Another author has stepped into the Hybrid Nation for an interview. She’s an up and coming novelist. She resides in Norfolk, East Anglia in the United Kingdom and has many other hobbies, but we’ll let her tell us what she likes to do for herself. As seen on her social media platforms and website she is a hard-working author willing to pay her dues and is trying to write the best book possible, after all isn’t that what we authors want to accomplish? Anyway, let’s quit the small talk, hehehe. Melissa A. Joy, welcome to the Hybrid Nation and let’s get this interview started!

 

1. When did you decide to become an author?

 

I’ve been writing stories ever since I learned how to write, but I decided I wanted I be a published fantasy author around the age of 13.  I’ve been developing the world of Aeldynn since then.
 

2. Why did you decide to become an author?

 

When one’s imagination is so vast, you just know it’s impossible to keep to yourself; it’s too big to remain in your mind forever after.  I just had that feeling it was what I had to do; it was a calling I knew I couldn’t ignore.  If I couldn’t share the world in my mind with the world I exist in, there was nothing out there for me excel at from a professional standpoint.  From that point on, I was driven by that passion.

 

3. What genres do you plan to write for the future?

 

I can only see myself writing in the fantasy genre.  Even now the world of Aeldynn is still in development, and I plan on writing as many stories in that world as I possibly can. 

 

4. Besides writing what else do you like to do and what are your hobbies?

 

I have a great passion for sailing on board tall ships; a venture I got into when I wanted to design a particular kind of ship for Aeldynn.  I did a great deal of research into how tall ships functioned, and the interest developed from that.  I then discovered it was possible to sail on board tall ships without any previous experience; you’re taught everything while on board.  Following my first voyage, I got hooked on it and have sailed on voyages as and when I can since.  Other hobbies I thoroughly enjoy are: martial arts, gaming (RPGs mostly, and the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV online), and cosplay. 

 

5. Who’s your biggest inspiration for your writing?

 

Who, or what? I suppose you could say when I first started reading fantasy, authors such as Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman of Dragonlance and R. A. Salvatore of Forgotten Realms were initial influencers, and Maggie Furey had a good part to play in that too, but they’re only the first authors to inspire me; others have influenced the development of my writing style.  Other factors for inspiration come in the form of music (it has to be a particular kind and often involves specific tracks for particular scenes and emotions) and other forms of entertainment media that I enjoy; games and anime being two more.

 

6. How much time do you dedicate to writing your books?

 

Having a lot of imagery and inspiration is one thing, but getting words down on the page is quite another.  At home, I try to put in at least a couple of hours every evening if possible, but if I just can’t write I’ll try doing a bit of research for writing with inspirational music instead.  I do have the occasional night off, but then a sensation of guilt looms over me.  In time I hope I can commit to doing more writing more often, but for now, those two or so hours in an evening are golden under the current circumstances.  I have to write at times when I’m less likely to be disturbed, for once I’m in the writing zone, breaking that concentration isn’t recommended.  

 

7. How important do you think writing is to the young generation?

 

It depends on what angle or context you’re looking at it from.  I think if young people took the time to find out who they are by doing any sort of recreational activity, they’d be less likely to fall in with the wrong crowds or spend their lives with their eyes transfixed on their mobile phones.  Writing isn’t for everyone, but I think if creative writing was taken more seriously in schools, we might see more young people taking it up, even just as a hobby.  And by creative writing, I don’t mean just in the form of fiction; song-writing, script-writing, and poetry are among other forms of writing that ought to be encouraged and rewarded.  In that context I would consider it a vital part of any young person’s personal development.  I’m a strong believer in individuality; it’s better to be different than to run with a crowd you don’t really belong in.

 

8. How excited were you when you finally published your first book?

 

I’m not sure if excited is quite the word I’d pin on how it made me feel.  I suppose I was more daunted and fearful than anything else, but at the same time I couldn’t quite believe it had actually happened.  Sure, it might be classed as self-published right now, but who knows what the future holds? My book was suddenly available for purchase across the world thanks to a man who found me on Twitter one day and believed in me enough to get me where I am today.  To him, I give my most heartfelt thanks.

 

9. What is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?

 

The imagery from all the inspiration I get from all the other things I enjoy doing.  In my minds I can sense absolutely everything: if a character is in pain, I feel it; if they’re furious or in a deep state of melancholy, I feel it; and if I’m out walking my dog and a swift breeze hits me in the face, I’m reminded of the ocean when sailing on board a tall ship.  You might say I live and breathe everything I write about; every experience floods my mind and gives me the most intense, cinematic images I could possibly hope for.

 

10. What is the hardest part of writing in your opinion?

 

Actually getting the words down on paper (or rather on to a Word document).  All that imagery is one thing, but putting it all into words is the hardest part.  George R. R. Martin said he thought there were two types of author; gardeners and architects (look it up), but I think there’s a third type, and that’s archaeologists.  None of us are entirely one type or another, but I’m definitely more of an archaeologist, because I’ll usually discover one part of an idea, and will then have to work on uncovering the rest of it before I’ll begin to see the bigger picture.  As a result, it can take quite some time to build the imagery from inspiration, and then of course I have to find the right words.  I’m one of those authors who tries to get the story as close to perfect the first time round so it’s just a case of doing all the editing and proofreading afterwards.  I don’t write a story and then rewrite it in the form of new drafts, ever.

 

11. What is your favorite and least favorite part of writing?

 

My favourite part of writing, I think, is knowing exactly what to write when an exciting or emotional scene is in development.  The least favourite part? That would probably be trawling the internet and textbooks for one elusive shred of information on a particular topic while doing research. 

 

12. What can we expect from you next?

 

I’m currently working on book 2 of the Scions of Balance saga, The Mindseer Oracle, and a short story compilation that focuses on different areas of the world of Aeldynn.

 

13. How much more do you prefer short stories over an actual novel?

 

I prefer novels (especially in series) over short stories, but mainly because I like to be immersed in a narrative; I don’t much like short tales end abruptly because I’m always wanting to know more about those characters and their experiences.  That’s not to say they’re a bad thing (I’m writing them myself of course), but I do find them less engaging personally.  That’s why my own short stories will tie into different aspects of Aeldynn.

 

14. Finally how do you deal with writers block?

 

I utilize every medium I can that provides me with inspiration, whether it be playing a game, watching anime or a film/tv show, reading a book, visiting new places and sailing when I get the chance... All those things will help as I’m always for open to new ideas to creep in.

 

15. If you like to say anything else such as advice, shoutouts, or just whatever’s in your mind say it now. The stage is yours!

 

Even if you get your story right on the first manuscript, there will always be mistakes.  Always get your work checked by a proofreader and editor.  Keys of the Origin was proofread twice, edited once by my editor, and edited four or five times by myself.  Even after publishing mistakes have still been found. 

 

Well that’s a wrap ladies and gentleman. It was nice talking to this brilliant and kind-hearted woman. Melissa it was an honor talking to you and once again congrats on your book, that is certainty an honor to be proud of! I wish you the best on your future endeavors and may your success continue for years to come.

 

By the way please check out this young woman’s social media links, as they’re really cool and this woman is an overall cool person to be friends with. Give a check to her social links, her website: http://aeldynnlore.com/ and her book!

 

If you enjoyed this interview leave a comment on our Facebook page “The Hybrid Nation” or drop us an email on our Contact Us page.

 

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If you’re interested in getting Melissa’s book, head over to her Amazon page and grab yourself a copy her book, you’ll bound to enjoy it!

 

Link to her book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Melissa-A.-Joy/e/B00V3XGK4I/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

 

Social Links:

Twitter: @DefineImagineMJ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefineImagineMJ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaajoy

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AeldynnloreMelissaAJoy

Website: http://aeldynnlore.com/