What follows is a brief interview with Ryan Lea, the author of "Babylon Dragon," and the recently released "McDowell Sisters and Annabeth." Both works are currently available through Amazon.com.
When did you start writing?
I decided to try to write fiction about six or seven years ago. I spent two years writing a novel that I didn't think turned out well enough to publish. It is currently gathering dust on a CD-R somewhere.
After that rough first attempt, I spent four years writing Babylon Dragon and studying writing. I finished college during that time, so I was also writing research papers and many other equally boring assignments. I probably would have finished that much sooner if I had more spare time.
Do you have any other projects in the works?I have outlines for a second AnnaBeth novel and a novella, but I've been trying to focus on the MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth release tasks.
Have you ventured into any other genres? The two books I have out thus far probably fit into the fantasy genre.
I've dabbled in horror a little and I'd like to do a horror novel some time. My short story, "Amy" (free for download on Smashwords), is a zombie story.
I want to do a children's book too. That is probably an odd goal for me to have, given what I usually write. I want to do a children's book that has a creepy fairytale edge, similar to what Neil Gaiman does.
When do you find time to write, given that you have a family and a full time job?I write whenever, wherever I can. I almost always have either my Ipaq PDA or a spiral bound notebook with me. I write on lunch breaks, while I'm riding in a car or while just waiting. Friday nights are primo, golden writing time. I'm a bit of a workaholic.
What do you consider to be your major influences?Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, James Patterson, and Janet Evanovich. Each of them has their unique strengths. Sometimes I read their books because I want their writing abilities to rub off on me.
How long did it take you to write your first two novels and what was your process?I wrote MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth in three months. I had a rough outline. I don't usually write without some idea as to where I'm going. There were some parts I added on subsequent edits/rewrites, connections that weren't made the first time around. The writing went pretty well. My second novel was much easier to write than Babylon Dragon.
What do you like to read and what is the best book you've ever read?
Oh my. There have been so many. I'm not sure I could pick just one. I've loved Alice in Wonderland since childhood. I love books that are easy to escape into. That one definitely qualifies. I also really love "Cell" by Stephen King and "The Taking" by Dean Koontz.
Is your family/husband supportive?My husband wasn't supportive at first. He didn't understand why I was writing and maybe he thought I was being weird. He's a left brainer. He is getting better though. He's adjusting to the idea that this is what I want to do, that the writing isn't just a passing phase for me. The rest of my family is very supportive, especially my mom.
Visit Lea's website at www.LeaRyan.com and check out her witty blog at Lea-Ryan.blogspot.com.
When did you start writing?
I decided to try to write fiction about six or seven years ago. I spent two years writing a novel that I didn't think turned out well enough to publish. It is currently gathering dust on a CD-R somewhere.
After that rough first attempt, I spent four years writing Babylon Dragon and studying writing. I finished college during that time, so I was also writing research papers and many other equally boring assignments. I probably would have finished that much sooner if I had more spare time.
Do you have any other projects in the works?I have outlines for a second AnnaBeth novel and a novella, but I've been trying to focus on the MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth release tasks.
Have you ventured into any other genres? The two books I have out thus far probably fit into the fantasy genre.
I've dabbled in horror a little and I'd like to do a horror novel some time. My short story, "Amy" (free for download on Smashwords), is a zombie story.
I want to do a children's book too. That is probably an odd goal for me to have, given what I usually write. I want to do a children's book that has a creepy fairytale edge, similar to what Neil Gaiman does.
When do you find time to write, given that you have a family and a full time job?I write whenever, wherever I can. I almost always have either my Ipaq PDA or a spiral bound notebook with me. I write on lunch breaks, while I'm riding in a car or while just waiting. Friday nights are primo, golden writing time. I'm a bit of a workaholic.
What do you consider to be your major influences?Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, James Patterson, and Janet Evanovich. Each of them has their unique strengths. Sometimes I read their books because I want their writing abilities to rub off on me.
How long did it take you to write your first two novels and what was your process?I wrote MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth in three months. I had a rough outline. I don't usually write without some idea as to where I'm going. There were some parts I added on subsequent edits/rewrites, connections that weren't made the first time around. The writing went pretty well. My second novel was much easier to write than Babylon Dragon.
What do you like to read and what is the best book you've ever read?
Oh my. There have been so many. I'm not sure I could pick just one. I've loved Alice in Wonderland since childhood. I love books that are easy to escape into. That one definitely qualifies. I also really love "Cell" by Stephen King and "The Taking" by Dean Koontz.
Is your family/husband supportive?My husband wasn't supportive at first. He didn't understand why I was writing and maybe he thought I was being weird. He's a left brainer. He is getting better though. He's adjusting to the idea that this is what I want to do, that the writing isn't just a passing phase for me. The rest of my family is very supportive, especially my mom.
Visit Lea's website at www.LeaRyan.com and check out her witty blog at Lea-Ryan.blogspot.com.
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