Thank you for checking out this author interview with AD Craig! I love the tone of this interview, so much like chatting.
We Want to Get To Know You
How did you know you had this book in you?
When I was a kid, I used to tell people I was a writer. I used to carry around composition notebooks and hand-write stories (which I cringe thinking about their content now). So far, I’ve written four books in my Lovely Oblivion, contemporary romance, series. I find the characters talk to me, in a way. I make a general outline of key events, but the characters highly direct the stories.
Lol, sometimes I have a very loose outline, but usually my characters tell me where we’re going, too.
Pantsing is officially a writing term
Can you describe your writing process?
You may be surprised to hear that I mainly write on my mobile phone! It’s mainly a convenience thing. I use google docs because I can write from my phone or laptop and the changes are always “in the cloud” so I can write from anywhere. Overall, I’m a “plantser.” I plot insofar as I make an overall outline that contains the beginning, end, and key events that need to happen. Then, I pants it and let the characters do what they want.
Wow, I just can’t do the mobile phone writing thing. I do love Google docs and the convenience of it. Plus having it off my computer so if my laptop crashes, I’m ok. I’m glad you have such a good routine. Clearly, pantsing it works for you!
How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?
I like to write a piece, set it aside for a few weeks, then read it from a reader’s perspective. I add/remove any scenes and fix typos to shape it into a form I would expect as a reader. I will have a beta reader look at it and offer advice. At that point, it’s usually ready to release.
That’s awesome. It’s amazing what we see when we set it aside for a bit.
Who is your expected audience?
I write contemporary romance, so usually women over 18. I’ve had a few men tell me they really enjoyed my books too, though!
Really?! I never picture men reading them. It’s such a stereotype, too. I’m glad romance is gaining traction for men, too.
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
The word “just.” I have to watch myself because my first draft will contain that word a billion times. I’ve started making a conscious effort to avoid it, but apparently I just use it all the time…see?
Lol, I thought of this, this morning while I was writing. Sometimes it just has to be used. 🙂
Writing Craft
What surprised you in the writing process?
The process after writing – how much time goes into beta reading, editing, formatting, publishing, then marketing. Writing the book is the easy part. In self-publishing, the publishing process is most complicated.
I never knew how much of my time would be take up with marketing. It is CRAZY!!
Is there something in particular, (a tool, a song, a planner,) that you found particularly helpful?
I love to listen to music while writing. Certain songs, “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco for example, inspire me to write more.
I love reading about the music people listen to when they write. It varies so much.
I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book?
I want to be as accurate as I can. For book 1, Lovely Oblivion: Jade, I did a lot of research on Navy SEALs and their mottos, etc. I hope I applied that research well to the hero, Ryker. The coolest thing I learned during that research is a technique that SEALs will often use to fall asleep – it’s portrayed in the book!
I never would have thought of that. It’s those random facts though, that add so much to our books to make them come alive.
Influences
If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?
I have authors that I look up to and who inspire me, but I’ve never really thought about any of them reading my book. I can’t say that I have a specific author to name.
I completely agree. I have authors taht I admire, that I love to read, and that make me question every writing style, but I can’t imagine sharing my writing with them.
What author, or book, or series most influenced you?
I adored J. Bengtsson’s “Cake” series.
Interesting. I’ll have to look this up.
What else is important to share about your book?
Each book in my series is a standalone of a different trope, so I have books that are standalone bodyguard/rockstar, second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship at this point. I have a patient/doctor taboo romance coming next.
That’s cool, that they are a series but also stand-alones.
Where can we find you?
When can we expect more from you?
Book 5 of Lovely Oblivion, Lyra’s story, is scheduled to release in May 2022. Preorder is up now!
Ooooh, check it out and preorder now!
Where can we find your book?
Book one, Lovely Oblivion: Jade, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers for free: http://books2read.com/u/4XDQRe
Books two+ are available on Amazon and are in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RB42ZQJ
Twitter: @THEAshleyCraig
Facebook: @adcraigbooks.com
Instagram: @adcraigbooks.com
Email: adcraigbooks@gmail.com
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