Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing N. R. Marchand about her book!
Is it true that anyone can be a writer?
Of course. If you have an inquisitive mind, and an open heart you have the basis of becoming a writer. Writing does not start with the technique it starts with the seed of thought that you have an idea worth presenting to the public. The technical aspects are then simpler because you now have a passion which makes any writing course manageable. Writing is for you as much as it is for your audience.
Do you like travelling or do you prefer staying indoors?
Before I became disabled I travelled extensively, traversing the globe at least three times. But when I became disabled I still have my travelling bug, I then just used my imagination to take me to such places as Ireland. I think realistically if you are writing about a certain location it is ideal to visit, but I proved to myself that I didn’t have to.
Is it true that authors write word-perfect first drafts?
Absolutely not. Most writers will say that there finished draft is not word perfect. Creating a good concise outline does make the first draft clearer. If you know where your plot holes are then all you have to worry about is how to trick your reader.
Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
Yes. I do not judge those publishers though because I think that literature is so subjective and what I find excellent might repel a publisher. But we must remember that to succinctly create a best-seller and advertise it well, it is a joint effort between the writer and publisher.
Do you enjoy book signings?
I love book signings. There is nothing better than delivering your proverbial baby, and revealing it to the public.
Do you reply back to your fans and admirers personally?
I do try to answer everyone but because I write and go to university full-time I might be late or miss a few.
They say books die every time they are turned into a movie; what do you think?
I do not agree that books die when they are transformed into film. The medium changes it into a lifelike, breathing film which may allow that author’s work to be shown to a more diverse audience.
Have you ever marketed your own books yourself?
Yes, I used Amazon Kindle as a means of distribution. While I enjoyed the control I had over every aspect of the process, I do admit it is easier to work with a publishing house.
Whose work do you enjoy reading the most?
It has changed over the years. Lately I have been loving the classics, such as Margaret Atwood, Mary Shelley and even Shakespeare. But when I truly need to be entertained I turn to Stephen King.
If you could review Olympia publishers in a few words, what would they be?
I think Olympia publishing is precise, attentive to their writers and respectful of their position in the editing process.
