{"id":3388,"date":"2018-06-20T12:11:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-20T12:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.genzpublishing.org\/?p=3388"},"modified":"2018-06-18T19:14:08","modified_gmt":"2018-06-18T19:14:08","slug":"how-to-write-an-epic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genzpublishing.org\/how-to-write-an-epic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write an Epic: Advice from Meiling Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
I think one of the most difficult novels to write is the epic<\/strong>. Usually an epic is long, following our characters (who tend to be a larger group than the average novel) on a daunting journey, with surprises and new revelations at every bend. It\u2019s no wonder it\u2019s a challenge for any author.<\/p>\n But for the authors or aspiring authors up to the challenge, I offer you some solace, an interview with GenZ Publishing author, Meiling Colorado<\/a>, who successfully accomplished this very quest in her book, a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel, Aftermath<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meiling Colorado lives in Spain, on the beautiful island of Mallorca, with her husband and two children, alternating between writing, teaching English, translating and practising Permaculture. When there is time she really enjoys just breathing, being out in nature, and watching the sun set slowly on the horizon.<\/em><\/p>\n I was able to discuss Ms. Colorado\u2019s writing process, ask her about her characters, and understand where she gets inspiration for her writing, particularly for unpredictable events that occur in her novel.<\/p>\n First, I wanted to focus on her process, how she plotted out such a long book, and how she develops her characters.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n KH: The novel is rather long, and action-packed. So what is your process for plotting out your writing? Do you plot out the novel arc first, or do you just go where your writing takes you?<\/p>\n MC: I do my best to plot everything out, chapter by chapter. My friends and family will tell you I am a bit of a control freak, but when it comes to writing I rarely reap the benefits of my hard work. Once the creative wave hits it sweeps everything else away, and I\u2019m left clutching my carefully crafted notes in a bewildered manner. I always comfort myself thinking they will come in handy for another novel, yet I somehow doubt it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n KH: There are a lot of characters in the novel, around eight main characters, however, each character is very distinct, realistic, and memorable. What is your characterization process? Do your characters come to you first, or do you really work on shaping them through the drafting process?<\/p>\n MC: My characters pop up all by themselves, knocking on my door, figuratively speaking, in a very intrusive and demanding way… I then work on their background and past history. That being said, as the drafting process develops I often discover hidden layers within their personalities, which surface as the plot develops.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nYou can get \u201cAftermath\u201d here!<\/a><\/h6>\n