Bright fantasy for a dark world

November 2020

Tucked away in a rural home in Slate River, a young author busily plots her next novel. This might not be an unusual scenario, except for the fact that she is a USA Today Bestseller and that she has over fifty books under her belt! I’ve known Sarah for many years, and it was a surprise to me to discover she’s been hard at work, quietly spinning fantastical worlds for eager readers. So, it is my delight to shed some light on this marvelous local gem, and introduce you to Sarah K. L. Wilson, writer of bright fantasy for a dark world.

“Books and stories have always been a passion of mine,” says Wilson. “I started reading at a young age – everything from Asterix comics to Swiss Family Robinson. It was in my teens that I started writing poetry, but I didn’t try my hand at fiction until I was an adult and I ran out of the kinds of books I loved. I thought to myself, “I suppose I’ll have to write one then,” so I did.”

Like many successful authors, Wilson has taken the plunge into the deep and fast-moving world of independent publishing. I asked her about her decision, the rewards and challenges it presents.

“In the book industry, someone has to take a bet on you,” she says. “Sometimes, publishers tell you what kinds of books and people they’re willing to take a bet on but sometimes, they don’t. One day, I was telling myself that someone should take a bet on me because I’m a good bet – when I realized that I could be the one to bet on myself! I indie published my first book after that – betting my own money and time on the hopes of success – and I haven’t looked back.”

Ebooks are the bread and butter of many indie authors, and while some readers still love to hold a print copy in their hands, digital stories are hugely popular with readers all over the world.

“Without ebooks, I simply wouldn’t be able to make a living writing,” Wilson acknowledges. “I’m so grateful for this change in the reading world because it makes it possible for me to write fulltime and really create art to the full extent of my energy. My books pack a punch on the first page in a way that wasn’t necessary before the rise of the ebook, because these readers take less time to browse ebooks than people in a physical store might. They need to see immediately what kind of book this is, and whether it is something they want.

I do sell physical books on Amazon and other e-retailers, though. My smaller books are available in paperback and the larger ones are usually printed in hardcover for durability and quality.”

Wilson also understands that readers today are short on time but tend to devour content rapidly. She started writing shorter titles in rapid succession, similar to the current trend of ‘series binging’, like a Netflix or subscription model.

“My dragon novella serials are just like Netflix for readers,” she agrees. “The episodes take the average reader approximately two hours to read. That’s perfect for people with busy schedules and kids just getting into reading. They remain my most popular books.”

Wilson is a writer after my own heart, reveling in building worlds of inspiration, imagination and integrity.

“I primarily write young adult fantasy. I have three series of serial novellas which total thirty-two episodes – Dragon School, Dragon Chameleon, and Dragon Tide. These are good for ages ten plus and very popular with younger readers. I have five other series, plus stand-alone books, for a total of twenty-two more full-length novels. My most recent series for older readers (sixteen and older) are Tangled Fae and Empire of War and Wings.”

Dragons for the win! I asked her about the age-old question authors struggle with – structure. We’re either plotters (writing from an outline), pantsers (writing by the seat of your pants!) or a combination of both.

“I write the book and then I revise it,” says Wilson. “I find I have to write the whole story before it tells me what it is. Then I tear it apart and adjust structure, pacing, tension, emotional polarity, and theme in a process I have developed that includes graphs, charts, a diagram of a clock face, and a few other oddities! I also have a few dedicated early readers who help me to stay on track and give my readers what they’re most longing for in the books.”

Wilson is also a fan of audiobooks and many of her titles have been adapted to be heard, along with being read.

“Audiobooks are great, and I adore my narrators,” she says with a smile. “I’ve had all of my most popular series recorded or they are in the process of being recorded and I’ve sold almost nine thousand audiobooks! There are a lot of people listening on the commute!”

Sarah’s commitment is an inspiration for any writer, and I asked her if she had any advice for aspiring authors.

“Good readers make good writers. Read books that you enjoy. Find the genre that resonates best with you. Focus on finding your voice within that genre.”

Sarah K. L. Wilson’s digital and print books are available wherever ebooks are sold (Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc), and you can learn more by checking out her website at www.sarahklwilson.com.
 

Heather L. Dickson is a photoshop guru, zoologist and author of 6 novels.

Visit her website at www.hleightondickson.com

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