Today I'm talking with S.T. Sanchez, author of The Portal Keeper and Sunwalker.
1.) How would you
describe your writing to a newb?
I write in 3rd POV, but I am toying with the idea of
doing a novel in 1st person. I love to write fantasy although I have
an idea for a drama and an action adventure, but as much as I would love to
jump into the project I have decided to finish the two series I currently have
published first.
2.) What inspired you to write The Portal
Keeper?
I have a YA Vampire Trilogy entitled the Sunwalker Trilogy. I
have always been fascinated with vampires. However my kids are still on the
younger side, and the series is a little bit too intense for them. My son wanted me to write a story with a
dragon in it. I had been toying with the idea of writing a novel with a
mystical portal and just jumped in from there.
3.) Why do you think The Portal Keeper was
so easy to write?
I think the instant feedback made this novel easier to write. On
my other projects no one sees any of it until I have completed the first draft.
But with The Portal Keeper my kids were too excited that I was writing
something that they would be able to read. They became my instant beta readers.
Constantly hounding me to finish the next chapter. This book became our bedtime
story. Their anticipation and excitement was catching and pushed me to write
more.
4.) What's a place in Dallas I absolutely have to
visit? I'll go first. You've got to hit up Sushi One at the Plaza of the
Americas.
That’s a tough one. Dallas has so many amazing things to offer,
especially when it comes to restaurants. Probably my favorite place to go is an
Italian place in Allen, a suburb just north of Dallas. It has fantastic food,
and I might be a little bias since I met my husband there. If you ever go, you must order the Stuffed
Mushrooms and Chicken Murphy. There is nothing better.
5.) You have a BA of
Arts in Spanish. I've never heard of that. What is it? I have a Bachelor
of Arts in Spanish. My husband is from Mexico and I love the people, the
culture and the food. So learning Spanish was always a must for me.
6.) What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Have more than Mom and Dad read your books. Join
writing groups and have someone who doesn’t know you read your works. Don’t get
discouraged by bad feedback. Look at it and see if its valid and then make
changes. Don’t be afraid of rewrites.
7.) What made you decide to start a blog?
Honestly, at first because that’s the advice new authors are
given. It’s a way to attract new readers. Now I really enjoy getting to know
other authors and finding new stories to read that I might not have found
before.
8.) How do you get feedback for your books? Do you
have beta readers?
If you don’t have beta readers, I think that
you are really putting yourself at a disadvantage. My betas are my salvation.
Having several sets of eyes on a draft is crucial. They catch things I don’t
see. Help me keep my work consistent and let me know when I am heading in the
wrong direction.
Beta readers can be hard to find. A lot of people have a hard
time telling someone what’s wrong. It’s easier to just say everything was
great. I only have a small handful of readers who will really dig in and find
all my faults. It can be a little tough
to hear at times, some can be a little harsh, but I know my books are better because
of them.
S. T. Sanchez - Author
Sunwalker
The Portal Keeper
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