B. Williams | Author
1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
I started writing in high school back and forth doing roleplay. I would read fantasy novels that spanned eight hundred plus pages and I wanted to be able to live in those worlds. So writing like that for me made me more comfortable in exploring different topics and genres. Now I read adult novels and look for different inspiration but having a co-writer, J.J. really helps keep me motivated as I get the excitement of not always knowing what is coming next.
2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?
For The Retrofit we knew we wanted to do something different, we’d been focusing on urban fantasy and wanted to stretch out. I love to write headstrong and tough female characters so when I launched into Kira I felt like I was writing someone who could be sincere but also get the job done. With Quinn, and how they interact, striking that balance was extremely important as his character was rough and tumble and introverted. So the process behind it was how to we take character development and show it in both characters in a way that is realistic and meaningful and I think we did that by slowly writing back and forth and keeping it even a little cozier.
3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?
We write for enjoyment so if we do have a theme it’s often not intentionally put in other than to be accepting, kind, and to not judge a book by its cover. These are important because as human beings we all have our own motivations, our own joy and sorrow, and we never know what’s going on with someone else.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?
Just write. Don’t worry about length or prose or perfection. Just begin and see where you can go.
5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?
Self publishing is a beast. It is difficult to even get to the point where you’re ready and even then you may not be. We learned this with our first novels when we decided to redo them with everything we’ve learned from writing now. My major advice is be prepared to market yourself because that is exactly what it comes down to.
6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?
I have an ARC group on facebook that I use to connect to readers, get feedback, and make sure I’m hitting what I think I am in our books. But I also have people who alpha and beta read for me and their feedback is invaluable. The most recent feedback that made me laugh was that one of my beta readers told me that the character would have ‘made her fold like a lawn chair’ so many times. It was excellent feedback.
7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?
Cowriting I always have J.J, there to be encouraging / remind me to write. So having someone waiting on me personally really helps.
8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?
I have a new solo project that is based off of Atlantis (a bit of the Disney movie) and the kind of relationship we see in Stephen King’s Fairytale between the old man and the boy. I loved that dynamic and I really want to explore it.
9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?
J.J. has been my number one, how could he not be working together? But growing up I read Weis and Hickman and Goodkind and they made me fall in love with high fantasy and that made me aspire to more.
10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?
We all have our issues with our childhood and growing into an adult. For me the greatest influence I have had or haven’t had is the belief that I can do something. That constant negative voice in the back of my mind is the greatest denominator in how things get done. But for now I’m fighting imposter syndrome with both hands and I hope to win in the end.
