{"id":152,"date":"2022-01-14T01:59:14","date_gmt":"2022-01-14T01:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ravenromdaandravai.com\/?page_id=152"},"modified":"2024-04-13T00:27:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T00:27:57","slug":"qa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ravenromdaandravai.com\/index.php\/qa\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&#038;A"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Writer Q&amp;A &#8211; Audience asked questions.  Feel free to ask more!<\/p>\n\n\n<style>#sp-ea-150 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-150.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-150.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #333333;}#sp-ea-150.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: transparent; color: #444;}#sp-ea-150.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: transparent;}#sp-ea-150.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1712951655\"><div id=\"sp-ea-150\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1500\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1500\" aria-controls=\"collapse1500\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> Is this a Young Adult (YA) series?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse1500\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1500\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>It sometimes gets classified as such, but as I like to say, it is really YYA.\u00a0 It's meant for middle grade and into the teens, but probably not challenging enough for the average YA reader.\u00a0 These books are made to be light and easy books to read, more fun and less academic.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1501\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1501\" aria-controls=\"collapse1501\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How do you balance books with violence with keeping them kid friendly?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1501\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1501\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>Luckily, I\u2019m not shooting for extremely young audiences.\u00a0 Most of my readers should have seen an action movie already.\u00a0\u00a0 I do have more than a little fighting, as it is about newly appointed knights going up against whatever is out there.<\/p><p>I try not to be too graphic or just have random violence for violence sake.\u00a0 Each battle should tell a story in itself, hopefully making a point.\u00a0 If not, I can just delete those pages.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1502\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1502\" aria-controls=\"collapse1502\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Are the main three characters going to be in every book? Are there any other repeating characters?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1502\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1502\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>Yes, the three should be there in some capacity.\u00a0 At first, they will be locked at the hip pretty much.\u00a0 They\u2019re friends, so they will want to hang out with each other even outside of work.<\/p><p>Many of the books characters outside of the trio will show up in later books.\u00a0\u00a0 I think it will be a nice treat for people dedicated to the series to see a reappearance of past player.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1503\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1503\" aria-controls=\"collapse1503\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> In the first book, much time is spent talking about the Dark Beast and his back story. Why not spend more on the protagonists?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1503\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1503\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>Since this is a series, I have time to define them with each book.\u00a0 I need to educate the people about the <em>Dark Beast<\/em> fast so that they know him well by the end of the book.<\/p><p>Although, I don\u2019t go absent on the three leads.\u00a0 I talk about the Dark Beast through stories.\u00a0 However, I let the audience get to know the trio through their interactions with others and themselves.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1504\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1504\" aria-controls=\"collapse1504\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> You never describe the three main characters as far as appearance. Why is that?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1504\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1504\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>This is a concept that I have developed from my art teachers, mainly the painters.\u00a0 I remember one of them said something to the effect of don\u2019t draw every detail.\u00a0 If you leave some empty space or vagueness in your work, you will let the viewers put themselves into the space.\u00a0 By not defining the characters much outside of their personalities, I\u2019m trying to allow the readers to fill in that void with their own imaginations.\u00a0 Each person may have a different idea of how those characters should look.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1505\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1505\" aria-controls=\"collapse1505\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How many books do you intend to write?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1505\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1505\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>Right now, I don\u2019t see an end.\u00a0 I have a very large over-arching story that can last a long time.\u00a0 Plus, each of my 3 characters has their own path to go down, complete with the unexpected.\u00a0 At this point, I\u2019m committed to writing these characters as long as my audience allows me.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1506\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1506\" aria-controls=\"collapse1506\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Where would you like to see this series go?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1506\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1506\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>For now, I would like to see each of the trio have a full look into their character and complete their growth journey.\u00a0 I also have some big reveals along the way.\u00a0 So, as long as we can hit all of those points I will be happy.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have an actual end at the moment.\u00a0 The series is made such that even though there are overarching plots, there can be a continuing adventure through the kingdom and the world.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1507\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1507\" aria-controls=\"collapse1507\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What audience are you trying to reach?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1507\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1507\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>If I had to be pinned down to a specific group, I would have to say ages 8-14.\u00a0 I don\u2019t like demographics, so I hate having to pick an age group.\u00a0 Instead, I decided to write for people who don\u2019t like to read but still appreciate plot driven stories.<\/p><p>Ultimately, I am trying to make books for the non-traditional reader, maybe those who don\u2019t like to read. \u00a0 It sounds a little oxymoronic, but I think there are people who would read more if they were presented with alternative writing stories.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1508\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1508\" aria-controls=\"collapse1508\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Did you hire a professional editor? <\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1508\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1508\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>I do. I even pass it to my wife (and son) first, who has a great eye for those things. Then, a professional English major is in order. That is one area where I am lacking. I\u2019ll let story take precedence over grammar and good prose. I think that I would be a horrible editor of other authors' work.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-1509\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse1509\" aria-controls=\"collapse1509\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Did you submit your work to Agents?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse1509\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-1509\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>No, I wanted to get moving on my project so I didn\u2019t want to shop it around.\u00a0 There\u2019s a lot of competition out there, and it is hard enough to get a review.\u00a0 I thought that it would be quicker and simpler if I completed the process via the hybrid model.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-15010\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse15010\" aria-controls=\"collapse15010\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Do you get your book covers professionally done or do you do it yourself?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse15010\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-15010\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>I got it professionally done.\u00a0 I have decent skills in that area, but I don\u2019t have the time.\u00a0 I find the time to complete promotional work overwhelming as it is.<\/p><p>If I made every cover, I\u2019d hem and haw over every art detail, just trying to get it all right.\u00a0 I\u2019d take even more time to get my books out!\u00a0 Plus, the artists that I have used have done a bang up job.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-15011\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse15011\" aria-controls=\"collapse15011\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What can you bring of your \u201cpast lives\u201d to your writing?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse15011\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-150\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-15011\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>I want to say all of them.\u00a0\u00a0 I met quite a different group of people when I was a Pizza Hut delivery guy than when I was a Mechanical Engineer.\u00a0 So, all of those people go into the stew when I write.<\/p><p>The different type of creativity, or maybe it is the flexibility from doing all the different tasks, really opens your mind.\u00a0 I had to write on about 2\/3rds of the jobs as well, and not just a little.\u00a0 Each of those writings could vary much from each position.\u00a0 It really broadened me as how I get information across, what makes sense to different readers that might not to others.\u00a0 I developed a simpler style that is a bit more straightforward.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Writer Q&amp;A &#8211; Audience asked questions. Feel free to ask more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-152","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Q&amp;A - Raven, Romda and Ravai<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ravenromdaandravai.com\/index.php\/qa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Q&amp;A - Raven, Romda and Ravai\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Writer Q&amp;A &#8211; Audience asked questions. 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