The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.

Davene Le Grange: Hi, I’m Davene Le Grange, a Science Fiction and Fantasy Author as well as a Cyberpunk Author & Poet.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to entice us to read your book(s). What would you say?

DLG: Walks under the ocean, vivid imagery, diverse characters, and deep symbolism are some of the perks when reading my books.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

DLG: I prefer to write at home, but as an experienced daydreamer I’m able to write whether in a quiet garden or (pre-pandemic) at a crowded airport.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

DLG: In order to write, I need pen, paper, and time to zone in…and out.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

DLG: The Bible, The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, and The Giver by Lois Lowry are my biggest book influences. The common themes between them that hook me most are the truth, love, and friendship.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

DLG: Patience. The patience to write, edit, re-edit, fail, learn, succeed, and repeat.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

DLG: The greatest writing achievement for me is to positively impact and inspire the good in a person, and to help others.

IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

DLG: I appreciate every review, but my favourite at the moment is an unsolicited review by Colton Allen, the Proofreader and Copy Editor of The Theater of Nok-Mondu: Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology. As the Lead Author it brings me great joy to know that the nine other stories as well as my own are enjoyed by everyone who reads our work.

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

DLG: The biggest struggle for me was with formatting and marketing. For example, a tight schedule, limitations mostly as a result of the 2020 pandemic, and constant minor edits can result in burn out and exhaustion, but completing a project and receiving reviews make the journey worth the trip.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

DLG: Yes. I write, edit, and re-edit. I figure out my weaknesses, read up how to improve, and ask questions of my more experienced Author colleagues.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

DLG: The ideal relationship requires mutual respect by both parties. For example, submitting one’s best work, respecting one another’s experience and artistic vision, communicating well, quick response-times, and providing constructive feedback.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

DLG: To those who love my writing, your enjoyment and support of the entertainment I strive to provide means the world to me. To those who hate my writing, I will endeavor to improve my writing skills as well as my knowledge of the writing industry.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

DLG: You are going to hear a lot of advice and receive a ton of feedback as you navigate being a writer and becoming a published author. Make sure to regularly remind yourself of the spark that first led you to start writing, and build an environment and support group that allows you to keep writing.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

DLG: I hope my writing future holds the publication of multiple works in multiple genres, increased opportunities to connect with my readers, and the chance to use what I have learnt to further help others both in and outside of the writing industry.

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

DLG: Fiverr has been a great resource for finding talented Cover Artists who are able to transform my written concepts into marketable and eye-catching material.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

DLG: I beta-read more than I’m able to read at leisure. I try to be open to many genres, and have steadily increased reading even those genres, which I was previously not comfortable attempting, such as Horror. As a result I appreciate and even at times enjoy the genre more than I did before.

IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

DLG: With regards to the two anthologies I’m part of there are two people I wish to especially thank and mention, and please do check out their books on Amazon. The Lead Writer on the Arc City Stories cyberpunk anthology, Todd Cinani, gave me the confidence to attempt the cyberpunk genre and to become the Lead Writer of my own anthology project. Also, DK Marie’s constant support and Vss365 tweets, helped inspire the attempt at Romance in my short story in The Theater of Nok-Mondu: Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology. Thank you, and thank you to the Indie Book Butler Team for this great interview opportunity!

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on Davene and her work, please visit:

Website

Amazon

Twitter

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