Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
My first book, "The Necromancer's
Apprentice", took about 15 days to write, and approximately 6 months to
publish.
Do
you work another job as well as your writing work?
Yes, in addition to writing, I am a game
developer and programmer. I enjoy everything I do, so I don't really consider
it a 'job'.
What
is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20
words what would you say?
My most recent
book is a YA epic fantasy entitled "Firebrand" which is about a young
man with an usual passion who is sent on a journey in which he must learn about
his purpose.
Who
is your publisher? or do you self publish?
I am a self-publisher all the way!
How
long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to
finishing writing it?
From
conception to completion thus far, it's taken me about 6 months.
What
can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre?
Books of a different genre?
So
far, all of my books will be of the same genre (fantasy), however, I may
include other elements such as romance, drama, and more darker subjects.
Do
you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I always have plans for new books! There
will be new series and some standalones, as well. The newest book that will be
released is book 2 of my fantasy trilogy entitled, "Enflamed".
What
genre would you place your books into?
Fantasy
What
made you decide to write that genre of book?
I've always enjoyed reading fantasy books
and playing RPGs. I've found that fantasy is one of the easiest genres to write
because the sky's the limit to whatever you want to do. I have a very vivid
imagination, so this is certainly the genre for me.
Do
you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your
favourite?
So far, it's
been "The Necromancer's Apprentice," because it's the very first book
I've ever published, so it has a special place in my heart.
Do
you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your
favourite?
Daggax'iylion,
the supporting character of "The Necromancer's Apprentice." I had fun
writing him because I love his personality. He will be getting a book of his
own very soon :)
If
you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would
you be? and why?
There is
a character from a story I've written that is yet to be released. She is a
female assassin, and a lot of my dark side is in her. She's a strong female
heroine that is a reflection of my own thoughts and experiences.
How
long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I've always written stories since
childhood when I first learned how to write. Nothing really inspired me to
start writing; I just began doodling and writing stories about the pictures I
drew.
Where
do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration?
I get my ideas from playing videogames,
other books, and daily experiences.
Do
you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in
a certain chair?
So far,
I've been writing all of my books during National Novel Writing Month
(NaNoWriMo). The month-long event pushes me to write a certain amount of words
a day. I usually listen to music suitable for the story's setting to give me an
easier time to get my ideas down.
Do
you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially
release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?
I have friends read them, and I also have a
weekly critique group called The Dragon's Sandbox that helps me, too. www.dragonssandbox.com
Do
you gift books to readers to do reviews?
Sometimes, I do!
Do
you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Always! I value any and all feedback and
take all criticism, positive or negative, to heart and learn from them so that
I can improve future books.
Would
you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about
your book/books?
Absolutely
not. I delved into the literary world knowing that my books will not appeal to
everyone. People will like my books and people will hate them. I have an
acquired taste in books, so I write what I would enjoy reading. Not everyone
would agree, but for those that do, then I consider that bonus points! If
someone gives me a negative review, I'm not upset or angry. I'm actually
grateful that the reviewer took the time out of their busy schedule to read and
review my book. I take what is useful out of the negative review and apply it
to my writing in order to improve myself. I think it's unrealistic to see some
of these books with a zillion (genuine) 5-star reviews and no (genuine)
negative reviews. That would mean the book would have to be perfect, no one is
perfect. It doesn't matter who you are. There is someone out there who is
(genuinely) not going to like your book. If people like Stephen King and J.K.
Rowling can get negative reviews on their books, then an indie self-publisher
like me is certainly not invincible to them.
How
do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books?Who
designed the Cover of your books?
The covers usually come to me as I'm writing the story. The covers for
"The Necromancer's Apprentice" and "Firebrand" were done by
Sarah Ellerton (author/artist of the Phoenix Requiem graphic novel series).
Do
you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I always write the book first before
choosing a permanent title.
How
do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
I like wordplay, puns and irony. For
example, the female characters of "The Necromancer's Apprentice" were
named after flowers. I gave Jasmine her name because of her white hair.
Are
character names and place names decided after there creation? or do you pick a
character/place name and then invent them?
I usually write about the character/places first, then go back and come
up with a name. Coming up with suitable names can be very time-consuming.
Do
you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the
whole book or as you go along?
I decide on the traits beforehand because the character is what drives
and steers the story.
Do
you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or
do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?
I always outline and plan the plot from
start to finish before I begin writing. I need a blueprint of where to take the
story, else I will run into writers' block.
How
do you market/promote your books?
Social media, word of mouth, writing communities, and participating in
local literary events like book signings. I also pass out business cards.
What
do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?
I'm still trying to figure that out, myself.
If someone has that answer, though, PLEASE share! Thanks! :)
Have
you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get
past the "block"?
Many
times. The best way I counter the block is by outlining ahead of time. If I'm
still stuck, I work on another book for a while to clear my mind.
What
do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?
Programming and playing videogames! :)
Is
there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
My inspirations for writing have been Brent
Weeks, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and Amanda Hocking.
Which
format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback?
Paperback. Nothing beats the feel of a
physical page between your fingers or the 'new book smell'!
What
is your favourite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?
I don't have just one. I enjoyed the
Dragonlance Chronices by Weis and Hickman. The story hooked me right away with
colorful characters and an epic adventure that was reminiscent of old D&D
campaigns I used to play in. I've not read the books more than once, however, I
remember them so vividly, I can practically see the entire series as a movie in
my mind.
Do
you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?
I think they will, eventually. The younger
generation are all about the conveniences of technology. Why lug a bunch of
books around when you can have hundreds on one device? I personally like
traditional books. There's just something special about holding a book in your
hands.
Do
you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or
do Imaginative writing?
I
think with movies like Twilight and Harry Potter, more children are becoming more
interested in books. I think it's a lot more prevalent now than it was when I
was in school in the 80s and 90s. I hope the trend continues.
Did
you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer
something newer in your life?
All my life, I've written and drawn. Publishing these stories has been a
new endeavor for me and I love it.
Did
you have a favourite author as a child?
Ann M. Martin! Author of the Baby-Sitters Club
Books! I still love those books even now.
Do
you have a favourite genre of book?
Fantasy
What
do you think about book trailers?
I love them so much, I have a Pinterest board dedicated to some of my
favorite ones. I think book trailers are an excellent way to market your book.
What
piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Write your story -- not someone else's..
Where can readers follow you?
In addition to my website,
readers can find me on various social media like Facebook and Twitter. I am
also active in writing communities like NaNoWriMo, Kindleboards, and Critique
Circle.
Your Blog Details?
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Your
Goodreads Author Page? www.goodreads.com/author/show/4775117.R_M_Prioleau
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