An enlightening interview with Carly Stevens, author of Firian Rising, about her experiences as a writer, advice for beginning writers, and excitement for future writing projects
Carly Stevens is an English teacher at The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also, however, the author of Firian Rising: the first of three novels in the Firian Saga. Her first, but certainly not last, book, Firian Rising, will debut in July of 2019. She began writing at the age of six and has been in love with reading and writing since then. You can find more information about her and her writing on her website.
I interviewed Stevens about her experiences over the years as a writer, her advice for beginning writers, and her plans for her writing.
1. Many writers today, especially beginning writers, struggle with self-doubt and self-criticism. Have you ever felt this way with your writing, and, if you did, how did you overcome it, or how do you attempt to do so?
Stevens responded that one of the most challenging and overwhelming parts of her journey to publishing Firian Rising was sending her manuscript to beta readers and her editor. Overall, however, the process was "pretty positive."
2. What is your biggest motivation for writing? In other words, what is your goal or purpose in writing your first book?
When I asked Stevens about her motivations in writing her first book, she had a variety of reasons. "Rediscovering my love for writing" was the first. Stevens described how difficult it was to get back to her novel, and, as she mentions later, she had to learn how to love editing. Finishing and publishing Firian Rising made her dreams come true and gave her something in her name that she could hold on to.
3. When was the moment you first felt like a “writer”? Or has it not quite hit you yet?
Stevens first began writing at the age of six, and she wrote her first novel, including the beginnings of a second, in high school. When I asked her this question, though, she noted that she did not take writing as seriously in high school as she does now. Stevens explained that she first felt like she could call herself a writer once she began to build up a platform and think of her writing as a business. The time and money that she has invested in Firian Rising and the rest of her writing instilled the confidence to call herself a writer.
4. What writers, people, or books that inspired you when you started writing?
After an endless and diverse list of books and people, I realized that Stevens has had a huge source of inspiration for her writing from what she has read, seen, and taught. Included in this list was the Lord of the Rings series, A Tale of Two Cities, Crime and Punishment, the Harry Potter series, and the Matrix. Some major tropes and themes throughout these sources of inspiration have been redemption, risking everything for someone or something, and hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
5. What advice do you have for beginning writers today?
Stevens' advice for beginning writers today is to fall in love with editing. She suggests learning how to be willing to change your work. You cannot be unwilling to change and edit your work if you want it to progress.
6. How do you balance writing, life, and a career?
This question is one that plagues the minds of most writers. Stevens explains that she concentrates her time during her summer and winter breaks for writing. During the week, she wakes up earlier before work to get something either written or edited.
7. What are your future goals/hopes?
"Oh yeah" was Stevens' response. She has already written the prequel to the Firian Saga, and the two sequels for Firian Rising are currently in the works. Beyond this series, her imagination is her limit.
Conclusion
Stevens' advice reminds me of the power of confidence: confidence in yourself, your writing, and your voice. Your writing is far more than just words on paper; it is your voice, your ideas, and your beliefs. Moreover, being a "writer" is more than just publishing books; you are creating whole worlds, universes even, no one has ever ventured into or thought of before. You have infinite power through the written word, and with great power comes even greater responsibility (nod to Uncle Ben).
Don't forget to check out Stevens' website for information about her and her books and to join her mailing list to get the first two chapters of Firian Rising in your inbox!
Comments