Friday, January 4, 2013

Get to Know the Author


Since publishing my first book, I've been asked many questions about it, some which I find are a bit interesting. Some of those questions were, "Why did you write such a thick book? Why did you make it so long? Why not shorten it? Why not make it into a couple of different books?" Even my first publisher suggested I keep in mind the length of my novel when writing it. He wanted me to keep it under a certain number of pages, which as I was writing the sequel, I attempted to do. Needless to say it's a bit longer than what he wanted and I'm publishing this on my own now. Well, for those of you who would like to know the answer, here it is: "I didn't try to make Crystal Dragon as long as it is, and I didn't try to shorten it by any means. Crystal Dragon is a product of my imagination. For those of you who prefer shorter stories, I apologize, but I'm not cutting down any part of my creativity and imagination when it comes to my thought process. When I started it, I did not have any specific number of pages or length to which I was going to set as a goal. Granted, I might have been able to cut Crystal Dragon into two books, but unfortunately for my fans, I am pretty stubborn and wanted to keep it as one because it is one story, not two. At one point, I had considered cutting it into two novels, only because one publisher was considering my book, and they do have specific guidelines for their novels but once again, I am stubborn and wanted to keep it as one. Besides, they never picked up my novel anyway, so it was okay (and no, it was not due to the length)." Q & A: Now, this is where I pose a question to you, the FANS, AUTHORS, WRITERS, etc! "As an author, how many have you been asked to shorten a novel and what was the reason why? Was it due to cost? Or were there other reasons behind it? Do you feel that by shortening your novel, you were being asked to cut off your creativity at some point? Did it make you feel that you had to completely re-write and re-organize your thought process on how the story was going to end/begin/play out, etc.? As a fan/reader, how many of you do prefer shorter novels vs. a 400+ page book and why? What books have you read that you feel the author should have cut the book in two or shortened it, and why?" Thank you for your input! I look forward to reading what YOU have to say.