helped me survive those tough years growing up.
Tell us about your writing process.
I tend to let my characters write their story. I have the basic plot outlined in my head, but it’s the characters who really develop the story. Sometimes they do things that I had no idea they’d do. I’ve heard this called ‘walking the character’, where you simply sit down and get into the character’s head so much that it’s really them doing things. It might sound weird, but it works!
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Oh, yes, my characters tell me all sorts of things because they’re in my head and won’t get out until I finish the story! This is why I can’t outline. Outlines are too rigid and I like to write in a free-flowing sort of way with the characters making up the story as they go. Of course I have to edit some of the things they do or say, but still, it’s all them.
What advice would you give other writers?
It’s sort of cliché, but don’t give up. If writing is your passion, keep at it. If you need to attend conferences, workshops, critique groups (which I definitely recommend), then do it. And practice. Always practice. You can’t improve if you don’t keep at it continuously.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I found small publishers who were wonderful. I queried agents first and wasn’t able to land one (they’re very hard to attract!), so I research small presses. I absolutely love a small publisher because you have more personalized service with the editors and cover designers. My input is taken seriously, which is a wonderful thing! I think agents still have their place in today’s publishing industry, but if you can’t find an agent, check out small publishers that don’t require you to have an agent. Always research them first though!
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think the big publishers will still be around for a long time, but with small publishers and self-publishing, they might eventually be phased out. Not for a while though. It’s actually a very exciting time to be an author.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Science fiction, romance, horror, historical, suspense, thriller, young adult
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Sofia Diana Gabel Home Page Link
Link To Sofia Diana Gabel Page On Amazon
