This interview with Sandy Stuckless is part of my Author Spotlight series, designed to compile authors’ experiences into a hub of inspiration and camaraderie for authors who need it. Visit the series homepage to learn more and see other entries.
What can you tell us about your current work in progress?
I'm currently working on an urban fantasy murder mystery centered around the Fountain of Youth. A young homeless girl tries to unravel the murder of her parents in a city where the Fountain of Youth has made death by natural causes virtually impossible.
Why write?
Why not? I've always had stories rolling around in my head, even at a young age. I figured, as I got older, why not start writing them down?
Can you describe, briefly, your writing routine or process?
I write messy first drafts. I leave myself a lot of outlining and brainstorming notes. Once I get to the end, I go back and start filling in the gaps.
What are your big-picture goals as an author?
I'd love to do this full time one of these days. Not sure that's in the cards, but we'll see. Besides that, it's just to put stories out there that people enjoy. That's all I can really ask for.
In the moments when those goals feel far away, what keeps you motivated?
The bottom line is I'll never not write. Publishing is just the icing on the cake. This is my passion, and I don't see that changing.
What’s the most difficult part of writing, in your opinion?
Definitely when you get into the later revisions and you’re trying to add just the right details in the right amount and you're not sure if you're making the story better or screwing it up! I'm a notorious underwriter, so it usually takes me several passes to get this right.
The most fun?
When you get that zing and the words are flowing like a faucet. Sometimes I hit those spots where my brain is faster than my pen. That's when it's exciting.
Who are or were your literary heroes?
I try not to hold people on pedestals. I think that leads to disappointment in most cases. If you're asking who inspires me, there are several. I was a big DragonLance fan in my teens, so Margaret Weis and Tracey Hickman, R.A. Salvatore, Terry Brooks were my favorites. Robert Jordan and The Wheel of Time really opened my eyes to what fantasy writing could be. Terry Goodkind and the Sword of Truth series as well. There are others, but those are the ones that made me fall in love with fantasy writing.
What advice do you have for authors just starting out?
A couple of things: Give yourself permission to write badly. It really is freeing. When you're just writing and not worrying about the rules, that's when it's most fun. Secondly, don't be afraid to show your work to others, particularly writers. We understand the game and will help you play it properly. I set myself back decades because I lacked that courage. It's one of my biggest regrets.
Where can we buy your books/read your work?
My debut novel, Criminal Impulses, can be found on Amazon and on my website. I have various short stories published. All my links can be found on my website, along with a couple free reads.