G.E. Masters | Author
1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
I never considered myself a strong writer. I went through undergrad and grad school thinking I was terrible at it, as it takes a specific skillset to write academically. Frankly, I found it boring to write research article after research article. As my professional career took a pivot away from writing academically, I started reading for pleasure again. I fell headfirst into the world of romance, and found myself daydreaming about the characters I was reading, which then shifted into daydreaming about my own characters. One scene in particular, that is actually featured in my debut novel, kept playing on a loop. I wrote it down, trying to get it out of my brain, when I thought, "screw it, let's keep going and see what happens with this story."
2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?
I was inspired by The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, specifically the scene where she decides not to sign her name in the Book of the Beast. I remember wanting her to hold out on signing her name for longer than she did!
Vivian's voice came on very strong. Her personality, her background, her likes, dislikes, fears, all of it. Originally, When Flowers Wilt was only going to be in her POV--until I got to know Venus better. Her voice came on slowly, and sometimes, I still feel like I'm getting to know her. She continues to surprise me.
3. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?
Honestly, just do it. Write the story, make the art, even if you think it sucks. Believe me, you'll be your worst critic. Don't let yourself get in the way of what you want to do.
5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?
I keep my day job and my writing very separate (minus the fact that I tend to write while I'm at my day job, oops). What I've learned about self-publishing is that there's a thousand ways you could go about it, and none of those ways are "right" or "wrong". I've also learned that you should do your research--research where your story fits in, who will edit and proofread your story while being your champions, how to market, all of it. Then you can make decisions that feel right for you.
I also learned that criticism and feedback is not personal. Yes, it's my work, but if I take everything personally, I'd never write anything again.
6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?
Through social media! I use it to promote my work, but I also use it to just share things that feel like me--memes, art, shower thoughts, etc.
The best feedback I've gotten is when someone referred to When Flowers Wilt as a banger. Another reader told me my book had them in a chokehold, which I know that feeling a book can give you intimately. I think back to that whenever I'm feeling self-doubt.
7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?
What works best for me is to read something else. I go into my never-ending TBR and pick another book that will whisk me away to another world.
What motivates me to keep going is my love for my characters. I want to understand how they'd behave in different situations, and how I can do right by them.
8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?
I'm working on the sequel, When Death Blooms. This is the conclusion to Vivian and Venus's story, but I have a few ideas on other stories within the world. After finishing WDB, I'll take a break from this world, as a different world has come up that I want to explore.
10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?
Being a queer woman definitely influenced my desire to write a sapphic romance. I wanted to write characters that are confident in their sexualities and a world where prejudice against them doesn't exist. My inner child that was closeted for so long is really loving it.
