Author Q&A with E. M. Shryke

Author Q&A with E. M. Shryke

I feel strongly about social justice, the way we treat our world, from nature and wildlife to our historic buildings and technological breakthroughs. My stories have a tendency to reflect those feelings.

Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

I have a short story out on Kindle (the Independent Magician), a sequel awaiting editing and a novel set in the same world (unrelated) in the first draft phase.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

How do you approach starting a new book?

I start by writing down an idea that has come to me. Any idea.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Science Fiction and Fantasy, though I also love a good Mystery.

Have you always wanted to write?

Yes, but I was often discouraged by people that matter to a child/teen still finding their voice. My younger sibling always loved my stories and pressured me to write, which finally gave me the drive to just do it.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Shelve the story and find something else to write. Then I revisit with fresh eyes.

Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book

In the novel I’m writing, MC goes shopping for clothes. It was long, detracted from the story too much and I eventually got rid of it, but the world building was wonderful. The description of the journey in itself gave a lot of insight into his weird city, then there were the characters working and making purchases in the various shops… I enjoyed it very much. It helped me to really shape the world and think about the fine details.

Do you like reading the same books you write?

I do, but I also like to get out of my comfort zone. For example, I can’t write a romance or sex scene to save my life, but if the story is well told, I’ll not shy away from reading it (though I don’t deliberately seek out erotica either).

Do write under a pen name? If so, tell us about how you chose it

I chose my pen name after attending an event for aspiring writers. I didn’t want to use my name as it is was never going to stand out and I’m sure I found other authors with the variations of my name that I’d want to use. I was advised to look up “dead” or rare surnames and pick one that I felt suited me. My world is one populated by animals that all evolved to read/write/use tools simultaneously, so I felt “Shryke” (shrike — a type of bird, for the uninitiated) was a good fit. I still do.

How do you choose your book’s title(s)?

Sometimes, the title is the idea that I start writing with. Others, I have no idea what to call my book and ask friends for their thoughts. “The Independent Magician” was the idea that inspired the book, while “Points Change” was named after the MC until fairly recently.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?

Enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about selling and don’t worry about your work being any good. Get the first draft written, then leave it for at least three months. Use that time to work on your next first draft. Don’t keep editing the same bit. Correct obvious errors and otherwise leave notes if you have a problem with a particular part. Your second draft will fix it, believe me. Finally, be as kind to yourself as you would be to a dear friend, writing their first book. Be supportive of your own creativity.

Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

I research all manner of things. I heard about liberties in a Madness (band) interview and wanted to use at least one in my story, because they are fascinating! They had their own legal systems and ways of life. They were a safe haven for the most downtrodden people of London.

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I make time after work. Usually 30-60 minutes.

How do you approach ‘world building’?

I think about my characters and how they fit in. Are they rich? Poor? Do they have a job? How would they get there, if they do? As I think about the character(s), so the world comes into focus. I make notes as I go along.

How do you handle criticism?

If it is helpful/constructive I take it on board and consider how I can apply the new insight. If it is unhelpful/rude for the sake of rudeness, I completely disregard it.

Describe your perfect character to me

Flawed. Complicated. Not all good, not all bad.

Tell me about your current work

I’m enjoying working on my novel again, even though I’ve found a lot wrong with the first draft. I’m just leaving notes where there are problems and moving on, for now. My favourite part is an action scene, involving a steamboat chase on the river in the dark and thick fog. It gets tense on more than one occasion.

Tell me about your main character

Alfie YellowNeckedMouse is a boy of twelve. He has magic, which is very dangerous unless he joins his world’s “holybeasts”. His parents are doing their best to keep him safely hidden in a liberty. He has a kind heart and will do anything to help a creature he cares about. He is inclined to cry in sympathy/empathy for another. He has a best friend called Belle.

Would you want your book made into a film?

Only if my input was appreciated and I was able to work closely with the team.

How many books do you own?

More than I can fit on my bookshelf! I do share a lot with my housemate, though.

Where can you find E. M. Shryke?

Website 

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