Zane Williams Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview – Zane Williams
Tell us a little about yourself and your work.
I’m an artist and writer. I’ve always had a fundamental interest in mythology from all cultures and love writing or doing artwork based on those ideas.
You’ve got 20 words to sell us on your work. Tempt us.
I’ve been recently told by one of my readers that my book was like 50 Shades but better?
Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
The hardest part of the writing process for me is the final edit. There is always a desire, least for myself, where I could invest endless amounts of time honing details that are not pivotal to my plot. I often have to stage a self intervention.
Where do you like to write?
I generally enjoy writing at home, or if the day is nice, at local cafes. I like the energy of being out and having coffee while writing.
Is there anything you must have in order to write?
My Alexa, if I’m at home. It’s great to be able to change the mood of my music or clarify facts on voice command.
What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
As a personal influence, I would have to say the classics like the Iliad and the Odyssey. It made me realize the interest I had in mythology from an early age. As a writer, I would say Tolkien, Jim Butcher, and Robert Jordan. I love storytelling and these men, in my opinion, deliver what I wish to hone for my readers.
What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
Life experience. Ideals change constantly. What is our reality today may not be our reality tomorrow. Those facts help when creating characters. You may have an idea of where you want the character to end up, but you have to ensure they have the experiences needed to change their reality from start to finish.
What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
To be able to touch people who may find contentment or entertainment from my words. Also a million dollars, who doesn’t want that?
Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
I try to forget I’m the creator of the material and look upon it as an outsider. Does the story make sense? Is the material relatable? If an outsider would have trouble following the track of the material I try and improve the method of telling my story.
What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
The best relationship is always founded on mutual respect and transparency. Often it’s difficult being giving feedback, knowing it’s coming from a source who has the love of the material and your best interests is critical.
If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
Thank you for the time you’ve invested in my material. You are the benchmark of my success or failure. Thanks for helping me grow as a writer by providing me with your feedback.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
We are all too self-critical. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to need to mull over the value of your content, but don’t let that ever dissuade you from striving to move forward and improving.
What does your writing future hold for you?
I’m currently working on my 2nd book and implementing the lessons learned during the learning processes of the first book.
How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
Cover art is supercritical. While the saying may be, don’t judge a book by its cover, we all do. It’s the first idea people will have of your book. The cover art I chose is meant to represent a man who struggles with his faith, so religious references were selected.
How often do you read? What genre?
I generally read every other day. I mostly like fantasy.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
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