Becoming a writer is something many people dream of. Everyone feels they have a story worth sharing but what does it feel like to be a published author and how do you get there?
We met up with local author Sim Alec Sansford to find out what the journey to being a published author was like for him and to see what advice he had for you.
To a lot of people writing seems like a daunting task, how do you begin a new story?
In all honesty, it’s as simple as sitting down and writing just one word to begin with, then another, and another. Whatever you do, try not to overthink your process, or compare yourself to others. All those books you love, remember, they’ve been edited over and over, tweaked, and changed by professionals to get to where they are now. You don’t need to get everything right with a first draft. Have fun with it. Be silly. The most important thing is to get something, ANYTHING, down on paper. After all, you can’t edit a blank page.
What does your creative process look like?
I’m very much what the industry refers to as a “pantser”, meaning someone who flies by the seat of their pants rather than meticulously planning out their stories. This works for me as it allows for a certain amount of freedom, though it does have its draw backs when you get to a part in a story that you struggle to get around. For me, I usually have a title first or a small slither of an idea and work backwards and forwards from that point to flesh out my work. There is a scene in chapter 5 of Welcome to Denver Falls that triggered the entire book (and series!).
What genres of fiction do you write in and are they different from what you read for fun?
I write young adult, paranormal fiction. I’d say I write what I like to read. I really enjoyed series such as Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, Alexandra Adornetto’s Halo Trilogy, and Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy. Last year I
discovered K.M. Allan’s Blackbirch series and completely fell in love with it. I watch a lot of paranormal shows and movies too, so I think a lot of influence comes from there.
You have created several worlds in your books, which would you most like to live in?
All my books (so far) are part of the same universe, whether paranormal or not. As much as I love Fortune’s Well, which is based on my hometown of Dorchester in Dorset (UK), I would have to say I’d love to live in Denver Falls. A quiet, nowhere town surrounds by miles and miles of woodland for as far as the eye can see. Hidden trails and streams, a subtle mist that lingers on the air. It really speaks to my soul.
You’ve written by yourself and in collaboration with other authors, which do you prefer and what are the differences?
If I’m honest, I much prefer writing with others. Though you do have to find the right fit for you. Chantelle Atkins and I work extremely well together. I think I’m very lucky to have met her, and it’s an absolute honour building worlds with her. Writing with someone is great as you get to bounce around ideas, and it helps keep the momentum and motivation going as you know that other person is waiting on your chapters and input to complete the story. Writing alone is also pretty rewarding as you know that entire finished work was entirely you, which is quite an achievement. However, given the choice I would much rather work with someone.
Writer’s block is something we often hear about, what has been your experience of it and how do you work through it if it hits?
This is something I experience frequently. The best solution is to reach out to other creatives. If you don’t know any, don’t be shy, there is an endless amount of groups online and the writing community is fantastic. Find your tribe, those writers that align with your ethic and way of working and create a conversation. Whenever I feel a bit stuck, I go for a coffee with author Paula Harmon who I’m lucky enough to live close to, we have a moan about our plots and characters, and we come up with solutions together. I always return to the keyboard feeling incredibly motivated.
Feeling like you’re ‘not good enough’ is something a lot of creative people battle with, what advice do you have for not letting those feelings stand in your way?
This is something I am terrible for. I have no problem at all talking about the work of other writers, even in this interview I’ve name dropped a few! But when it comes to my own work the imposter syndrome is a real struggle. I suppose the important thing to remember is even if you’ve written something, anything, no matter how short or unedited – that is more than most people ever manage in a lifetime. We all say, “one day…” and dream of achieving something, but to actually start the process, no matter how frequent or how far you go, is a HUGE achievement. Own that! Believe in yourself! There’s only one you, nobody else has your voice.
What advice do you have for young people who want to have a career in writing?
First, get your story down on paper. Try not to think about the bigger picture, editors, agents, cover art, whether to be indie (self) or traditionally published. Just get that first draft down. If you’re planning on writing a series, I recommend finishing at least a few of the books first (even in a first draft) in case you want to go back and edit any of them. I made the mistake of publishing Denver Falls knowing it would be a series but not planning the rest. It works so much better if you can rapidly release books in a series. It keeps the readers excited and stops them forgetting about you.
Who is your favourite writer to get lost in and who would you say has influenced your writing the most?
I know this will seem like I’m just saying it because we work together, but I am a HUGE fan of Chantelle Atkins. I was blown away when she agreed to work with me on the Fortune’s Well series. Her writing is phenomenal. Everything she writes is so easy to read and I cannot help but devour everything she releases. Chantelle has a certain style and voice; you can pick something up and tell it’s her work. It’s edgy, gritty, honest, but never too heavy. She is definitely my biggest influence. She’s taught me a lot about writing, character development, and being authentic.
With the popularity of self-publishing, it has become so much easier to hold a finished book in your hands. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the changes you’ve seen in the publishing industry?
The advantages are exactly as you’ve said – it’s so much easier to hold a finished book in your hands. No more waiting for years and years for a big break. No more rejection, feeling like you’re not good enough. Anyone and everyone can publish a book.
The negatives? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish a book – haha. Sometimes it can be difficult for your book to be seen. Traditional publishing provides a platform for authors to be seen which is only achievable for indie authors with a lot of work (and usually money).
Given the choice, I’d much prefer to remain indie. I enjoy the fact I maintain creative control and legal rights over my own work. For me that’s all that matters.
What would you say is the hardest part about your job as a writer?
Getting your books seen. As I said above, there are so many published books now that it can be daunting. The important thing is to find your tribe and role with it. Don’t be shy. Push yourself. Link up with fellow authors, reach out to readers, libraries, the local community. Do everything you can, and it can only lead to good things.
You can find all of Sim’s’ books on Amazon so head over there today on the link below to take your pick! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sim-Alec-Sansford/e/B07YWGB183?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1673275410&sr=8-1
And if you’re an aspiring writer don’t forget to follow his Instagram account for inspiration, advice and sneak peeks of his work.
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/simeon_alec/
Website – https://www.simalecsansford.com/ We will also have a special giveaway this week from Sim Alec Sansford so stop by our competitions page
