Written Author Interview
- Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
Hi everyone! I’m Rachanee Lumayno, I’m an author, actress, and voiceover artist. On a typical day I’m probably recording an audiobook in my home studio, working on my current book, or playing with my cat—he’s my recording and writing buddy and follows me all around the house.
2. What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
Like a lot of writers, my first book, Heir of Amber and Fire, was a pandemic baby. What can I say, I had a lot of free time. But fun fact – the character of Jennica, the main character of Heir of Amber and Fire, was based of a character I was supposed to play in a Dungeons and Dragons live role-play. I had always wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons, but it was like Fight Club. People would tell me about it, but then be like, “You can’t play, we’re full up.”
This went on for YEARS. So I finally get the chance to play, come up with Jennica’s backstory … and then the world shuts down. So did the live role-play project. But I had this character, and I couldn’t let go of her. So I
wrote her story down, and that became Heir of Amber and Fire.
3. How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
In general, I don’t really know who my main characters are going to meet or interact with when I start writing. I’m a total pantser when it comes to writing, and so all I really know is the main character, their dilemma, and a vague idea of how I want the story to end. And sometimes even
that changes, too.
4. What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I love fantasy. Fantasy is my go-to when I want to read for fun, although I’ve read pretty much all genres—partly because of my work as an audiobook narrator, and also because I do like exploring new (to me) genres. I would recommend anything by Gail Carriger—if you like fantasy
in a steampunk setting, she’s great. Also Patricia C. Wrede, I’ve grown up loving her books and her characters are always strong and spunky.
5. What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
For me, I’d say it’s finding the time. Writing is one of those things where I need blocks of uninterrupted time to do it, which is hard enough to get. But then when you add in a day job and other responsibilities, it can be near impossible. It sounds romantic to say you’re a starving artist, but it’s really not. If you don’t have your basic needs met—you gotta eat, you gotta have a place to live—then you can’t focus on creating your art. But then you’re too tired to create, because all your energy has gone to the day job.
And it’s a cycle.
I’ve gotten really good about finding random times to write, and under normally challenging circumstances. I wrote a lot of Heir of Amber and Fire on set for a feature film, while I was waiting in between my scenes. I’ll write on an airplane if I’m traveling. I’ll even bring a notebook and pen with me to bed and write before I go to sleep. Just anything to find extra time.
6. What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
Since I don’t really outline, my first draft is usually the “let’s see what happens” draft. Then I’ll go back and tighten it up, like in terms of timeline or certain narrative elements. That version goes to my editor, who gives me notes and sends it back. My third comb through is when I
incorporate his notes and meticulously check for typos, grammar, etc.
Since I record my own audiobooks, the recording is my final check before I send the book out into the world. My first few books, I had tons of drafts. Heir of Amber and Fire was 17 drafts. Heir of Memory and Shadow, Book 2, and Heir of Magic and Mischance, Book 3, were about 5-6 drafts each.
By my fourth book, I had figured out a four draft system, and that’s what I follow now.
7. What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
Ha, I’m not really sure. I know the books are getting a bit darker as the series goes on, but I don’t think there’s anything I’d consider unhinged. I don’t shy away from hard subjects, but it’s not gratuitous either.
8. What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
Ha, besides not finding the time? I hate it when technology fails—I’ve switched to a cloud-based program for my writing, and I freak out when I can’t get into the program. Also, I’m really bad about cleaning up my workspace, which then stresses me out.
9. What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
For me, success would be if people read my work and it resonated with them in some way. I think the biggest compliment we can get as creative people, whether it’s writing or acting or art, is to know that our work impacted and moved others. Made them think, feel, or inspired them in
some way.
And of course, I would love to earn a living at writing. 🙂
10. Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
I think I could write a story about my writing journey, although I’m not sure who I’d get to play me in the biopic! 🙂 I don’t know if it’s particularly exciting though—you show up, you do the work, and you put it out there. Then rinse and repeat. It’s not a “sexy” formula by any means, but it
gets results. I think a lot of times people have ideas, and maybe some even try to bring those ideas to fruition, but very few follow through. If you actually complete whatever creative dream is in your heart, you’re already way ahead of the game. 🙂
Want More From Rachanee Lumayno?
To find her online – http://www.rachanee.net
Stay in touch – http://www.rachanee.net/newsletter
Links to her books on Amazon –
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B098DH16NH?ingress=0&visitId=7ba71139-93cf-4fb9-
94d3-c04cd6670eb4&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1
(Although her books are also on Barnes and Noble, Kobo, etc)
Find her on social – http://www.instagram.com/rachaneelumayno
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