Hey everyone! In this week's installment of the Author Interview Series I chatted with author and artist L. Steinworth about her writing, art, and most recently published book, Asunder, Book One of The King’s Renegade—A Vatan Chronicle. Check out what she had to say below!
1) Describe your most recently published book and/or your current work in progress.
Asunder, Book One of The King’s Renegade—A Vatan Chronicle, is a heroic fantasy romance about rogues and royalty overcoming their fears and mistrust of each other to seek truth behind the murder of a queen. I wrote the eighty-thousand-word novel in a way so that there is balance between action and adventure along with the romance woven throughout, something I’ve found difficult to find in the fantasy genre. Because of this, approach I’ve attracted both male and female readers into my world of Vatan.
2) Which do you prefer: self-publishing or traditional publishing? What factors made you choose one over the other?
Self-publishing all the way. As an oil painter, I find having one hundred percent creative control over my work is crucial. To me, it means my work is a projection of myself. Every word, every brush stroke in the cover, and design element chosen is The Art of Liz. I work hard to master my crafts, and I believe my readers take notice.
3) Which is your favorite genre(s) to write in?
Roguemance, as I’ve dubbed it. Where lovable rogues must question themselves, their choices, and make sacrifices to fight for what they love and believe in. Every time I think of a story it hovers around this nature. I seem to be attracted to the push and pull between lifestyles and drama of having to do the right thing even when it hurts, because in the end it’s worth it.
4) Do you prefer reading on an e-reader or actual books? Which do you think is better from a publishing point of view?
I’ve struggled to stay focused while reading digitally. For me, a computer or phone is such a multi-tool that I’m too used to becoming distracted on it that reading becomes a challenge. Recently I’ve been able to pick up a physical book and read a bit, but still, I would much rather work on my own stories than become invested or influenced by another’s.
Asunder has sold equally well with eBooks and paperbacks. I believe the success of my paperback comes largely from my hand-painted cover--which I did myself--and my unique way of packaging and distributing signed copies, which are paper wrapped with a wax seal.
5) How has the online writing community affected your writing career?
As an admin of a small group of fantasy writers, 200 Rogue Fantasy Writers, I find the community to be immensely important. Together we keep rooting each other on to reach our goals and dreams. It has been a perfect haven to confide in my struggles and successes. What I love most is teaching what I’ve learned through self-publishing and spreading that knowledge to them, taking several under my wing as they neared their book launch. I’ve found larger communities to be useful when seeking a question otherwise not found. I much prefer the close-knit groups and making friends.
6) What has been your biggest writing struggle? What is your greatest strength?
Right now, it has been the transition of publishing and marketing back into creative writing. My brain has been in such a business-focused mindset that when it comes back to needing to work on my sequel, Burden, it has been a slow process.
7) Is there anything about the publishing world that has been very difficult? Has anything been easier than you expected? If you aren’t published yet, what do you anticipate being easy or difficult?
I don’t think I’ve felt anything was difficult. Each stage was just a process with unique challenges I overcame. This is where the writing community has been tremendously helpful as any time I needed an answer it could be easily solved.
8) What is your favorite way to market your book and yourself as an author?
Facebook is good for fans who have already found me, but Instagram is my favorite. There I have been able to create eye-catching content paired with excerpts and teasers from my work. I have found this visually stimulating platform is the most efficient for luring in readers because of their use of hashtags.
9) Is writing your full-time job? If yes, what was your last profession? If no, do you want it to be and what do you do now?
I’m a fine artist specializing in oil painting portraiture. I also work a couple days a week at a custom framing shop where I can flex my creative design and problem-solving skills. My goal is to be able to write and paint full-time.
10) What advice would you give to someone who has just started writing?
Don’t be afraid and don’t be hard on yourself. The most common thing I see with anyone pursuing a creative field is that they compare themselves too harshly to those who have already succeeded, thus failing to understand that they too were once in their shoes. Learn to take constructive criticism well but without taking anything personally and to accept that you have much to learn. Just because someone has noted something that needs work doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and it also doesn’t mean they hate you or think you are stupid. It means they care enough for you to succeed. So, do so!
Keep up with L. Steinworth's writing endeavors by following the links below!
Purchase Asunder on Amazon.
Check out Steinworth's official website.
Like Steinworth on Facebook.
Follow Steinworth on Instagram.