Birth of a Fantasy Novel – Part 2

Yesterday, we posted the first part of an interview with fantasy writer S. K. Randolph, author of The Dimensioner's Revenge. Today, as Paul Harvey would have said, we have the rest of the story.

5. What is your goal with this book?

Borderline dyslexia created some early stumbling blocks for me as a reader. When these challenges were overcome in fifth grade, the miracle of reading opened up a whole new world. Books provided an escape, a place to learn new things, and an avenue for exploring life in wonderful ways. My goal is to entice young people to read, to keep reading, and to get out from in front of the computer.

With that vision in mind, I wrote The DiMensioner’s Revenge, the story of four young people and the impact life has on them—the lessons they learn and what they discover about themselves during a birthday adventure gone awry. As a former educator, I could not help providing life lessons, but my hope is that they are a natural part of the growth of the characters rather than a soap box.

6. The title says “Book One." Does this mean a series?

The unfolding trilogy will consist of three books, of which The DiMensioner’s Revenge is number one. Whether or not I write spin-offs beyond that number remains to be seen.

7. Why did you choose to work with an editor?

When I began this project, I did so simply to start and finish a novel. (I had begun two others that remain uncompleted.) The idea of publishing came later when friends and family who had encouraged me read the manuscript and began prodding me to publish. As the idea took hold, I realized I needed someone to help me unravel, shorten, and refine my “baby.” Now, I cannot imagine ever publishing without combining forces with someone more knowledgeable than I am about punctuation, point of view, show and tell, and all the things that make a book a worthwhile and interesting read. “Two heads are better than one” seems particularly apt in this circumstance.

8. What words of wisdom do you have for budding writers in this genre?

Fantasy fiction provides one the opportunity to create new worlds, places, things, and creatures that are purely figments of imagination. This genre allows the writer to delve deeper into his/her own inner reality/creativity and bring forth the unusual, that which is far out of the ordinary.

My advice to up-and-coming writers:
• Read other writers in the genre, learn the pitfalls, develop a sense of what works and what doesn’t and what you like and dislike.
• Join a writing group where you can give and receive constructive criticism.
• Find yourself a good editor, and don’t be afraid to edit and edit and edit (just because you wrote it doesn’t mean it can’t be improved).
• Write every day, no matter what.
• Write because you are passionate about it.
• And have fun!

To learn more about S.K. Randolph and The DiMensioner's Revenge, visit her at www.skrandolph.com

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Linda Lane edited S.K. Randolph's novel during the entire span of its development. She coaches writers through edits of their books and currently is developing e-courses on effective writing and editing. By fall her workshops will be available online for all who want to raise the bar on the quality of self- and independently published books. Learn more about her work at www.denvereditor.com.