So many of us have things we intend to do “one day.” For me, writing books was always one of those things I thought maybe I’d get to, eventually. Honestly, not to be too cheesy, but writing books has changed my life, in so many ways. If there’s something a reader has always wanted to try but maybe has been afraid of, for whatever reason, I say go for it. Give yourself permission to “fail,” and then jump in. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

Pam Stucky – 15 January 2015

The Back Flap

Seventeen-year-old Emma and her twin brother Charlie think they’re in for a boring summer vacation. That is, until Emma notices something unusual in the lighthouse lobby. Unraveling this mystery proves to be just the beginning of an adventure that will take Emma, Charlie, and their unlikely new friends to distant planets, throughout the multiverse, and to a place where everything is possible … and will ultimately lead Emma to discover the unfathomable powers that reside within her own mind.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Universes Inside the Lighthouse is about Emma and Charlie Nelson, seventeen-year-old twins, who set out to unravel a mystery at a lighthouse and end up making a discovery that will take them to the far reaches of the universe…s. On one level, it’s a fun YA sci-fi adventure novel about travel through space and a little bit of time, to different worlds and to places where everything is possible. On a deeper level, for those looking for a deeper level, it’s about loneliness, connection, discovering the powers within oneself, and dancing with the enemy.

When did you start writing the book?

I started the first version of this book eleven years ago, during NaNoWriMo 2003! But this final book bears only a passing resemblance to what I wrote back then. I put it aside for ten years, trying every now and then to bring it back to life, but always without success. Returning to my original incomplete manuscript last year, with seven other books under my belt, I was able to see how awful it was! So I started over completely, using just the kernel of the original idea. I’m so glad I waited—that first draft was a doozy! (In a very bad way!)

How long did it take you to write it?

That depends on how you look at it … if you count from 2003, as noted above, then that would be eleven years. But I’d say on average a book takes me nine months to a year, and I’d say this time was the same, once I picked it up again.

Where did you get the idea from?

I cannot for the life of me remember where this idea originally came from. I’ve tried! The best I can guess is a general fascination with space, parallel universes, aliens, and a little bit of science disguised as magic.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I’m always very conscious of needing to work to balance narrative and dialogue. Sometimes, I’ll write a ton of dialogue with hardly any narrative, and then I have to go back and sit with that part of the story and get myself deep into the scene so I can try to flesh out the narrative. It doesn’t always come naturally to me.

What came easily?

There’s a place called “the Hub” in the book, a place where everything is possible. I had so much fun writing about things in the Hub! A blank slate and free rein for the imagination. I wish the Hub were real. I would visit all the time. Maybe I’ll write a story just about the Hub one day. Hmmmm…!

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

This is my first book in which my characters really are pretty much fictitious. Of course it’s impossible (I think) not to borrow mannerisms or quirks here and there, either from people you’re close to or people you see on the street. For the most part, though, these characters are figments of my imagination.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I think the most important thing for any author is finding her own voice. It’s pretty easy for me to pick up on other authors’ styles and start to write like them, but I don’t want to sound like them; I want to sound like me. That said, I adore and admire J.K. Rowling. The fact that Hogwarts and the wizarding world are so very real to millions of people speaks volumes for her storytelling and world-building. If I could emulate that one day, that would be a real accomplishment!

Do you have a target reader?

For The Universes Inside the Lighthouse, I think my target audience is tween/teen girls. However, I’d like to believe the book will appeal to a wider audience than that! After all, the books I write are always books I’d like to read, and my own tween/teen days are far behind me. I think people who are interested in smart, fun, engaging books will like this book, as well as my others. They’re easy reads, but they come with some good food for thought in them. I hope!

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

First of all, and very importantly, I use Scrivener, a writing program designed by a writer for writers. I was about a month into my first book when I discovered Scrivener. I’m not sure I would have finished without it! It’s fabulous, and lets me keep my disorganized thoughts more organized. Highly, highly recommend it.

My writing process has evolved over time. I’ve learned that what works best for me is to think/create with pen and paper, and then write on the computer. I’m most efficient when I think/create in the evening, plotting out what I’ll write the next day, and then in the morning I just pull up my laptop and start writing, often getting in one or two thousand words before I do anything else. As for “plotter vs. pantser” (who came up with “pantser”?!), these days I’m more of a plotter. I have a general outline for the book before I start, but am always open to unexpected plot twists!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

As I was starting to say above—I do outline. How much outlining I do depends on the book. I like to know where the story is going, so I can plant seeds and foreshadowing along the way. I’d say I probably start out with a vague outline of the whole book, maybe a few sentences per chapter. Then before I start on each chapter, I do a more extensive outline of what’s going to happen in that chapter. That way I’m able to go into the book with a general sense of how everything is going to play out, but because I don’t do extensive chapter outlines until I get to each chapter in turn, it allows for the story to change and evolve without my having to re-do the entire story outline. Does that make sense? Well, it’s what works for me!

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait until I’m finished. Invariably the story will surprise me and take me places I didn’t know we were going, so editing before the whole thing is at least roughed out is pointless!

Did you hire a professional editor?

I know this is the wrong answer … but no, I didn’t. But I worked as a professional editor myself for a while in the past, and I do run my books by a couple of amateur editors.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Unfortunately, no! I can’t. My brain gets too mixed up with the words of the songs. Even instrumental won’t do, because my brain works on what story the music is trying to tell. I have to work in silence, or sometimes I’ll listen to “sounds of nature”—CDs of ocean waves or rain or things like that.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I submitted my first book to agents for about a year. I always got very nicely worded, kind rejection letters, but a kind rejection letter is a rejection nonetheless. After a year, rather than give up, I decided to try self-publishing. I am really glad I did!

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I finished writing my first book around February or March of 2010. At that time, self-publishing really still carried a stigma. A couple of people asked me then whether I would consider self-publishing, and I replied with a hearty and appalled “No!” But I went through a year of agent submissions and rejections, and in the meantime self-publishing was gaining ground, losing some of the stigma, and starting to be a viable option. As noted above, I decided to try self-publishing rather than just give up on my book. Once I jumped in, I was all in. I love self-publishing, but it’s not for everyone, that’s for sure.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

For The Universes Inside the Lighthouse, I hired artists to create the cover art, and I did the final layout and design. I’ve done the covers on all my previous books.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do have a plan this time around! Which is new for me. I’ve been systematically approaching blogs for reviews and interviews and guest posts (I’ve gone through literally hundreds of sites—exhausting, but I’m so grateful they’re out there!). And I’m working on scheduling free and reduced promotions throughout the year, both for this book and with my other books—making sure all books are mentioned in each book so that readers know there’s more to be found, and know where to find it, if they like what they’ve read! Furthermore, over the past several years I’ve established my presence on Twitter and Facebook, and I’ve been working to build my mailing list. I’ve read other authors who have said a huge majority of their sales comes through mailing lists. I’m taking a long-tail approach on my marketing; I believe huge short-term book launches are a thing of the past.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Publishing right now is in a huge state of flux. No one can say for sure where it’s going and no one can say for sure what’s “right” or “good.” If you’re hoping to become an indie author, you’ll need perseverance, determination, and a good balance of stubbornness and flexibility. Read voraciously about the industry—but don’t get caught up in the idea that what anyone says (on any of the many sides) is Truth.

And, be ready to dig in for the long haul. I know a number of authors who wrote one book and then became discouraged when they couldn’t instantly quit their day jobs. Plan to put out at least five or ten books before giving up. And do have a plan. What’s your five-year goal? Ten-year goal? In 2025, how many books will you have to your name, and what do you need to do to get there?

Most of all, don’t forget why you write. The industry—marketing, royalties, disputes between publishers and Amazon, all of it—can wear you out, discourage you, beat you down. Don’t get so overwhelmed with the business that you forget the love of story, the love of words. Set aside time to get immersed in the joy of writing, and write. Never forget why you came to the party.

About You

Where did you grow up?

The beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Where do you live now?

The beautiful Pacific Northwest! I love it here. I love to travel the world, but there’s no place like home.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That’s an interesting question. I guess what I want readers to know about me is more about what I want readers to know about themselves. So many of us have things we intend to do “one day.” For me, writing books was always one of those things I thought maybe I’d get to, eventually. Honestly, not to be too cheesy, but writing books has changed my life, in so many ways. If there’s something a reader has always wanted to try but maybe has been afraid of, for whatever reason, I say go for it. Give yourself permission to “fail,” and then jump in. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

Also, I once wrote up a Pam Stucky Manifesto, just for the fun of it. If people are really curious about my world view, they can go to my website and check out my manifesto. It’s on the home page.

What are you working on now?

The Universes Inside the Lighthouse is the first book in the Balky Point Adventure series. I’m now letting my imagination run wild, coming up with ideas for the next book. Inside scoop for anyone who reads The Universes Inside the Lighthouse: I suspect the next book will focus on Dr. Waldo, and also Eve’s mom. But that could change! That’s the joy of writing!

End of Interview:

For more, visit Pam’s website. If you’d like to connect with her on social media, take your choice of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google+.

Get your copy of The Universes Inside the Lighthouse from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.