#AMA Author Event – Ask me Anything about The Chronicles of Han Book Series
My book series was featured in an Ask me Anything Event on 8 August 2018.
For those who are not yet familiar with my books (they are not available from Amazon), The Chronicles of Han books came about after NDEs, and is stated to be “Real Life Past Life sci-fi fantasy fiction with metaphysical undertones, a good dash of romance and a sprinkle of horror.”
The Chronicles of Han Storm, Creata Series, begins innocent and naive and is about a young police officer setting out on his journey of discovering and enhancing the metaphysical side of his being for his chosen career. Using and growing his talents to solve crimes at first, he later realizes that his planet is in serious peril due to over-exploitation (as on Earth at the moment) and he is the only person who can do something about it. Han’s developing skills are used to regain lost inter-stellar, worm-hole and Portal knowledge in order to assist the migration of his people to other planets.
Leilaka is a brand new adventure following on 400 years after the lifetime of Han Storm from the Creata Adventures. After saving the people of his planet by opening interstellar travel for them, our intrepid hero, Han Storm, is imprisoned in cryostasis as he is deemed a threat to the power of the Creata Migration Committee.
1.
What are the challenges of creating your own worlds when writing?
The maps were the biggest challenge as readers struggled to keep track with the scope of the books. Working between worlds and visions posed a challenge for some readers, especially because of the initial publishing time gaps between books.
The worlds did not need to be created. They are part of my personal and private Past Life memories I was reminded of during my NDEs, so all I have to do is to relate my own experiences. Over 2 million words, I have not encountered plot holes, writer’s block, or the usual story-line issues writers have to deal with.
2.
Who would you say is the target market for your books? Did you write with a specific target on your mind when you develop your series?
I am a reluctant author. I wrote the first book for myself, as a method of healing emotionally from burn and near death trauma, and physically from the third degree burn scarring to my hands.
My husband, a prolific reader, had a read through, mentioning that it was pretty good.
Some time later friends started contacting me, stating the same, begging for more parts of the book as my husband had kindly forwarded parts to them.
Then they wanted more chapters, then their own printed copies, and suddenly I was writing not only for myself but for readers as well.
I have several distinct types of readers (target market), the paranormal and spiritual seekers who want to know more about life and death and all those juicy metaphysical subjects, die-hard Adventure Science Fiction Fans, Romance Readers who fell in love with Han Storm (the Hero), and True Fantasy Readers.
Age groups range from 18+ right through to pensioners who make up my biggest fan-base.
The books are exciting, adventurous narratives and will be enjoyed by people who like Dune, Stargate, Avatar, LotR, autobiographies, past life-, life-between-life research, and metaphysical oriented books.
Some readers deem the books ‘manuals’ and the series a ‘course’ where they grow within themselves while reading the narratives, learning while being entertained.
I leave it up to the reader to decide where, and if, they want to pigeon-hole the books.
Upon Reader Request I’ve altered the covers to be disguised as Sci-fi/Fantasy books. It makes it easier to explain the ‘mixed genre’ to friends and family members and looks pretty on the bookshelf.
3.
When it comes to promoting your books, what activities work best for your series?
Word of Mouth and social media works best for the Chronicles of Han Series. Due to the diversity of subjects I do hand-picked promotional work in selected on-line environments.
Correct SEO wording and Hashtags work well in putting the material in front of prospective readers.
Author interviews, in private or online, generate personal relationships. I set some time aside for this each month.
I keep a presence on social media of which Facebook still gives the best results, second with Google. I do not have a large public following (due to book subject matter) but have many individuals who clock in regularly that do not follow me on social networks.
I do as many public author interviews as can be worked into my schedule.
Basically, I rely on Personal Attention as far as possible to introduce myself and the books to people.
4.
Is the Leilaka series also comprised by 4 books or are you writing more stories for this series?
The Leilaka Adventure will comprise only 4 books at this stage. The first two books have been completed and published. This makes one lifetime of approximately 600,000 words.
The third book is a bonus book with some of the events that were not told in the first two Leilaka books and will answer further questions readers were wondering about in the first two books. This will be a nice-to-have.
The fourth book is a stand-alone and is when Han Storm returned to the planet, Leilaka, after an absence of nine hundred years. This book is a dual adventure book as it shows the lifetime he had been somewhere else (spoiler, so will not mention anything here), as well as his new life-term on Leilaka in a donated body.
Another hectically interesting narrative.
The Creata Adventure will be 6 Books consisting of 13 parts when complete, or 13 separate parts in book form (I hope.)
More complementary books are in draft.
5.
What comes AFTER Leilaka?
This will be a surprise for everyone. Let us just get the current books in draft and edit to the published stage.
6.
What method did you use to publish your book and what advantages did you see in such method?
I have been publishing Independently since 2010. The books are available in pdf, epub and kindle directly from my website. I sometimes have paperbacks available.
The advantages are that I am in control of my work every step of the way, including marketing and sales. I know exactly who receives my books and most of my readers have become friends.
This was the best method for the Chronicles of Han Book Series as the subjects covered are controversial and the books do not fall in a single genre but multiple genres (thus some publishing platforms did not have genre categories for niche market books.)
Initially we sent manuscripts to traditional publishing houses. No-one was interested in the subject matter, and much less in a female first time author who writes ‘science fiction’. Thus we shrugged our shoulders and put out a quality product ourselves.
The initial outlay and investment is out of pocket but all profits go directly to the author.
7.
Besides your own, do you have any favorite books or authors? What makes them resonate with you?
I have a few favourite authors and some treasured books.
Ramtha, Lobsang Rampa, and some other spiritual books confirmed what I already knew about the metaphysical subject matter. It also gives me quick references to refer clients or readers to.
For relaxation I like to read thrillers, Dan Brown, Eric van Lustbaden, Don Pendleton, Robert Ludlum, and any other book that catches my fancy.
The book series with the most influence in how I structure my books is The Gandalara series from Randall Garrett. I needed something that clearly distinguished between sound and telepathic communication. Randall wrote in a unique style I use in my books.
This is the link to my Goodreads reading list
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/19880404-h-gibson?shelf=read
8.
How would you describe your main character, Han Storm?
Despite being extremely stubborn, tenacious and courageous, he is human in all his emotions, especially regarding his relationships with his loved ones, his wives, children, family and close friends. Loyal to a fault to his Planet, he is a leader, manipulating events from behind the scenes to influence the path of his beloved Creata and later to save his adopted planet Leilaka.
Now a reply received from one of my fans – How would I describe the character of Han Storm … ?
… the first thing that hits my mind is —- Han Storm is INTENSE!
OK, so I will go right back to when I first ‘met’ Han Storm in Book One …
… he was a very young man – at first I felt he was a bit cocky and cheeky and a bit of a gambler, yet he was a loner always trying to fit in somewhere and yet not succeeding!
He was a rather confused young man … he KNEW he was different, but did not know what that actually meant.
Han then met many ‘guides’ and helpers along the way [ie:- his mentor Tucker, for one!] and eventually and slowly Han grew into himself – but right throughout his early, and then his later, life, Han was intense about everything! To me he seemed to be a ‘workaholic’ who drove himself almost to the ground! It was almost as if Han needed to prove himself – Han knew what his agenda was and he drove himself and his team mercilessly! He lived intensely and fully, and he expected others doing the same!
And yet there was a softness [a vulnerability] about Han Storm – those he respected and loved, he stood by … and he certainly loved a good close ‘cuddle’ – the women in his life were challenged trying to understand the lover that was Han Storm – but Han Storm never really revealed his true nature – he dared not! Han remained a mystery …
… and he is still a mystery even after reading everything written about him … we will never ‘know’ the true Han …
(Melancholic, depressed, drug addict. Demi-God, Saviour of the Universe of Kraita.)
9.
How would you describe your writing process? Do you have any rituals before or after writing? Do you prefer to write at a particular time? How do these unique aspects of your writing affect your ability and skill as an author?
The writing process is Brutal. I sit down. Type 2000 to 8000 words in a single sitting – when I’m not disturbed.
I usually set a block of time (sometimes days) out for first draft writing as I write deliberately in order not to have to edit too much. A 700 page book quickly becomes a burden if you have to read it a dozen times during the editing process.
I’m usually busy with three books simultaneously. As soon as one hits about a third of proposed pages, I will put all my energy into that one, alternating sometimes to keep the memory fresh or if events are related to complete those parts first.
I prefer night time writing when it is quiet, 7pm to around midnight. Then 3am until 6am before the day’s labour starts, with maybe some sections of daytime used when I really am inspired.
No, I do not have any rituals before writing. When my body is tired, I’ll rest. When I feel the urge to write, nothing can stop that, it becomes a compulsion and must be done.
I do not force myself to write when I do not feel like it. These are the times I rest and catch up with editing, designing covers, jotting down new drafts, keeping house, entertaining, etc.
Most authors’ writing skills improve over time, especially if they have a patient editor who gives guidance.
My original readers and editor state the books grew in confidence as the author did. Interesting that the books, level of writing, and Han Storm reflects this growth from innocence to grown-up professional.
10.
What would you say are the major themes of The Chronicles of Han? Have these themes stayed the same or have they evolved as the series progressed?
The Major theme is showing the evolution of an individual Soul-Spirit over incarnations due to physical and spiritual experiences.
The series starts with a naive Han Storm, following his growth, and that of the people involved in the migration. In the process, each book opens more possibilities and reveals further mysteries of the Universe we reside within.
Some readers state that the Chronicles of Han is an educational course into knowledge of the Self. As you read, you learn, if you wish to. Otherwise you can read the books as only entertaining stories.
Any of the books can be read as stand-alone, but it is advised to start at Book 1 if you are unfamiliar with metaphysical subject matter.
11.
How long on average does it take you to write a book? Has the process become easier with time? What is the hardest part for you of the writing process?
Writing the first draft to where it goes out to the Alpha reader usually takes 4 to 6 months.
Getting chapter to chapter feedback from the Alpha reader might take up to 6 months. Over this time the book is hammered into shape to go to the editor.
Then editing starts. This may take 12 to 24 months, depending on subject matter verification and the editor’s other responsibilities.
The process has become a fine art where my whole team knows exactly what is needed and what their specific functions are. Working together for almost ten years, we have become a close knit family.
The hardest part is waiting for the edits from the editor. This is the making or breaking point, what stays in the books and what must be removed.
Writing is easy. Making writing work for readers; not always so obvious. I sometimes think I should have kept the ‘bloopers’ and make a separate Humour book out of it. Unfortunately, I did not.
12.
When you first started to write, did you always envision this to be a series of books? What were the reasons as to why you believe this book would be best suited for a series?
When I first started to write, I knew in my heart that I would have at least 10 parts. Which turned into 13 parts for the Creata Adventure and 4 books for the Leilaka Adventure.
This is an on-going adventure which, although each book can be read independently, best allows the reader to see the bigger picture while following Han Storm through his many adventures.
13.
What inspired you to write The Chronicles of Han Storm? How did you come up with the idea?
I have always had these ‘stories’ running around in my being, sometimes jotting things down, but never considered sitting down and doing something about it.
In 2004 I sustained third degree burns to 35% of my body, had NDE experiences where I realized these stories were my actual past life experiences. In 2008, when I finally started to heal after intense rehabilitation and the products my husband developed for me, he gave me a laptop and stated I should write those stories down, get it out of my system, for if I had died no-one would know about it. I have not stopped writing!
14.
What plans do you have for the future regarding writing?
I’m going to carry on writing and see where this goes. Time tells the best stories.
15.
Which characters have you developed for a story for a minimal role but would like to focus a future story around? What is it about this character that you believe could support an entire book and what type of story would this character be best suited for?
I have three people who wished their stories elaborated upon. All three books are in Draft.
The first is Kaleb, Han Storm’s son from Leilaka. He wished to elaborate on his own adventures with his father, in his own words. This will give readers another perspective upon events, the other people, and Han Storm in particular.
The second is Roland (Slick) Hawks who reincarnated 500 years after Han Storm’s disappearance from Creata. Roland became a journalist who realized he is the actual incarnation of his ancestor who used to work with Han Storm.
The third book is ‘The Jade Saga’. This elaborates upon how Han found Jade in this lifetime of H Gibson. The magic, heartache, final release, and spiritual reunion of two great souls will be shared in as much detail as will be allowed.
16.
How did you become a writer? Was this the career you always wanted or was it something that happened accidentally?
(I’ve answered this in a previous question, thus will just repeat.)
\I am a reluctant author. I wrote the first book for myself, as a method of healing emotionally from burn and near death trauma, and physically from the third degree burn scarring to my hands.
My husband, a prolific reader, had a read through the first parts of The Chronicles of Han, mentioning that it was pretty good.
Some time later friends started contacting me, stating the same, begging for more parts of the book (my husband had kindly forwarded parts to them.)
Then they wanted more chapters, then their own printed copies, and suddenly I was writing not only for myself but for readers as well.
I have always had these ‘stories’ running around in my being, sometimes jotting things down, but never considered sitting down and doing something about it.
In 2004 I sustained third degree burns to 35% of my body, had NDE experiences where I realized it was my actual past life experiences. In 2008, when I finally started to heal after intense rehabilitation and the products my husband developed for me, he gave me a laptop and stated I should write those stories down, get it out of my system, for if I had died no-one would know about it. I have not stopped writing!
17.
Who reads your book when it’s finally drafted? Anyone in the family or friends? And why?
My Alpha reader (non-family) reads the raw drafts, giving feedback by chapter so I know where to elaborate, or hold back. She used to be a reader only, but before my beloved Jade passed away, she chose her as successor to assist me with these deep works.
When I’m happy with the book to go to the editor, my husband gets it to read and he filters it for me.
From editor it goes out to Beta readers for opinions.
My children will only read the final versions. Some family members show support by purchasing, and reading the books.
Because of personal interaction, most of my readers become friends who invite their friends into Han Storm’s circle.
Thus the family is getting bigger every time a fan becomes a friend, and somewhere along the line, a Chronicles family member.
18.
How do you choose the names of your characters? Is Han named after you?
I am Han. As stated in all my books, right in the front, these are my memories.
I did not need to choose names. I know the names of all the people and planets, tribes and cities. When I started writing I had to get permission to mention people’s names. Some people chose the names they wished to be known by in the books while others insisted I used their original names. Those who chose other names, we kept to as near as possible similar name vibrations, therefore the extra pages at the back of the books with meanings of names.
19.
How do you go about making the setting in the character’s world tangible to readers?
By allowing readers to immerse themselves into the narrative. Mostly a short, detailed description is all that is needed to get the imagination juices flowing. This method tends to draw readers completely into the books, to the point where they get upset to put it down. I suggest that readers start reading over a weekend when they know they will not have too many interruptions.
It is interesting to note at gatherings when readers discuss the books that most of them have the same visions about the books.
20.
Do you read reviews of your books? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read all the reviews on my books I am alerted to. Authors do not usually respond to reviews as it is against the rules of most publishing platforms, including Amazon and Goodreads. You are not allowed to thank reviewers or contact individual readers. This is to prevent ‘influencing’ readers.
As all my books are sold directly to readers, with me as point of sale, I do thank individual readers for reviews.
I run a Book Club where our motto is “If it is not good enough to review, do not review at all.” It really is a waste of time to give a book you did not enjoy further thought. If you really have to say something, have the courage to do so publicly where others can contact you and find out why you so vehemently dislike someone’s work. This is the reason 300 pages of my first book, and plenty excerpts are available. I truly do not wish someone to waste time and money on something they are not going to enjoy.
Any review is just an opinion of an individual, which they have a right to. If someone has an issue with my books, they would usually contact me directly, stating their opinion, or one of my fans would inform me about it.
I will then decide if it is worth the energy expenditure to reply publicly, or privately. If an investigation results that an individual did not purchase a copy of my books from me, I can not verify they had actually read any of my work, except the free sections, thus can not respond to that person in any case.
One can not claim to know someone’s story from a glimpse of some of it. Read all of my books, then get back to me on an opinion.
21.
Have you ever taken inspiration from any movie? If so, what type of movie would you say connects to your writing the most?
No. I do not take inspiration from films. I enjoy them and am gladdened that a lot of concepts I write about have been portrayed in movies.
What (type) of movie would connect the most with The Chronicles of Han?
Lucy, The Matrix, Dune, Stargate, Avatar, Star Wars, Lord of The Rings, Cowboys vs Aliens.
22.
Online Question: “How many books are you breaking the series up into? Are the words already written? Are you releasing rapidly or with a few months in between or longer?”
The Series is currently standing at 20 parts. 5 Books (12 parts or 1,8 million words) have been published and is available to the public. 2 books (600,000 words) are with the editor and three more books are a third of the way complete.
The rest of the books are in draft with ISBN numbers and covers ready and waiting. Release dates unfortunately depend on how quickly the editing goes.
700 page books of phenomenal scope are not completed within 3-4 months but takes years. Readers sign up for the next book and patiently wait for it.
Those readers only starting the series are lucky for they do not need to wait. Book 1-3 is a Trilogy but 3 more books are being added. The Leilaka adventure book 1-2 is complete and available (one story). The rest of the books are nice to haves to complement further adventures.
23.
Online Question: “How many hours in terms of audio books?”
The narrators stated you can work on approximately 9000 words read per hour. Thus the first part should not be more than 4 hours (or about 30 hours per book, or an hour reading a day).
It takes average readers about a month to get through a book. We are in the process of converting the first part of the series into audio format. It is taking much longer than expected as audio and the printed version differs slightly in writing technique. Due to telepathic conversations, I have to adjust for audio perceptions.
24.
Do you have a favourite character in the entire story? If so, what makes him or her the favourite?
Each person is special in a different way, occupying a different area of my heart. If I have to choose, the only option would be to choose myself as the books are about Han Storm and are recollections of my own lives.
I have been asked if the books are then not merely a glorious representation of myself. It puzzled me for a while why someone could say something like that.
After serious introspection, I asked readers and my editor about it as I did not wish to glorify any of my lives. My intention is to tell my histories as accurately as possible, as they happened while keeping it entertaining and educational narratives.
The startling conclusion I came to was this: You are always stuck with yourself, forever or until you relinquish individuality. You will always be the most important aspect in your life, even if you dedicate your life to the good of all.
In the end, after leaving a life, a legacy for the living, it is still only you, with yourself.
Since realizing this, I have become a fond friend of myself, been more forgiving of myself, letting go of anger and disappointment quicker and is generally living a happier life, with my loved ones responding positively upon this newfound self-love.
25.
How has your environment or upbringing impacted your writing?
My upbringing and environment had an immense impact on my entire life, not just my writing. I was raised in a household where books and authors were respected and loved, while book knowledge was held in high regard. I had access to libraries since I can remember, served as Librarian at public schools, private libraries and now on Goodreads. One can say that books are a part of who I am.
This love of books, reading and writing I imparted to my own children. Despite my love for books and scribbling into diaries, I never thought about writing my own books until the accident where I had my NDEs.
After 4 years intense rehabilitation I could finally use my hands and started to write. This is what I have learnt from my accident and other authors of all walks of life:
when one is determined enough, one can overcome adverse events and gain status of Pioneer. If it was not for the brave pioneers who forged ahead despite their environment and upbringing, life as we know it today would have been a far cry from the freedom of expression we currently enjoy.
Yet, stating this, we should always be on our guard against those who deny access to free speech and freedom of information, for they oppress everyone else for their own agendas in gaining and keeping Power over others.
26.
What is the name of your latest book and what is your inspiration behind it?
Saving Leilaka is my latest release. It is the second book of the Leilaka Adventure and completes the story of Han Storm’s life on Leilaka.
“Juggling a wife, a lover, a she-dragon, and a more than loyal friend, does not leave much room for Kingly duties. Meet Han Storm aka King Krish Dameous, Ruler of Leilaka.”
This book is a culmination of most of the higher teachings and information mankind needs at the moment. With playtime over, you can look forward to the revealing of little-known Universal information.
Or you can continue to enjoy the narration of adventures experienced by Han Storm.
List of Subjects covered in Saving Leilaka as follows:
Saving Leilaka List of Subjects (pages as per printed book) Page
Healer Guides and Healing 10
Han is reminded of the role he plays on Leilaka 14
Bodies change to accommodate Soul-Spirits 25
Death is the Natural Conclusion to Life 45
Han reveals his true Self 63
Chakras, Energy receptors, higher vibrational colours 68
First Darshan 70
Cacao, Food from the Gods 79
Incarnation of Old Souls 96
Clairsentience, Leather, energy work 100
Upon Blessings 101
Making amends with passed-over people 103
The difference in Souls 110
Grounding explained 113
Cosmic Races, Native and Foreign Soul-Spirits 115
What is a Soul-Spirit? 116
Methods of Soul Incarnation 117
A course in reading Universal Oracle cards 125
All the Same 144
Planets, Solar Systems, Galaxies, Universes and Beyond 145
Upon Avatars and different types of Incarnations 146
Language change through the ages 148
What is a Puppet-body? 149
More on ‘What is a Soul?’ and the creation of Souls 150
Upon Indirect Avatars, Trans-Mediums and Chanellings 150
Different types of bodies 153
Upon Different Races 153
What is an Elemental? 154
What is a Faeid? 156
Change is the only constant in Life 159
Chemicalization 160
Prescription to lead an honourable life 161
The Truth about Truth / The different kinds of Truth 162
All About LOVE 163
What are Emotions? 164
Upon Anger 165, 169, 174
Upon Love and Power 175
Han, the Realist 182
Gifting as Energy Exchange in maintaining the balance 184
Regarding Blessings 185-188
Condensed lesson upon making love 190
Changing through Universal Upgrades 192
Different types of people play life to get to what they want 193
Do not Judge for you know not the story behind the story 197
Believe versus Knowing 197
Difference in Lifetimes 201
What is the Purpose of Life? 201
True Death 202
Upon Heaven and Soul responsibility 203
Astral layers / different dimensions around planets 204-206
Where do I go when I sleep? 206
What more can I do as a Soul-Spirit / upon tiers and dimensions around planets 206-209
Items from previous lives and sacrifices from loved ones 217-219
Choosing a new way of being / Choosing the path of Serion 231
Anamnestic – Cosmic Reminders 232
Nayakteale 247
Naming and imbuing items with vibrations 262
Many Sides to a personality 293-296
Astral Travel / Remote Viewing 306
Upon Auras and Selective Memory 309
What is the use of having a life? 313
What is joy? 315
Upon lost loved ones 335
Departed waiting for final goodbyes i.e. burial rites 342
Divination in signs 343
Functions of a Medium 345
Self-blame 348
Upon Natural Disasters 349
Upon playing by the script of Life 350
Life Plans, scripts, contracts 352
Incarnated versus Spirit Form 352
Forming of a Soul-Character 352
From the Book of the Dead 358
Some history on Leilaka’s original Starpeople 375
Why do people fear Lord Hanuman? 382
Animal Communication – dogs versus horses 391
The Nature of Power 463
Self-hypnosis Sleep Technique 468
Clearing Negative Vibrations for Extended Areas 469-471
Upon being considered ‘different’ 473
Upon seeing Auras/different kinds of Auras/healing through Auras 476-477
Healing through empathic vibrations 478
Learning to see Auras 480-483
Function of the Etheric Body / Why we should strive to stay healthy 481
Rules of Incarnation 498
Choosing the character to play in an incarnation 498-500
Why it is better to deal with issues before starting a next incarnation 502
Structure by following the Flow of Nature 507
Empathic Remote Healing 514
The importance of literacy 523
Fine line between Seduction and Rape 535
Finding information directly from the Planetary Grid 540
Coming to terms with the past to continue with the future 543
Brain food for Psychics 545
Energetic Protection from Physical Harm 546
Pre-program Source Energy for later use 550
Who and What is Han Storm 560
May we change our planned paths? 561
Why do we struggle if everything is already planned? 561
Why do we suffer? What is suffering? 562
Why challenges are needed 562
More Upon Life Contracts 563-564
Upon Spontaneous Healings / why some results are only temporary 565
Why some people embrace illness, Suffering and Negative Experiences 565
Upon so-called Luck 566
What is Synchronicity and Synchrodestiny 566
Upon Possibilities, Probabilities and Absolutes 567
More information on Navigators 602
Trees are special entities 620
Cosmic Planning 630
The Hanuman Connection on Leilaka 630-637
The ‘What if’ Game 639
Preparing for Death 650
Where do we go when we die? 657
Walking them over 658
Upon planning a physical life experience 662
Preparations for Soul-Transference 676
Origins of Creation in a nut-shell 687
Death of a Soul 690
Vasundhara’s Function 701
27.
Besides word of mouth, what do you think are some of the effective promotion and marketing activities that have helped your book?
Because my books fall under ‘niche market’ and ‘mixed genre’ I have a wide reader base.
Targeted internet marketing works the best. Watching out what is the highlight or topic of the day and adjusting advertisements to include what people are talking about place the focus where I wish it.
This means being hand’s on all the time in order to engage readers in discussions.
Most discussions happen off-internet, in private due to subject matter.
Individuals are welcome to make an appointment to engage in private consultation.
Each month I make some time available for public discussions where readers can ask questions about the books if they are unsure about it.
This personal attention, although time consuming, is the most effective for my series.
28.
Do you see yourself writing more of similar books, series in the future or will you move from this genre to other for a change in the future?
I do not see myself moving away from the series subject matter for the foreseeable future as too many books are in draft already, assuring fans at least ten more books.
With readers having asked about a compilation ‘Teachings’ book, this is another challenge in itself to think about.
Because the books deal with so many subjects, from physical to psychological conditions, therapies, relationships, politics, demographics, and real science all included into the adventure, it never gets boring.
29.
How do you see yourself evolving as a writer? What do you think about your writings now as compared to when you started it at first?
This is one of my blogs from November 2015 which explains it the best.
First Editions – To Rewrite or Not?
Every writer starts somewhere. When the experienced writers look back at their first books, it is sometimes with regret that they could have written a better book, not a better story, just better in their word building and less annoying in the little mistakes first time authors make.
I initially felt the same way about my books when recently adjusting them for e-readers, but came to the conclusion, as I am aware many other authors had, that the first books are perfect the way they are.
Your audience has the chance to grow with you. This might not be appreciated by everyone, but after querying most of my ‘salted’ fans, I was convinced not to adjust the books at all.
The opinion of the editor and beta-readers were that “you notice a marked difference in pace and writing style as the books mature with the development and growth of the main character. The first few parts are written in innocence and naivety, but without these, the story will not be understood as clearly as we do now.”
I rest my case, staying my itching hand not to re-edit the first few parts!
This was 2015. We subsequently had some small adjustments to editions and I am currently busy with a re-write to make the book work for audio adaptation.
30.
Having been exposed to books from a tender age, would you say what a child is exposed to in his formative years matters a lot?
What a child is exposed to in their formative years is extremely important. For the parents, “showing, not telling” has never applied more than in what a child takes with them into their grown-up world.
During my NDE’s I had what is referred to as a Life Review. In this review specific experiences during my childhood, from baby to adult, had been highlighted with a full analysis of how it had influenced not only my adult life, but my emotional and psychological maturity.
If an adult is not guided through childhood trauma, or a child not gently guided with love, firmness and responsibility, this leads to adults who, in turn, are not equipped to deal with the challenges of life.
This is a topic on its own. Just know that children become adults who become the custodians of the old people.
31.
If you only write books for yourself, what motivates you to continue with writing? How much do you love writing?
I really love writing my books. If I could, it would be the only activity I did, but life does not work that way. Today, whether or not you are with a publishing house or indie-publish, most of an author’s marketing is still the author’s responsibility. You still need to get out there and market your book as if your life depends on it, which it actually does if you do not have a regular alternative income.
What motivates me to write The Chronicles of Han is that I gain a deeper understanding of myself, allowing for the healing of old wounds and in the process to grow within myself. And somehow the books are assisting in the healing of other people’s lives too, which is a bonus.
32.
You seem to be hands-on as far as your books are concerned. Would you say you are a perfectionist? How has handling your books on your own helped you achieve the kind of success you have?
My innate nature is that of perfectionist. This trait is an asset when used discerningly. It gets the job done, correctly, speedily and with the least amount of effort to myself.
During my stay in ICU and the four years of rehabilitation from third degree burn scarring, I learnt teamwork, delegation and leadership skills. Also to be resourceful and work around obstacles, and to be patient with others and myself.
With entering the publishing platform ‘on my own’ I had to learn the ropes quickly, to be efficient in what I had to do in order to do what I want to do, ie. writing.
Keeping up to date with everything going on in the publishing industry is a full time investment into the future of independent publishing. It gives ongoing tips on how to do things differently to gain access to readers who might be interested in your work.
I have to emphasize that what works for The Chronicles of Han book Series does not necessarily work for other books, just as I have discovered through trial and error that most of the mainstream marketing strategies do not work for me, as an individual.
The hardest to overcome is marketing trends. What works today might not give any results tomorrow. Thus one need to stay hand’s on and evolve with reader preferences.
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