Join us on an inspiring journey as we delve into the life and experiences of self-published author Terry Marchion, a creative spirit who embarked on a writing adventure after a diverse career. Terry’s passion for crafting compelling stories in the realm of young adult science fiction has resulted in a unique writing style. In this interview, Terry shares personal anecdotes, challenges, and rewarding moments, offering valuable insights for aspiring indie authors.
Can you tell us about your personal journey to becoming a self-published author?
I’ve always been creative in some way – as a kid, I’d draw bad comic books, and try to write stories. I was always doodling and daydreaming (at least so my teachers told my parents). I actually wrote and finished my first real story when I was 18 … submitted it to Asimov and was promptly rejected. Then life came along, finished school, started a family, raised the kids. Embroidery and Screen Printing became the career as it satisfied my creative and technical leanings, but after 20 years doing that, I really needed a new outlet. So, writing came back into my life. I reworked that bad first story and submitted it to a Twitter “Pitch2Pub” event. Got three interested parties, one of which asked for a submission. They rejected me too, but by then I’d learned a little about Mark Dawson and Joanna Penn and the success they’d had self-publishing. I decided that was the way to go.
What was the first story you ever wrote about and how has your writing evolved since then?
My first finished story was what became my first book – The Missing Yesterdays. That first story at 18 (written on an old electric typewriter) was so bad, I had to try and make it better. Since I published that first book in 2016, I’ve learned so much more about how to tell a story. I’m still learning and my writing will (hopefully) continue to get better as I keep writing.
What has been your biggest challenge as a self-published author and how did you overcome it?”
Besides impostor syndrome, my biggest challenges have been finding/making time to write and then just marketing. Finding the proper audience has been a huge struggle.
Can you share one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had as a self-published author?
I have two: when one of my beta readers commented that mine was her favorite science fiction series, and when my third book made a reviewer tear up. When you can bring out an emotional response in your writing, you’ve done good.
What strategies do you use to maintain productivity and stay motivated when writing?
Give myself and remind myself to take breaks. I try not to push myself when I feel like I need to take a step back from my writing.
Who are some authors that have greatly influenced your writing and why?
There really are so many writers who have inspired me, from Douglas Adams, Christopher Moore, Arthur C Clarke. The imagination and world building are incredible. The humor doesn’t hurt either.
What are your favorite genres to read or watch, and how do they influence your writing?
I love thrillers, but I also read Sci-fi, horror, mysteries, some fantasy. Each genre teaches me something different, from pacing, to better description, to building anticipation in the reader. I think I learn from every book I read.
What’s the one thing you’d like your readers to take away from your books?
I like all my books to bring out a sense of wonder in the reader. I try to incorporate a little science or science history in each book (sometimes very little), to ground the stories. I want the readers to realize that it’s okay to question, to seek answers, and to be amazed at the universe around us.
Which of your books are you the most proudest of, and why?
My most recent book, The Dreaming Tree, is the one I’m most proud of at the moment. I think it’s the most complex plot I’ve written to date, and also has the most profound message (at least that’s what one beta reader told me).
What is your most recent book and/or what are you working on currently?
I’m currently plotting the next in my Adventures series, and I’m writing a new trilogy based on Norse Mythology. Think Percy Jackson, but with Thor, Odin, and the rest of ‘em. My goal is to make it an easy to read, humorous, and fun adventure for the reader.
You can find Terry Marchion on his web site, or on Facebook.
Damian Vargas's author blog 