Tell us about yourself.
I write poetry, teach English, and travel the world. I was inspired to explore the world and go on adventures by reading books about explorers (both fiction/non-fiction) when I was a child/young teen. Explorers and frontiersmen like Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Lewis and Clark, and the Deerslayer (fictional character). Today, I go on less dangerous adventures than they did.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you get started in the world of storytelling?
It began with imagination and daydreaming as a child listening to music. Later, I wrote stories in my senior year of high school, and this continued in college as I got into playwrighting and screenplay writing. I wrote a play for two famous-for-fifteen festivals and turned one into an animation for my undergraduate film thesis. I also took a poetry class in college, wrote poems for a girlfriend, and later returned to poetry again. I had a year or two where I focused on both fantasy writing and poetry writing, but decided to focus on one while dropping the other. I chose poetry.
What’s the most fun part of writing—plotting a twist, creating a quirky character, or something else entirely?
The most fun part is having someone read what you have written and getting jokes, symbolism, and other parts of the story. A story coming to life and living as you envisioned it.
What’s the most unusual or quirky source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a story?
The world is the best source of inspiration. Every person on the street is a character, every moment a scene, every experience a story.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Do not focus on one book or one story. Write as much as possible. Publish as much as possible. Spend money on a good editor and a well-drawn book cover that stands out. Learn how to use social media and don’t shy away from marketing.
What role does research play in your writing process, especially when you’re exploring new genres or themes?
The more you research the more realistic your characters and world will be. For poetry collections, especially non-fiction, it is essential.
Can you share a favorite quote or line from one of your books that holds a special meaning to you?
"The magic works best when you do it yourself." -Colin from the Secret Garden.
The great quote to inspire any indie author.
What is your favorite part of the writing process, and why?
When the fingers finally touch the keys. Sometimes procrastination, daydreaming, and chatty co-workers can hold you up. Yet, everything disappears when you start writing.
How do you approach character development? Are there any real-life influences in your characters?
Few characters come from complete imagination. Lots of real-life influences are normal, also characters from games, movies, or other books can inspire an entire new book on their own. Think of the play: "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead". Two lesser role characters became a whole new play.
Have any of your characters ever “taken over” a scene and surprised you with where they went?
I’ve turned fantasy stories into poetry collections. One I am working on is called "The Nasty Cats of Whitestone Alley." Each scene is done as a poem. Sometimes, several poems. A character named "Artistic Cat" was supposed to have one poem to do a scene, but it ended up turning into three poems.
If your book were to get a movie adaptation, which actor would you cast as the protagonist, and why?
For the most recent poetry collection, Grace Anatomy, I would cast Charles Bukowski as Doctor Virus and Bob Ross as Doctor Medicine. Neither of them were actors and neither are alive, but I think it would be the perfect match.
How do you maintain creativity during tough writing moments or when you’re experiencing writer’s block?
I go for a walk, or browse images on Google, or on an image/video database.
What do you hope readers take away from your books, and how do you want them to feel after finishing one of your stories?
Each book is different. The most recent one, Grace Anatomy, I would like them to take in the humor, enjoy the characters, and learn more about the human body and how it works.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
No. 🙂
Samuel German’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Samuel German’s Social Media Links
Twitter
YouTube Account
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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