Ask the Author: Steven Hildreth Jr.
Answered Questions (11)
Steven Hildreth Jr.
I think every book needs to start with passion. A driving force. I don't think a book is something the average person shrugs and goes, "Well, I guess I COULD write this." There has to be no doubt in one's mind that there is a story that NEEDS to be told.
Once that story is identified, it's a long path. Lots of reading. Lots of research. Lots of trial and error. One has to learn the basic mechanics of prose writing, and then learn genre tropes on top of that so that they may learn when to subvert them, when to invert them, and when to play them straight. Then they have to write, accept constructive criticism, then continue to improve their craft.
I started writing when I was 11 years old and I didn't publish my first full-length novel until I was 24. It's definitely a labor of love, and the process will definitely test one's conviction to the story inside of them. But, when the book is completed, there is a sense of accomplishment like none other.
Once that story is identified, it's a long path. Lots of reading. Lots of research. Lots of trial and error. One has to learn the basic mechanics of prose writing, and then learn genre tropes on top of that so that they may learn when to subvert them, when to invert them, and when to play them straight. Then they have to write, accept constructive criticism, then continue to improve their craft.
I started writing when I was 11 years old and I didn't publish my first full-length novel until I was 24. It's definitely a labor of love, and the process will definitely test one's conviction to the story inside of them. But, when the book is completed, there is a sense of accomplishment like none other.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
"Where did I put my keys? The fate of the free world rests in finding my damn car keys!"
Yeah, I don't have a clue. My everyday life is pretty mundane.
Yeah, I don't have a clue. My everyday life is pretty mundane.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
I haven't finalized it as of yet, though I do know that this year I'd like to finally read the entire OG Bourne series from Ludlum. I've also got books from Brad Taylor and Mark Greaney to catch up on at some point, as well. Of course, my backlog is frontloaded with research for my own work and books from fellow indie authors, such as Nate Granzow, Stephen England, Ross Sidor, and Peter Nealen.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
Currently, the first book of my Forsaken Patriots series, FAULT LINES, is available in audiobook format. I plan on adapting my other books into audiobooks eventually; it just comes down to the logistics and costs. Keep your eyes peeled!
Steven Hildreth Jr.
That's a really good question. I don't know. Most of the books I read take place in our world
Steven Hildreth Jr.
After reading Jack Murphy's TARGET DECK, I'd definitely wanted to delve into the world of the Mexican drug cartels. The idea blossomed around the time I was writing my second novel, THE SOVEREIGNS. That's why that novel ends in a cliffhanger: I knew my next book would head south of the border.
My own research into the drug war just solidified my decision to write that book. Though THE RONIN GENESIS doesn't exactly hit the topic in full, you definitely get a burst of education from it.
That won't be the last time Ben Williams visits Mexico.
My own research into the drug war just solidified my decision to write that book. Though THE RONIN GENESIS doesn't exactly hit the topic in full, you definitely get a burst of education from it.
That won't be the last time Ben Williams visits Mexico.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
Emotions. Something that moves me. Something that angers me. Something that saddens me. Usually not positive emotions.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
A few Ben Williams short stories for NaNoWriMo, and extensive research for a new series that I want to write. Also have a cop thriller series on the backburner for which I need to start doing research.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
Many ladies love a man with an expansive vocabulary. A book is bonafide proof that you walk the walk in that department.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
Read! Read, read, read.
Read the books in your chosen genre to master the tropes.
Then, read books outside of your chosen genre. Pick up new tropes you can bring to your genre to provide a fresh perspective.
Keep what you like from other authors' styles. Dismiss what you dislike. This is how you develop your writing style.
Your writing is going to suck at first. Nobody is a master overnight. Develop a thick skin and accept constructive criticism. It is the friction that allows growth as a writer
Finally, persistence. Writing a novel is a labor of love. If you're looking for a get rich quick scheme, look elsewhere. Especially as a self-published author, chances are you will spend far more money than you will make.
Read the books in your chosen genre to master the tropes.
Then, read books outside of your chosen genre. Pick up new tropes you can bring to your genre to provide a fresh perspective.
Keep what you like from other authors' styles. Dismiss what you dislike. This is how you develop your writing style.
Your writing is going to suck at first. Nobody is a master overnight. Develop a thick skin and accept constructive criticism. It is the friction that allows growth as a writer
Finally, persistence. Writing a novel is a labor of love. If you're looking for a get rich quick scheme, look elsewhere. Especially as a self-published author, chances are you will spend far more money than you will make.
Steven Hildreth Jr.
I ask myself a couple of questions:
-what plot point am I working towards?
-is there a better way to reach that point?
Think of it as mental parkour. If you can't go straight to it, go around it, above it, or beneath it. Probe from different angles.
If the answer doesn't come to you then, step away from the work for a while. Eventually, the answer will hit you when you least expect it.
-what plot point am I working towards?
-is there a better way to reach that point?
Think of it as mental parkour. If you can't go straight to it, go around it, above it, or beneath it. Probe from different angles.
If the answer doesn't come to you then, step away from the work for a while. Eventually, the answer will hit you when you least expect it.
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