Interview with S. M. Boyce

Yesterday, I reviewed Treason, book #2 of the Grimoire Trilogy, and earlier in 2012, I reviewed book #1, Lichgates. Today, I wanted to share some questions that I recently asked Boyce.

1. So the Grimoire Trilogy: Did you have all 3 books totally outlined before you started Book 1, or has it changed after writing each book?

Yes, I had everything outlined before I even wrote the first book. However, things change while you’re writing. The ending has since changed, as have characters and other plot developments. That just happens, but the core story is the same. I think the key with writing is to stay flexible as plot points evolve and characters mature.

2. Kara and Braeden are awesome, deep and rounded characters. Did they ever commandeer your plot, force you to write things a different way?

Haha, thanks! Actually, no. Kara & Braeden have worked with me for the most part. If I have something in mind, I always have to ask myself if that’s something they’d do. If it isn’t, then yes—I have to adjust. But usually, they’re kind enough to work with me.

3. Putting them both aside, whom else is your favorite character? Why?

Stone. Definitely. I mean, Deidre is evil and a blast to write, but Stone’s neutrality lends a certain humor to his character and to his scenes. I laugh nearly every time he enters.

4. As a writer and a storyteller, what lessons did you learn from Lichgates that you applied to Treason?

For me, every book is an experiment. Lichgates was an experiment to see what it would take to write and publish a full novel. That aside, I was able to widen my experiments. Treason is an analysis of the various types of betrayal in literature and in life, and that was so much fun to explore.

5. Which of the two books do you prefer, and why?

Probably Treason. I think I’ll always prefer my latest novel, though, simply because I improve as a writer with each one. I see my improved understanding of copyediting and style in Treason, and I’m sure that will improve with every book thereafter as well.

6. What advice would you give to authors contemplating or starting a series?

My biggest advice is twofold: get an editor and develop thick skin. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been writing or how good you think you are—everyone needs an editor. Find someone who works with you and challenges what you know, and swap services if they’re a bit pricey.

Make sure you check out Boyce’s Guide to Writing for more. It’s a blog I update weekly with tips, tricks, and discussions on new developments in the industry. Feel free to go check it out and subscribe—it’ll always be free.

7. What, for you, was the hardest part of writing a fantasy series?

Tying up all the loose ends. My plots are pretty complicated, and they have side stories as well. Making sure I answered all the questions that needed answering was really tough, and it’s my big challenge for Heritage (Grimoire Trilogy #3).

8. So what's next, after Heritage? Tease us!

Okay, so I’m really excited about this—I’m going to release the first in a new series around the same time I release Heritage. It’s an urban fantasy fairy tale, and it’s going to be intense. If you want to learn more and stay tuned, make sure you follow my bookworms-only blog or sign up for ARCs of all my future works.

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5 comments

Review of Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2) | Graeme Ing, Writer says December 15, 2012

[…] Take a look at my interview with S. M. Boyce. […]

Victoria Limbert says December 16, 2012

Loved this interview!

I seriously can’t wait to read these books. Heard so much about them 🙂

S.M. Boyce says December 19, 2012

Thank you! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the series. Happy reading!

Heather Day Gilbert says December 17, 2012

Great interview. Sounds like a very interesting series. I know what you mean about all those loose ends–writing my first suspense now and trying to juggle all these clues and red herrings in my head!

S.M. Boyce says December 19, 2012

Thanks 🙂 Best of luck with your suspense. Tying up the loose ends can be difficult, but it’s oh-so rewarding once you nail it. Happy writing, and I hope you get a chance to read the Grimoire Trilogy.

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