Interview with a Friend and Writer

This prompt prompted me to ask a friend in my writing group some interview questions. He had been working on his novel for a long time, always telling me about his latest progress on one section or reworking something with the main character. It wasn’t until this interview that I learned what motivated him to keep going on this long-term writing project. Here are the snapshots of our long chat.

What got you into writing your novels?

It was in 2010 when I was reading science fiction that I realized that there are not enough Asian characters there. That’s what got me started in writing science fiction.

What manuscript are you working on now?

Quantum Katana which is a lit RPG (role-playing game) novel about a dethroned e-sports gamer who finds out her husband’s conscience is trapped in an online game and she has to save him.

Who is your ideal audience?

My story would appeal to people interested in Asian culture and Japanese mythology. The story takes place in the future and then moves into a fictional world.

What motivates you to keep writing? A novel takes a while to write!

I join other writers and writing groups to motivate me to keep writing. I also have external deadlines with a critique group. My critique group meets regularly to review each other’s writing. I also set hard deadlines. I’ve rewritten my story many times, but I have a final deadline in mind to submit the final draft for publication.

How do you keep generating ideas for your story?

I keep reading writing craft books. These books help me to get better as a writer. I also welcome feedback from other members of my critique group.

Final words of advice?

If you want to improve at your craft, read lots, write regularly, set deadlines, and be open to feedback.

Daily writing prompt

Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.