Author Bio:
Born in Springfield, Ohio, Elgon Williams grew up on a farm near the town of South Charleston and the village of Selma in rural southeastern Clark County, “…about two miles from nowhere and between cornfields.” He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1974. In the fall of that year, he began studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, receiving a BA in Mass Communication in 1978. Later, in 1981, he received a degree in Marketing Administration from The University of Texas in Austin. After serving as a Chinese Linguist in the USAF, he worked in Retail Management for much of his adult life. He also has experience in Computer Repair, Technology Consulting, Radio & Television Production, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, and Sales Management.
His publications include FRIED WINDOWS (IN A LIGHT WHITE SAUCE), BECOMING THUPERMAN, and HOMER UNDERBY, which blend urban fantasy and science fiction. Upcoming publishing projects include THUPERHEROES, the third installment in The Thuperman Trilogy and NINJA BREAD CASTLES, the sequel to FRIED WINDOWS.
What inspires you to write?
Conversations I have with others are the most lucrative source for story ideas. Still, sometimes I have dreams or random thoughts that serve the same purpose.
Tell us about your writing process.
First drafts are by the seat of my pants. Usually, I begin with a dialog between the main characters as this is the most compelling part of any story and often the characters will reveal the conflicts in due course. Later I add in details like setting the scene along with speech and action tags. When revising, I create an outline and reformat the manuscript to better conform to a story arc.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters talk to me throughout the progress of a story. Often there is a character that serves as my surrogate or an alter ego. In that way, I am engaged in a conversation with my characters.
Who are your favorite authors?
I love writers who have a sense of humor and perspective, blending realism with their explorations. My favorites include Mark Twain, Douglas Adams, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr. I'm also drawn to authors who explore not only their imaginations from the human condition, such as Ursula K LeGuin and Samuel R. Delany. For more contemporary authors, I'd mention Matt Coleman, Steph Post, and Ward Parker.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I submitted my first manuscript to everyone imaginable, but it was universally rejected. Each time it was turned down, I engaged in substantial revisions, which is part of the process of learning the difference between writing and storytelling. All the while, I continued to write, producing a second volume. Finally, a small publisher took an interest in my first two books and they were published. I experienced a lot of the background work and frustrations, learning a lot about the industry even if I wouldn't recommend following my path. Many manuscripts and several years later I submitted to a different small publisher with whom I am currently under contract for most of my books.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of traditional publishing is bleak. Most big publishers will not take a risk on an unknown author and prefer to publish books for celebrities or well-established authors with large followings. For the rest of us, those who can adapt to the digital world utilizing directed marketing through social media and online interactions with other authors and readers can succeed to make a living from their efforts. The relevance of large publishing houses is on the decline. I believe literary agents still serve a function for spotting and developing new talent who seek something beyond self-publishing.
What genres do you write?
Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Elgon B Williams Home Page Link
Follow Elgon B Williams On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
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All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
