Author Interview With Graeme Ing

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Today, we have an interview with spec-fic author, Graeme Ing:
So, what exactly do you write?
Hello Madeline. I label myself a spec-fic author. Primarily I write fantasy but that won’t stop me dabbling in science-fiction, paranormal, cyberpunk, steampunk and various crossovers.

How would you describe yourself in a short third person bio?
Graeme Ing is an author, software engineer, pilot, astronomer, armchair mountaineer and explorer, navigator, mapmaker, gamer and all-round geek and nerd. If it involves worlds and gadgets, Graeme is probably reading abouGraemeIngPhotot it. Though British and proud, he lives in California with his wife Tamara and six crazy felines.

What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?
As a kid, I yearned to write down all the adventures I was having in my head. I wrote primarily as a record, though in an ironic twist of fate I never kept those stories. In recent years I write to share. My goal is for others to enjoy the adventures still going on in my head. If I can make readers young and old smile and have fun with my books, then I have succeeded.

What do you think is the most important part of writing?
Story. The only thing that matters is that the reader enjoys it. Writing craft and grammar are very important, yes, but secondary to story. If the reader is bored and starts skipping pages then what’s the point? An author must write for the reader and never for self-indulgence or an attempt to impress with long words. Respect the reader’s time and their trust in you to deliver a great adventure.

What is your favourite part of writing?
I like almost everything about it. After reading my bio, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I adore worldbuilding. I also love creating emotional dialogue, and unusual characters and their mannerisms. Editing and revising are my favourite activities, where I get to transform a potentially flat scene into a tense, dramatic one. If I can get angry, excited or cry writing it, there is hope that the reader is going to love it.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
I am descended from a Viking Jarl named Ing, who owned land near Trondheim in Norway.

Do you have a day-job, (other than writing)?
I’ve been a software engineer for about 30 years. I told you I was a geek. I enjoy the creative aspect of it.

Do you prefer a physical book or an ebook? Why?
Both. I’ve been reading entirely on ebook for years now. It’s cheap and convenient and I get to carry around hundreds of books in one tiny device. For collectability purposes I buy hardcovers, or more recently paperbacks since most indie authors can’t afford to print hardcovers, and I love signed books.

Tell us about your novel, Ocean Of Dust.
It’s YA fantasy though most of my readers are adults. I’m going to quote the book blurb, since that’s what it’s for. 🙂

Fourteen-year olgraemeingd Lissa is snatched from her home and finds herself a slave on a trading ship traveling on a waterless ocean of nothing but gray dust. A feisty, curious and intelligent girl, her desire to explore the ship earns her the hatred of the cruel first officer, Farq.
Fascinated by the ocean of dust, Lissa becomes embroiled in its mysteries, sensing things that the crew cannot, while cryptic whispers in her head are leading her toward a destiny linked to the dust itself. Only one man aboard can help her make sense of her new talent, but can she trust him? All is not as it seems, and she must unravel the clues before it’s too late.
When a sinister plot casts her adrift on the barren ocean, her best friend is left in the hands of the treacherous crew. Everything hinges upon her courage, quick wits, and her ability to master her new talent.

So, how long does it take you, on average, to complete a first draft?
Ocean of Dust took nearly 5 years. My current book took 18 months for a similar length and I fully expect to get faster as I improve as an author.

Which projects are you working on at the moment?
Right now I’m revising a dark fantasy book about a necromancer, due for publication in 2014. I’ve also started work on a sci-fi/paranormal/cyberpunk novella that will kick off a new series. On top of all that, I’m outlining for my next fantasy book, one with dragons in it – nasty dragons!

How do you come up with the titles for your books? And do you have the final title before completing your book, or after?
I hate titles. It takes me months and months to settle on one. If someone out there is good at creating catchy titles, please get in touch. 🙂 That said, I do have the title chosen for my novella. Phew.

How has writing changed your life?
It’s completely taken it over. Outside of work and family it’s pretty much all I think about and do. That’s normal I think for any hobby. I can only really say it has changed my life when I am successful enough to write full-time. I look forward to that day.

Where do you get inspiration for writing from? Do you listen to music whilst writing or have a ‘writing cave’?
I rarely listen to music and I need total quiet, so no writing at coffee shops for me, just me, alone, in my home office. My inspiration comes from dreams or mulling my book over in quiet parts of the day.
 
Is there a particular form, style or genre that you’d like to have a go at writing? Why?
I intend to try everything at some point. I don’t believe in limits. I’d love to write a crime/espionage thriller and maybe even a historical romance, but don’t panic readers, I’ll never desert my genre of spec-fic. With the advent of interactive iBooks, it might be fun to experiment with that old classic where the reader makes key decisions in the plot and determines the outcome of the story.

Favourite book and/or author(s)?
Definitely the late Anne McCaffrey. I grew up with her books and never stop re-reading them. The Dragonriders of Pern series is unbeatable fantasy in my eyes.

Do you think it’s necessary to have a degree (of any sort) in order to be a successful author?
Absolutely not. If you have a story to tell, I believe that anyone can teach themselves the craft of writing. Anyone can write a novel. The trick is identifying when you reach a sufficient level of talent to unleash your book on the world. Readers expect a certain level of prowess and professionalism and alas some authors have muddied the waters with badly written, unedited books. Respect the reader, never have an ego, and always use an editor.

What would you say to those who want to become a writer? Any advice?
Write. Don’t make excuses, don’t procrastinate, don’t listen to the naysayers, even your own negative subconscious. Write, write some more, and keep writing. Regularly. It will not come overnight. There are no shortcuts. 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration – Edison, I think. Study other books, other authors, and don’t be afraid to write rubbish at first. If you do all this, and keep an open mind and learn your craft, you will get better and you will become an author.

Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you, Madeline, for your great questions and for graciously allowing me space on your blog.