Yesterday, I posted the first part of an interview with Rachel Starr Thomson. Today listen in as Rachel continues to talk about indie authorship and chats about writing and books …
In an email, you said, “I’m loving indie authorship!” That’s so encouraging! But WHY are you loving indie authorship?
Two big reasons for me. One, it’s taught me to look at my writing as a business. I know that’s not very romantic, but it’s a fact of life whether you’re publishing traditionally or independently. Indie publishing can give you a better handle on this right up front. Second, it’s allowed me to start building readership and getting my work out there without waiting on a traditional publishing house. I can do things like quickly compiling a book of poetry and short stories (Pieces of Grace And What They Mean) to go along with a specific event (our Soli performances during the Vancouver Olympics), which I recently did. It’s also nice to be making some money from my books, though it’s not a lot (yet).
Do you have a number one piece of advice for other indie authors? 
Do your research.
What made you go for indie authorship in the first place?
A whim . If I only had one manuscript, I would probably wait and try to get it traditionally published. But I’ve finished close to 20 at this point. When I came across Lulu.com several years ago and realized how quickly and cheaply an author can publish her own work, I didn’t see any reason not to get some of it into print. But I would have done a lot of things differently had I done my research first (see number one piece of advice above).
And what makes you think indie authorship is less of a end unto itself and more of a stepping stone to other things … ?
I’m not sure I would put it quite that way. I see indie authorship as one facet of my work, which is words as a business and ministry. In many cases traditional publishing may be the best option, and I don’t want to rule that out. In other cases indie authorship is the best road to take. Ideally, one can lead to another.
On a different note, you write fiction and non-fiction. Which do you prefer writing?
I love fiction–the drama, the imagination, mostly the chance to bring places and people to life. It’s magic. But I love nonfiction too, because I can say things that are important to me or explore fascinating aspects of the real world through it. But I’d probably rather be known for fiction, because ultimately I would rather read fiction than nonfiction, and every writer wants to write stuff she’d like to read.
Can you remember writing your very first story?
Nope . But it probably had magical creatures in it.
And do you have a favourite book? A favourite character? Do share!
I always have a terrible time answering that question. Characters belong to their books, and books to the times and circumstances in which I read them, and it’s so hard to separate out favourites. But I’m mildly in love with Alister Macruadh in George MacDonald’s “What’s Mine’s Mine,” or “The Highlander’s Last Song” if you’re reading the edited versions.
What does “a day in your life” look like (more or less) for you at the moment?
That depends on what’s happening with Soli Deo Gloria Ballet. While I’m home and relatively settled, I get up, have breakfast and devotions with my family (yes, I still live at home), exercise, and get to work. I mark 12 student papers every day, edit various client manuscripts, draft or revise articles, and sometimes write or revise my fiction. I also answer a lot of e-mail, blog, network online, keep my finances in order, and do paperwork. If there’s a Soli performance in the works, I may work on the script or memorizing my parts. When I’m on tour, I do most of the same work, but throw rehearsals and performances into the mix.
Do you have any tips to share with writers trying to fit writing into life?
Schedule it in, be consistent, be realistic. If you can’t write more than 15 minutes a day, fine. But write for that 15 minutes.
We’ve been talking about writing. Everyone who writes has a reason for writing. Would you mind sharing YOUR reason?
I think I was just born to write. I see the world in words. Stories fascinate me, so I love to tell them. God gives us so much truth, so I love to explore it. I am passionate about the message, but I also love the process.
And do you have anything to share about faith, home-schooling, writing and indie authorship or anything else related … ?
This interview has already covered a lot of ground, so I’ll just say, check out my Web site and visit my blog if you want to hear more from me! I write about all of those topics fairly regularly. www.rachelstarrthomson.com is the Web site; add /inklings for the blog.
Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome .
