WD Nix Author Interview
- Angel Ramon
- Dec 29, 2017
- 7 min read
WD Nix has stopped into the Hybrid Nation for an interview, I’m sure our fans would like to get to know this upcoming novelist a lot better. He currently lives in North Dakota (Brrrr lol). He also likes plenty of other things besides writing. He is an upcoming LitRPG writer trying to get his footing in the industry and we wish him all the luck in the world. Anyway let’s quit the small talk, hehehe. WD Nix, welcome and let’s get this interview started!
1. When did you decide to become an author/writer?
Hi Angel! First of all, thanks for inviting me. I’ve wanted to write since I was a kid but for so many years it didn’t really seem to be a possibility. I remember considering it when I was about 12 and realizing how hard it was to break into the industry. Of course, that was in the late 70’s and everything has changed now. I took a writing class in college and got some encouragement, but that was still before the Kindle Revolution and I had to make a living. About 2 years ago I started taking my dream seriously. I started buying craft books and signing up for courses and trying to write more regularly.
2. Why did you decide to become an author/writer?
I have always been an imaginative introvert and a serious nerd before it was cool. I started playing D&D around 1978 and I almost always ended up being the Dungeon Master. I really wanted to explore that creative side and came to believe it was possible to one day make a living doing what I love. Recently, I was laid off, so I’ve jumped in with both feet and hope to build a backlist quickly.
3. What genres do you plan to write for the future?
For now, I’m focused on LitRPG & GameLit. I also would like to turn my pen to Space Opera and more traditional Fantasy at some point, but I believe there is a real opportunity with LitRPG/GameLit. It’s not the ground floor, but it’s the first floor of the growth of the genre and I want to help build it. Writing in it is a blast!
4. Besides writing what else do you like to do and what are your hobbies?
Well, I still play pen & paper RPGs every week. I spend some time playing video games, of course. I’m big into the Bethesda games like Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, and the Fallout series.
5. Who’s your biggest inspiration for your writing?
Well, I’m an old guy now so there are so many influences over the years. I’ve always been a heavy reader and usually read several books a week even now. I mostly read LitRPG these days and my favorites there are Michael-Scott Earle, Daniel Schinhofen, Shemer Kuznits, JA Hunter, Eden Redd, Jason Cipriano and so many others. Outside the genre, my favorites include Jasmine Walt, Lindsay Buroker, Pippa Lancaster-DaCosta, and Brian Harmon. Again, there are many others and I could go back in time to authors past. All of them have an influence on me, for sure.
6. How much time do you dedicate to writing your books?
Up until December 18th when I was laid off, I spent most of my weekends writing or studying writing. Occasionally I would get some time in during the week as well, but it wasn’t consistent due to other commitments. Now, it’s my full-time job. Of course, life still gets in the way and I have to be open to taking another job if one comes through, but I’m trying to think positively and utilize the time effectively, so I don’t need to.
7. How important do you think writing is to the young generation?
I think writing is important to every generation. We have certainly expanded opportunities for entertainment in other forms, but there’s something special about a book and I think young people understand that. Even for those that don’t read, they want well-written stories in other forms. Screenplays must be written, and video games must be written. Some of those quests are amazing short stories, really.
8. How excited were you when you finally publish your first book?
I was excited! I saw a flaw that meant adding a scene and a little editing at the last minute, but I was determined to get it out on Christmas Day. That way I’ll never forget the date!
9. What is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?
That’s hard to answer because I have found the whole process to be much more difficult than I thought it would be. When I started this, I thought I was a good writer. Like John Snow, I knew nothing. I am still learning and will keep putting words to paper regardless. If I can make each book a little better than the last and they bring others some pleasure, then I’m happy. Of course, making enough to eat and keep the computer on would be good too, lol!
Probably the easiest part is coming up with an idea for a story. Ideas are easy. Then you must develop those ideas into a real story because an idea isn’t a story and is almost worthless by itself.
10. What is the hardest part of writing in your opinion?
Getting all the pieces to fit together as a coherent whole. Also, finishing the book. I can’t tell you how many half-baked books I have on my hard drive. Part of the reason I was drawn to LitRPG was that it was more like the gaming I’ve done all these years, but it’s still a difficult process.
11. What is your favorite and least favorite part of writing?
When the story flows, there’s no feeling like it. It’s such a rush. It’s like falling in love again. I love that feeling and it’s the drug I can’t get enough of. My least favorite part is probably the jumbled-up nature of life getting in the way of my work. Interference and distractions make it hard to achieve that flow state and get in the groove.
12. What can we expect from you next in the short term?
I will be continuing the Avatar Online series. My next book will continue the story of the characters in AO Launch, while introducing a monster NPC that will become important to the series plot. I want to have some fun with it while exploring the game mechanics better and revealing more of the behind-the-scenes story. In the first book there is so much unexplained and the next one will put the story on firmer ground, I believe.
13. How do you deal with writers block?
I struggle with it, but I’m not sure if I believe in it. I think writer’s block for me is life getting in the way, mostly. If I have too many distractions I find it difficult to work through a problem in my story. The best thing I can do is take a break when it happens. I might pace and think. Often, I will try to take a nap and find a solution coming to me in that mystical place known as the Land of Doze. Then I have to get up and write it down or I will surely forget about it.
14. How much more do you prefer writing short stories over an actual novel?
Short stories are easier to finish, for obvious reasons. However, they must be tightly plotted and it’s easy to have mistakes, which will be glaring to the reader. It’s harder to see those same mistakes in your own work. On the other hand, novels give you plenty of space to develop characters and do world-building, which is awesome. I think there’s a place for both and plan to keep writing both. Mostly, I will write novels in the future, though.
15. What video games do you like playing?
Like I said before, I have been heavily into all the Bethesda games. Oblivion, Skyrim, and the Fallout series. The last few months I have been playing Elder Scrolls Online and I love it, but I play as a solo character. I haven’t quite gotten the knack of joining up with others, except for the random dungeon tool. I also love the Mass Effect games, the Far Cry series and Assassin’s Creed. Some of the individual games in each of those are better than others, but I love the various series. Oh, and I can’t forget Dragon Age. I love those games, especially DA Origins.
16. 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!
Well, I’d like to say that I appreciate the support I’ve gotten from the Facebook groups like the GameLit Society Writer Workshop, the GameLit Society, the RPG GameLit Society, and the 20booksto50k group. There are so many talented people in those groups and they are really helpful and encouraging.
Also, I have made my book Avatar Online Launch free on Amazon this weekend from Saturday the 30th to Monday, January 1st. I hope you will all check it out. The link for the US is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078M52WT7.
If you miss the sale, it is in Kindle Unlimited as well and I hope you enjoy it.
If you would like to follow me on Facebook, the link is https://www.facebook.com/wdnix/
I also have a website at http://www.wdnix.com/ although it’s under construction at the moment. You can reach me by email at writer@wdnix.com
Thanks again for having me!
Well that’s a wrap ladies and gentleman. It was nice talking to this brilliant and kind-hearted man. WD Nix it was an honor talking to you and once again congrats on your upcoming books and achievements, 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.
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.
Hybrid Nation Website: http://www.hybridnationrevolution.com/contact-us
If you’re interested in getting WD Nix’s debut book, head over to the book page on Amazon and grab your self a copy, you’ll enjoy it!
Link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078M52WT7
Social Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wdnix/
