Sunday, June 8, 2014

Interview: E. S. Skipper






I had the opportunity to interview up-and-coming author E. S. Skipper this evening, who's novella, No Worries, Mate, has just been published in the Bollocks! Anthology, released by Wayward Ink Publishing. Welcome!


Can you tell me how you came to want to write? 

I started reading fanfiction a while back and I enjoyed it a lot. There were many great stories out there, but also some really bad ones which were getting heaps of reviews. The authors hadn’t even studied the subject properly. And yes, it is fiction, but some of these people were moving into dangerous topics. People could have gotten hurt if they thought it was all right to try things they were reading. So after moaning at my friend, he said he had enough of my complaining and told me to put up or shut up. So I put up. 
When you create your characters do they come strictly from your imagination, people you know in real life, or a mix?

Oh, so not a fair question. Without realising it, after the fact I tend to see people I know in characters. Although my novel I am trying to write at the moment is about two very close friends. I have used them as inspiration. They are whom I imagine in my head. But other than that, they are nothing like the characters and they have become unique in a way, but still hold the characteristics of my friends. They love it, so I am happy about that.

I’ve had the privilege to watch you write. It’s amazing how your process works. How do you develop your writing ideas?

Okay, you're making me give the secrets away. Actually, I have none. I sit down and write. I don’t think my characters talk to me. I don’t pause or make changes until the chapter is done, normally. Take Rangi and Jake from No Worries, Mate. A friend on Facebook said something so small which made it click in my head. Yep, she had visited New Zealand and commented on how laid back and nothing was a bother. As you know, I say No Worries all the time. It’s a common New Zealand, and yes, I have to admit, Australian saying. So out of her simple comment, No Worries Mate was born.

Your story, No Worries, Mate has now been published. How did you feel, once you’d submitted?

Oh, you are so freaking mean. You know how I felt. Scared, worried, grateful, but mainly proud I had actually taken that step. But I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for my beta and friend Lily G. Blunt. She is my mentor and she held my hand every step of the way. When I say that I seriously mean she held my hand. Hell, she even set the document up. I basically typed the story and handed it to her. She did the rest. You have seen my writing. I never go back and edit. Oh wait, I do now.

What was your reaction when you learned you had been accepted?
I am not ashamed to say I cried. I was never a scholar at school. Basically told I was a no-hoper. Well, I can’t wait for a school reunion now and go and say, well guess you were wrong. Don’t give up on a dream. Hell, writing was never my dream, but now it is a passion.
Hell yes! Tell me about the publishing process; what you enjoyed most, and liked least.
It’s horrible! It honestly is hard. You have to go through so much. But an author is just a slice in the whole process. EDITS are the bane of my life. I hate them. Normally you go through two edits. I had FOUR! As you know, I am new at this game. I handed over a story but got told that in a few places I was telling rather than showing. Thankfully Wayward Ink Publishing saw something in me. I had to fix it after the first submission before it went to the next partner in the business. Then it had to go to my first editor, Julie Lynn Hayes. I ADORE her and can’t thank her enough. But guess what? I didn’t gel with my next editor. I didn’t mind her, but her style was not to my liking. She is brilliant at her job, but she didn’t get me as a writer. And best part? I have yet to find one. Although holding your book in your hand is incredible and it makes it all seem worthwhile.

Yes, it does Do you have any plans to publish again?

*hangs head* Yes, as much as I moan about it, I can’t not do it again! Although this time I will be better prepared.

Do you have other stories in the works?

Yep! That is all I am saying at this moment in time. I don’t know what I will be finishing or submitting next.

Name the five biggest distractions from your writing.

Real life
Family
Facebook (worse one)
Helping others trying to write
Traveling

Where do you hope to see your writing career, say, five years from now?

Honestly, I can’t think that far ahead. I hope I’m an established author. Or maybe, I give it up and try my hand at other interests I have. All I know is that I have a lot in my head and these buggers won’t keep quiet.

What's the first book that really captivated you?

Wow, um... It was a tennis one (no I don't play tennis), called Love All. It was given to me by my mum and it's about a girl who had a crush on a boy. It was the first book that captivated her. I would cringe if I read it now. I don't even remember the authors name.
What do you enjoy reading the most?
My friend just joked porn to me. Yeah, nah. I am a romantic. I don't go for straight out sex stories. I like to get to feel the characters connection (pardon the pun) with each other. And yes they are all M/M stories.

Wonderful! Thank you so much for letting me put you on the spot this evening! I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.