The magic of a book is often born in the most mundane moments, but the journey to the final page is anything but ordinary.
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Step behind the curtain of the Literary Lab and explore the archives of R.L. Wood. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of weaving a high-stakes fantasy epic or the inspiration behind confronting the raw realities of dramatic fiction, you'll find the answers here. This is where we break the silence on the process, passion, and purpose that fuels every story.
What inspired you to become a full-time indie author?
That's a fantastic question!
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The short answer is simple: I wanted the freedom to write the stories I want to write, without the pressure of fitting into what mainstream opinion dictates a good story should be.
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To give you the longer answer, I wouldn't necessarily say I was inspired to be an indie author as opposed to saying I've always enjoyed creating stories. For as long as I can remember, I've taken pleasure from building worlds and turning life situations and gritty realities into compelling plots. Many of these stories are quite niche and aren't necessarily considered "mass marketable" by industry standards.
Being an indie author allows me far greater control and freedom over the narratives I create. My stories don't have to be "safe" from a business standpoint; instead, they are based on originality rather than just popularity. This control is something I would never risk or give up for traditional publishing - it lets me be the authentic storyteller I truly am.
How do you manage to write in two completely different genres: fantasy and realistic drama?
That’s a brilliant question, and truthfully, I don’t think I sit down and consciously aim to write stories in different genres - genres don’t really factor into it at all.
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For me, it’s always about the story that needs to be written and told first. If an idea comes to me - whether it’s a fantastical world with magic and destiny, or a raw, hard-hitting glimpse into a real-world dilemma - I write it down. The genre it eventually fits into is entirely secondary.
I find that focusing on the core narrative allows me to embrace my versatility. My fantasy allows me to explore whimsy and grand themes on an epic scale, while my realistic fiction allows me to confront gritty realities and emotional truths with direct impact. Both forms simply serve the purpose of telling a powerful, unforgettable story. I only start thinking about the genre when it’s time to market the book for sale!
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What does your typical writing day look like?
That’s a great question, and it has a very realistic answer: I'm a wife and mother first and foremost, so as you can imagine, that doesn't leave many hours in the day for quiet writing!
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My typical writing 'day' actually looks like an evening, late-night sprint. I've certainly been known to get up in the early hours of the morning - that's when the inspiration bug often hits. I'll be typing like a woman possessed on my laptop, chasing a scene before the household wakes up.
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In truth, I honestly just write whenever I can snatch a quiet moment. That means my writing hours are flexible and scattered, but I make sure to prioritize getting the words onto the page, no matter the time of day.
How long does it typically take you to write and revise a novel?
That's an interesting question because my timeframes are actually quite varied!
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I've written and edited some stories in as quickly as a month, but I've also had novels that take upwards of six months or more to fully complete. I wouldn't say I have a typical timeline; for me, the story simply takes as long as it needs to get done.
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I try not to impose strict time constraints on myself, as I feel that can cut off inspiration. You can become too consumed with hitting a deadline instead of producing a great story. A novel should be a world you can get lost within, and sometimes that requires letting the story dictate its own schedule, whether that takes a week or several months.
Which part of the entire book creation process (writing, editing, cover design, marketing) do you enjoy the most?
That would have to be writing the story. Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely enjoy the other parts of the creation process - especially because, as an indie author, I am my own publishing house, which is a powerful experience.
But the writing itself, the process of building characters, plots, and worlds from the ground up, is simply the best part for me. That moment when the world comes alive on the page? That's what I live for.
Do you listen to music or follow any specific rituals while you write?
I absolutely do! It’s essential for my writing process.
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As soon as I sit down, the headphones go on and the classic rock anthems of the '80s are in full loud swing - and you know its got to be bands like Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Kiss, Van Halen, Europe, and Bon Jovi...
Honestly, it’s just a rule. I’ve got to rock out when I’m writing; it’s the only way I can truly focus, get the creative juices flowing and power through a scene.
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What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a self-published author?
I think the biggest challenge was truly understanding that as much as I enjoy writing stories, taking the path of an indie author means you are your own business - your own publishing house. The core requirement of that is having to juggle many balls, wear many hats, and largely do it alone.
I would be lying if I said I hadn't made many mistakes along the way. For instance, the fear that comes after you've burned the midnight oil to finish a book and hit 'publish,' then immediately worrying you missed something in the final edit. Or getting the marketing wrong - not targeting the right audience or spending time trying to figure out why some advertisements work and some don't. Not to mention the process of creating a compelling book cover and ensuring the blurb works - I can't tell you how many torn-up blurbs have gone into the bin!
But what this incredible journey has taught me is that each time I release a new book, the process gets just a little easier. I understand a little more about running my own publishing house, and the many balls I juggle alone become a little less overwhelming.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to start their own author journey?
The single piece of advice I would give is the same advice I give my children: Just do it.
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You will never know if writing is something you are good at, or something you enjoy, if you don't actually try it. You have nothing to lose by starting and absolutely everything to gain if you succeed. Don't let the fear of the unknown stop your story before it even begins.