Day in the Life of a Folklore Fantasy Author: Time We Discuss
Watch/Listen to this Episode Day in the Life of a Folklore Fantasy Author
Folklore and fantasy author Alex Beaumont traces her interest in writing back to childhood, having developed a passion for storytelling early on. This interest was further developed through a degree in creative writing and English literature, where she diversified from stereotypical genres into gothic and esoteric heres. This academic background enriched her understanding of folklore and its integration into gothic fiction, inspiring her to weave these elements into her own works.
Music, particularly symphonic metal, plays a crucial role in the author’s creative process. She describe writing to the sounds of bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation, which align well with the fantasy genre. This musical backdrop fuels her imagination, helping her to conceive ideas by conflating and merging different concepts. For instance, her first book, Testament of the Stars combines Tudor folklore and the belief in birth stars, transforming these ideas into a unique religious system within a fictional world.
A typical writing day for the author involves a structured routine to balance her creative pursuits with other responsibilities. She often begins with drafting the first chapter based on a rough idea, evaluating whether the concept has potential before diving deeper. Despite the challenges of fitting writing into a busy schedule, the author finds time by dedicating specific periods, such as an hour after work or a half-day weekly, solely to writing. This disciplined approach helps her maintain productivity without succumbing to burnout.
Reflecting on her creative writing degree, the author acknowledges that while the formal education provided essential skills in characterization and narrative techniques, it did not fully prepare her for the extensive task of writing a full-length novel. She emphasize that the hands-on experience of writing an 80,000-word manuscript taught her more about project management than any academic exercise could. Despite this, the degree did offer valuable insights into the industry, including modules on marketing, finding agents, and getting published—though the practical application of this knowledge often came later through personal experience.
The author shares a candid perspective on the necessity of formal education for aspiring writers. While her degree was beneficial, she asserts that one does not need a degree to tell compelling stories. She highlights the importance of diverse voices and experiences in literature, cautioning against the homogenization of storytelling that might result if only those with formal education were considered.
In terms of inspiration, the author draws from various sources, including other writers, music, and personal experiences. She mentions being inspired by other authors like Lucy Holland, whose lyrical and folkloric writing style resonates with her own. Despite feeling a bit disingenuous comparing herselves to more successful authors, shes find motivation in these comparisons and strives to create similarly impactful narratives.
Dissonance of Bird Song comes out on the 13th August!
Links from the Show
Also Mentioned in the Show
- Published Author and Professor
- Becoming a Children's Book Author
- Become a Self Published Sci-Fi Author
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