Welcome back to Monday!
Did you have a good weekend?
I've been busy preparing for Fort Collins Comic Con this weekend - if you're anywhere near northern Colorado, drop in! I'll be at booth C5 and will also be doing a panel on Gender Identity in AI's.
Okay, strap in. Time to talk with a new author on the scene!
Galal Fahmy, known as G. F. Allen, is an aspiring author whose debut novel, "A Kingsguard Tale, Book 1," is set to captivate readers with its emotional depth. Born with a passion for storytelling, Allen overcame obstacles and self-doubt to bring his extraordinary tales to life. This book is a testament to his resilience and a journey of hope, courage, and unyielding passion. With "A Kingsguard Tale, Book 1," Allen invites readers to explore a world where honor clashes with treachery and love blazes amidst war, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Reach him here: https://beacons.ai/gfallen
DCU or MCU?
MCU makes better movies, but I am a fan of the Dark Knight!
A book that pleasantly surprised you?
A book that truly took me by surprise was "Gone Girl." The ingenious twist in the plot continues to leave me in awe.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
When it comes to beverages, my heart unequivocally belongs to coffee.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I've harbored a passion for writing since my early years. Even as a child, I would craft imaginative stories and comic books, enthusiastically sharing my creative adventures with friends. While these endeavors were undoubtedly youthful, the spark of inspiration persisted.
Around five years ago, a pivotal moment occurred. The concept for my current book, "A Kingsguard Tale: Road to Celestia," began to take root in my mind. The plot, characters, and the immense potential of the story consumed my thoughts. It felt as if the idea had to be brought to life. Thus, I embarked on the writing journey, navigating through moments of both inspiration and writer's block, alongside various side projects.
Through dedication and perseverance, I finally completed the first draft of the book. This process has been a testament to my enduring passion for storytelling and my unwavering commitment to nurturing the creative worlds that take shape within my mind.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My book ideas draw from a range of sources: fantasy novels, anime, music, movies—inspiration is everywhere!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
My writing schedule revolves around the late hours when the world around me is at rest. This quiet, uninterrupted time allows me to immerse myself in my work and delve deep into my creative process.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
One of my intriguing writing quirks is my tendency to pace while brainstorming. Walking seems to stimulate my thoughts, helping me untangle complex plot points and find innovative solutions to narrative challenges.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I authored my debut work, "A Kingsguard Tale: Road to Celestia," which was published merely two months ago. This accomplishment comes at the age of 32, marking a significant milestone in my writing journey.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
During my non-writing moments, I'm an avid explorer of the outdoors. I relish hiking through new trails, absorbing the beauty of nature and the serenity it offers. Also, I enjoy playing games like Wild Rift, and watching movies for inspiration.
Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?
Certainly, the "unlikely hero" trope is something I find myself drawn to frequently in my works. I'm fascinated by characters who, against all odds, rise to the occasion and discover their hidden strengths. This theme of personal growth and transformation resonates deeply with me and often finds its way into my stories.
On the other hand, I consciously steer clear of overly clichéd romantic plotlines. While romance can be a beautiful element in storytelling, I strive to approach it with originality, avoiding predictable love arcs that might detract from the uniqueness of my narratives.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Sure thing! Here are some tips to help you up your writing game:
Read a Lot: Dive into different kinds of writing—stories, articles, whatever catches your eye. It'll give you new angles on how to tell tales and use words.
Write Regularly: Practice is key. Set aside time daily or weekly to write, even if it's just a few lines. Consistency is where the magic happens.
Get Feedback: Share your stuff with pals and be cool with their input. Sometimes an outside perspective can show you spots where you can level up.
Tweak and Refine: Writing's like sculpting. Don't hesitate to reshape your work a bunch of times to make it sharper and cooler.
Learn the Craft: Dig into how writing works. Books, workshops, online classes—they're like secret weapons to boost your skills.
Keep Your Eyes Open: Look around you. People, places, the way folks interact—these real-life bits can jazz up your writing.
Embrace the No's: Rejections are like pit stops on the writing journey. Use 'em to fuel your drive to get better.
Try New Things: Jump out of your comfort zone. Test different styles, genres, and viewpoints to give your creativity a workout.
Stay Curious: Keep asking questions and chasing new ideas. Curiosity keeps your writing fresh and interesting.
Hang in There: Writing's a long haul, not a sprint. Patience and persistence will help you reach those writing goals.
Remember, getting better at writing is a journey that takes time. Be easy on yourself, and never stop learning and growing your skills
What do you think makes a good story?
A good story weaves together compelling characters with depth and relatability, a strong plot filled with conflict and high stakes, emotional resonance that connects with readers on a personal level, a vivid setting that enhances the overall experience, and themes that resonate and provoke thought. Originality and fresh perspectives stand out, while well-written prose with a distinct voice brings the narrative to life through imagery and language. Characters' growth and evolution, along with a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends, create a sense of fulfillment. Keeping readers curious through suspense and curiosity, as well as offering layers of subtext and meaning for interpretation, add richness to the experience. Ultimately, a good story captivates by resonating emotionally, capturing the imagination, and leaving a lasting impact.
What do you have coming next?
My upcoming plans involve diving into the next installments of the "A Kingsguard Tale" Series. Book Two and Book Three are on the horizon, promising deeper explorations of the plot and the introduction of thrilling new characters. While I don't want to give away too much, I can assure you that these books will take you on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. If you're curious and excited, you can find more about the series on Amazon and Goodreads. I'm confident that the journey will not disappoint!
Here is a link to myindiebookshelf!
https://myindiebookshelf.com/book/a-kingsguard-tale-road-to-celestia
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