Every writer wonders how to go from the pages of their notebook to a published book. Today, Joy Brooks joins us to tell a little about her experience starting out and what she is working on now. Joy is an amazing author who has five books published with eTreasures and more to come. Check out her website for all of her latest news and tidbits, or visit her Amazon page to purchase of of her books. Let's give a warm hello to Joy!I started writing one April morning. I think it was around 2009. I can remember the month because I woke up and decided I was going to finally follow my dream. I had nothing to hold me back. The urge to write has been with me for as long as I can remember. Being an avid reader, I soon discovered I wanted to tell stories too. I have a vivid imagination, and I felt a drive to put words to paper. Also, I have a tendency to immerse myself in my stories. Once I wrote all day and through the night. I hadn’t realized what I had done until the sun came up.
eTreasures: What inspired you to write your first book?
During school I always loved history. My son got me into fantasy. I used to read to him at night and on winter days. So, I put my two loves together. My love of reading inspired me to write my first book. I think you have to have a love of reading to have a desire to write. Writing allows you a chance to step into another life. It is a chance to put your thoughts and feelings into words and actions. Writing is a gift that brings out the artistry within us.
eTreasures: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when my first book was accepted for publishing. When I looked at the contract, it made the idea of writing a reality. I had done it. My dream had been realized. The desire to write grew even stronger within me, and I haven’t stopped, nor will I. Along with every other writer out there, I want my name to be a household word. Royalties are nice, but to have that much publicity connected to my name will mean my books are sought after, and I have been accepted by the public as a good writer. It’s not only enough for me to write, I want others to enjoy my work.
eTreasures: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, I find it hard sometimes to keep up with my imagination. I might start out with one idea and before my fingers finish typing, the whole scene has changed. As I mentioned earlier, I have an active imagination, so most of the time, I like the changes better. I also struggle with finding new feats to bestow on the hero or to find original challenges. You don’t want to find a sword fight with the villain in ever book you read. Your hero must vanquish the villain in a different manner than the status quo. If you want to use a sword fight, yes, it’s fine. It just might need a touch up to make it a little different.
eTreasures: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned perseverance. When writing a trilogy, you’re writing a lot. After all, you are dealing with three books. You have to remember every aspect of the each book because you don’t want any errors. The traits the hero has in the first book, he needs in last. Everything must be consistent. I have one gift I’m very grateful for. Since I get so caught up in my books, it’s easy for me to remember characters, actions, descriptions, and names which helps me to keep the writing connected. Another thing, I love editing. I’ve learned a lot through the editing process. It has helped my books get better and better.
eTreasures: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes, don’t give up. Writing is hard work. It’s not something that will make you rich quick. It takes time for your name to get out to the public. Of course, there are exceptions. However, you don’t need to get into this business thinking you won’t have to work hard. Success is not guaranteed. You have to work for it. But, if you have a desire for writing, you will stay the course no matter what comes at you. The truth of the matter is writing is worth every minute of your time.
eTreasures: What is your latest news?
My latest writing news is the second book in my ‘King’s Trilogy’ is on schedule to be released in November. I’m real excited about this venture. Of all the books I’ve written, this trilogy is my favorite. I think it’s because I can relate to my main character, Rayden. The hardship he faces is reminiscence of my life. I put a lot of myself in my writing, and I think it is very therapeutic for me. In my personal life, I and three of my friends are going on a train ride through the Rocky Mountains. I can mark this off my bucket list.
eTreasures: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Yes, I can. I’m working on the third book of my trilogy, ‘King’. I’m making changes to this book that I made in the first and second books. Through the editing process things have been added to and some deleted. These changes need to be reflected in the third book. The story comes to an end. Rayden preservers and he finally gets the life he fought so hard to obtain. His struggles, for now, are over.
During school I always loved history. My son got me into fantasy. I used to read to him at night and on winter days. So, I put my two loves together. My love of reading inspired me to write my first book. I think you have to have a love of reading to have a desire to write. Writing allows you a chance to step into another life. It is a chance to put your thoughts and feelings into words and actions. Writing is a gift that brings out the artistry within us.
eTreasures: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when my first book was accepted for publishing. When I looked at the contract, it made the idea of writing a reality. I had done it. My dream had been realized. The desire to write grew even stronger within me, and I haven’t stopped, nor will I. Along with every other writer out there, I want my name to be a household word. Royalties are nice, but to have that much publicity connected to my name will mean my books are sought after, and I have been accepted by the public as a good writer. It’s not only enough for me to write, I want others to enjoy my work.
eTreasures: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, I find it hard sometimes to keep up with my imagination. I might start out with one idea and before my fingers finish typing, the whole scene has changed. As I mentioned earlier, I have an active imagination, so most of the time, I like the changes better. I also struggle with finding new feats to bestow on the hero or to find original challenges. You don’t want to find a sword fight with the villain in ever book you read. Your hero must vanquish the villain in a different manner than the status quo. If you want to use a sword fight, yes, it’s fine. It just might need a touch up to make it a little different.
eTreasures: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned perseverance. When writing a trilogy, you’re writing a lot. After all, you are dealing with three books. You have to remember every aspect of the each book because you don’t want any errors. The traits the hero has in the first book, he needs in last. Everything must be consistent. I have one gift I’m very grateful for. Since I get so caught up in my books, it’s easy for me to remember characters, actions, descriptions, and names which helps me to keep the writing connected. Another thing, I love editing. I’ve learned a lot through the editing process. It has helped my books get better and better.
eTreasures: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes, don’t give up. Writing is hard work. It’s not something that will make you rich quick. It takes time for your name to get out to the public. Of course, there are exceptions. However, you don’t need to get into this business thinking you won’t have to work hard. Success is not guaranteed. You have to work for it. But, if you have a desire for writing, you will stay the course no matter what comes at you. The truth of the matter is writing is worth every minute of your time.
eTreasures: What is your latest news?
My latest writing news is the second book in my ‘King’s Trilogy’ is on schedule to be released in November. I’m real excited about this venture. Of all the books I’ve written, this trilogy is my favorite. I think it’s because I can relate to my main character, Rayden. The hardship he faces is reminiscence of my life. I put a lot of myself in my writing, and I think it is very therapeutic for me. In my personal life, I and three of my friends are going on a train ride through the Rocky Mountains. I can mark this off my bucket list.
eTreasures: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Yes, I can. I’m working on the third book of my trilogy, ‘King’. I’m making changes to this book that I made in the first and second books. Through the editing process things have been added to and some deleted. These changes need to be reflected in the third book. The story comes to an end. Rayden preservers and he finally gets the life he fought so hard to obtain. His struggles, for now, are over.
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