Interview with Beth Barany
The Blog Ring of Power Presents...
An Interview with Author Beth Barany
Today, young adult fantasy writer Beth Barany stopped by, courtesy of BRoP member Sandra Ulbrich Almazan, to tell us a bit her creative process and her Five Kingdoms Series. Beth is a fellow member of Broad Universe, and I'm thrilled for this opportunty to hear more about her and her work.
This is part three of a five-part interview. Be sure to check out the other BRoP sites for the rest of the interview:
Part 1 @ Sandra's site - Monday, March 11
Part 2 @ Dean's site - Tuesday, March 12
Part 4 @ Teresa's site - Thursday, March 14
Part 5 @ Emily's site - Friday, March 15
BRoP: Where do you get your story ideas?
Beth: Anywhere. Everywhere. Who knows? More seriously, something outside of me or something inside of me triggers a plot line, story premise, or character. Looking back I can see that travel on a train, plane, or bus is often where I get ideas. I love going to new places, seeing and experiencing new things to get sparked with ideas. I also notice looking over all my ideas that places and objects trigger me. Place like Paris, objects like the cobblestones of that old city.
BRoP: How do you deal with writer’s block?
Beth: With an axe. No, actually with timed writing. Which is like an axe to the grumbles, complaints, interdictions, whining, etc. that stand like a crossing guard between me and my goal of writing. I love, love, love the tool of timed writing. I usually set the timer for 20 minutes then Go! I write whatever however and tell the truth to myself as clearly as possible, lending voice to all the grumbles, whining, etc. And all the good stuff. Let it all hang out for only me to see. By the time the 20 minutes are up, I’ve usually found the source of my block — a knotty story question or an internal fear — and can dive into writing what’s next. Alternatively, if I’m completely clear on what I’m writing next, I use my word count or time count, to focus and just write.
BRoP: How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
Beth: Once a story idea has flashed, and I’ve drafted the overall idea of the plot, I dive into character sketches, including backstory, goals, motivations, conflicts, strengths, the things they carry. Knowing the character feeds the plot. I use various tools for both plot and character and build my story like a patchwork quilt, first assembling lots of the pieces. Once I have a pretty good idea of where I’m going and I can’t help myself because I’m so enthusiastic to tell the story, I write the first draft. Tools include: the hero’s journey outline and archetypes; the problem/solution tool; GMC chart for characters; Synopsis Spinner by Patricia Simpson; the three act structure.
BRoP: Are you a “plotter” or a “pantser” (do you plan/outline the story ahead of time or write “by the seat of your pants”)?
Beth: Both! I mix the two, going back and forth to keep the flow going.
BRoP: Do you use critique partners or beta readers? Why or why not?
Beth: Yes and yes! Both! I need to hear what is working and what isn’t from others. I think my first drafts are awesome, so I need others to say, “Uh? What do you mean here?” to help me succeed at my goal of creating the story world that the reader will fall into and forget their lives.
BRoP: What format is your book available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)?
Beth: Both!
Where can readers can stalk you:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Amazon | Smashwords
BETH BARANY has been making up fantasy and adventure stories all her life. She writes to empower girls and women with her kick ass heroines who have to save the world against great odds. In her off hours, Beth enjoys cardio kickboxing, stick yoga, reading and watching movies with her husband, author and singer/song writer Ezra Barany.
HENRIETTA THE DRAGON SLAYER (THE FIVE KINGDOMS #1): Henrietta, the legendary Dragon Slayer of the Kingdom of Bleuve, can't stomach the thought of one more kill. Yet, in order to save her dying mentor, she must go on one last quest. But will misfit companions, seasickness, and an ego maniacal king derail the quest for the healing stone? And will she be able to cut past her conscience and kill the dragon?The Blog Ring of Power (BRoP) is a consortium of five speculative fiction writers who have banded together to bring you highlights from the current speculative fiction market--news, reviews, and interviews with speculative fiction authors--with an emphasis on small-press and self-published authors. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and relax. Have we got a story for you...
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