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Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with Evelyn Puerto

  • Writer: Diana Kathryn
    Diana Kathryn
  • Oct 4
  • 5 min read
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Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

I never have. I published my first book Beyond the Rapids under my own name, and just kept going with that.


What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

I have two main strategies. The first is to work on a different project. Often that helps get me unstuck from the first one. The other is to take another look at my outline. Treating it like a puzzle with the pieces out of order makes it a game and gives me a new perspective. If I’m feeling paralyzed by fear or otherwise procrastinating, chocolate helps.


From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

One for sure is clarity. More than elegant prose or snappy dialogue or evocative descriptions. If the reader can’t understand what you’re trying to say, it’s worthless.


What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

For most of my stories, the plot comes first. But it’s not an either-all. One plot element gives birth to a character, who then inspires a piece of the plot. But sometimes, plot and location come at the same time. As in The Girl Who Broke the Dark, I knew that the cursed prince would be in an underground realm. I didn’t know what that would look like when I started, but I knew it would be dark!

 

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

My favorite part is hearing from readers and what they thought of the book. It’s so gratifying to learn that they enjoyed the adventure and loved (or loved to hate) the characters. Sometimes they draw things from the books I hadn’t intended, which is fun. Least favorite has got to be marketing. Although some forms of marketing I enjoy, like meeting readers, podcasts and on occasion, social media.


What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

My first drafts are often just what the characters did and what they said. Some don’t even have names. They’re just identified as AAAAAA or BBBBBB. Only randomly do I put in details of clothing or setting. By the final draft, I’ve added all the sensory details that give the reader an immersive experience, as well as the emotional beats that make the adventure more exciting. And of course, I add a monster or two.


Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing.

I have a home office and that’s where I do my writing. To keep myself focused, I  play instrumental music that fits the mood of what I’m writing or the character’s personality.


If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

As a matter of fact, I’m planning a novella for one of my side character—Princess Tarja. I knew there wouldn’t be room in the fourth book of the Royal Mages to wrap up her story. I also wanted to give myself a little break before diving into my next series. I haven’t quite got my mind around  what I want it to be, so I’m giving myself a little time. And, I wanted to experiment with the cozy fantasy-mystery mashup genre. We’ll see what happens!


What risks have you taken with your writing that made the book better?

I made some parts of my novels darker than I originally intended. But I think that made the ultimate victories feel more satisfying.


What is your writing software of choice, and what is its best feature?

I’m a Scrivener fan and have been for many years. There are so many great features. Having each scene in a separate file, along with all my notes, in one document is such a time saver. Another great feature is the ability to have two writing panes open side by side. I can have my current scene in one. The other can be the last scene, scene notes, research notes, or anything else I need for quick reference.


Do characters’ names come immediately to you?  Do you add them in a final draft?  Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

I base my characters’ names off the cultures that inspired their worlds. For example, in The Girl Who Broke the Dark, Princess Eliana’s country is loosely inspired by ancient Greece. I looked up Greek girls’ names and picked one that fit. I also look at maps. I’ve taken places names and tweaked a few letters to come up with unusual names. By the end of the second draft, all the characters have names.


Tell us the title of one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

The Will of the Many by James Islington is a stunning fantasy. From the first  sentence, I was riveted and the book just wouldn’t let me go. The characters, the plot, the magic, all the story elements were amazing. When I got to the end, my first thought was “what did I just read?” It was more than a book—it was an experience.


Think of the title of a hugely popular novel.  What is one major thing you would change about the book?

While I loved the whole Court of Thorns and Roses series, there are two major things I would change. One is I’d tone down some of the spice, and the second is I’d fix the world building inconsistencies.


What are you reading right now?

Book 2 of the Licanius Trilogy by James Islington, The Echo of Things to Come.


Tell us a little something about your current WIP.  When do you expect it to be released?

My current WIP is the fourth and final book of my Royal Mages series. In this book, the battle with the evil sorcerer comes to a head, alliances are formed against him, and  the world will never be the same. My plan is to release September 1, 2026.


What are the titles and genres of each book you’ve written?

Epic Fantasy:

  • The Outlawed Myth series

    • Flight of the Spark

    • Flicker of the Flame

    • Sting of the Scorpion

    • Flood of the Fire

  • The Royal Mages:

    • The Girl Who Broke the Dark

    • The Girl Who Wrote on Water

    • The Girl Who Shattered the Sea

Memoir:

  • Beyond the Rapids


How can readers find you?  Website, social media, amazon author page… share all the links!



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