Under The Sea Interviews

#5- Pandean

When did you start writing?

A lot of people like to answer this question with "As soon as I could hold a pencil" but I'm not one of those people, though it'd make sense. I started seriously writing novels at 15 (19 now) and have turned out 7 since then.

Who is your favorite author and book?

GAGAAHHHH ask me tomorrow and it will probably change but I really love The Book Thief and the author Jim ButcherWhat is your favorite genre?Fantasy! Specifically high fantasy but I'll do any type.

What inspired you to write your book?

Scandinavian mythology was part of it; the other part was this really wonderful poem. I have it on my first part on the book up here.

What is one thing you did that has made a significant difference in gaining more readers?

I got featured so if you can do that, it really helps. But otherwise; join book clubs, interact with other people on the forums. Be friendly.

If there was one thing you could do differently what would it be?

Right now? I would probably retake my math exam.

Can you tell us about publishing? What does it take to get your book published? Do you think it's better to go traditional or do self publishing?

Yes I can! I've been through this a few times. Basically; to be traditionally published by a Big Five publisher, you need a literary agent. You have to send out queries in the hope one will bite. If one does (and many times they do not) and offers representation, they'll try to sell your novel to publishing houses. I've queried a few times and gotten agents interested but none have bitten yet. As for self verses traditional publishing: that is totally a personal choice! No right or wrong way.

Have you reached your goal?

My goal is to be agented/published, so not yet.

Do you have any advice for new and struggling writers?

The first thing you write will be shit. It WILL be shit. Your first draft will always be shit. But don't let it stop you. Get the words on paper and then you can polish the fuck out of it.