Great writing advice from Fantasy author Janet Beasley

Only one more day until Authors in the Park, an event taking place this Sunday, December 16th, in Mount Dora, Florida, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center. Janet Beasley, along with Mark Miller, are two writers who organized the event and have worked their tails off to promote it. I invited them to visit my blog to talk about their writing. You can read Mark's interview here, and below, Janet's. Enjoy!

Julie: What's the title of your most recent book?

Janet: Tough question - crazy right? But here's how it shakes down: Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy, is accompanied by two companion books - a full color illustration book titled The Chukkons Say, 'Ye Need ta Be a-Seein' Maycly, and a cookbook featuring restaurants, menus, and recipes from Maycly (all fully pre-parable and edible right here on Earth) titled More Than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.

What's it about? 

Maycly Volume 1 the Trilogy of the six-volume series Hidden Earth, is an inspirational epic fantasy that takes you on the journey of Iona, a girl in her twenties on Earth, who “has it all” and “loses it all,” nearly giving up on life altogether. She has never questioned her trust in the Grand Wizard, SUL, but when she develops multiple chronic illnesses, loses her wealth, and is forced to deal with the mysterious disappearance of her last three living family members, she chooses to believe that SUL no longer exists. Refusing to ask SUL for guidance, Iona is determined to find her family on her own; however, SUL has other plans for her. When a very special puppy shows up on Iona’s doorstep, things begin to change. The story explodes, taking you to the captivating world of Maycly 100 years prior, setting the stage for their queen’s hopeful arrival. The trilogy is full of twists and turns, monumental battles, and illustrations of never before seen flora and fauna. Tag along with Iona and her band of new-found friends as she discovers her destiny, faces a myriad of dangers, and continues searching for her family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, maybe even say “aww.” But best of all, no matter your age, you’ll find characters, Earthly and/or Mayclysian, with whom you can relate.

 

Who do you see as your audience? 

The quickest and easiest way to describe my audience would be from a review I received (one of my favorite reviews I might add). They described Maycly like this, "...a delightful combination of Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz," two of my favorites! Families, kids of all ages, and even your dog will love the Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy.

Why do you write?

I write because it allows me to escape to fantasy worlds, and forget my hectic, stressful, totally crazy days. I also write because if I were to bottle up all my creative genius I would explode. . .I came really close once, but thankfully I discovered writing was the perfect diffusion and have stuck with it sense.

What is the most important piece of advice you'd give other writers, particularly those who might just be starting to write? 

If you've got a story to tell, tell it. Write it (your first draft will be "junk" - so just expect that - this does NOT make you a lousy writer by any means) HINT: Do a search on Ernest Hemingway's quotes and you'll see what I mean. Have your story professionally edited, publish it - either on your own or through a publisher, market the heck out of it, and never...NEVER...listen to anyone who puts you down because of your passion for writing. Stay strong, persevere, remain dedicated, and surround yourself with other authors who understand your creativity and talent are worth something in to this world.

Julie's note: You can connect with Janet on Facebook or visit her website to learn more: www.hiddenearthseries.com.