The initial idea was to create a work that was authentic as possible, to allow myself to become vulnerable in ways that wer way out of my comfort zone, almost as an experiment to see what could happen.
S.B. Goncarova – 7 December 2019
The Back Flap
“I SAID GOODNIGHT knowing full well it was goodbye, and then in the dark, you were there, on the bed next to me, only three thousand something miles away, and the quiet sounds of you muddling on your guitar seep into my veins and lull me into that cloudy space between awake and asleep, and in the end I am brought back to the beginning—”
Can one create a love so bright, that it crosses distance and time? In this enduring love story, Harnessing Light is the journey of one woman trekking across the world in a search to find home, peace, purpose and love. In a quest that transcends physical limitations, Harnessing Light beckons us to our own, to discover what the true search really is.
About the book
What is the book about?
It is a a non-binary love story as told through love letters, poems, and personal essays.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing in May 2018, but it took me until August of that year to write anything I felt was good enough to include. Those were the long-form poems Ziploc, To Cage a Prince and Stone in my Pocket.
How long did it take you to write it?
In total, it was 16 months in the making.
Where did you get the idea from?
The initial idea was to create a work that was authentic as possible, to allow myself to become vulnerable in ways that wer way out of my comfort zone, almost as an experiment to see what could happen.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Figuring out how it all fit together. I struggled with creating a story arc. I threw out more than 200 pages because I only wanted to keep the most compelling writing. Subsequently, there are a lot of gaps between the pieces which the reader is asked to fill. I worry it might feel fragmented and might try a reader’s patience, especially if she/he is used to a more typical writing style.
What came easily?
Polishing. Using a high-gain microphone and headphones, I read out loud into the mic and create recordings. To which I listen, revise, and re-record, over and over, until every phrase rolls off my tongue.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
All the characters are real. The people to whom I’m writing to, who are never mentioned by name, as well as people I met along the way.
Do you have a target reader?
Someone who is on a path of healing I think might find something in Harnessing Light which would help them on that journey.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I start out very rough, and then polish like a gem. I’m a very slow writer. Many times I have to step away from a particular piece for a few days to get perspective. I never really know whether it is good or not when I’m in the midst of writing. I try. I hope. I do a little each day, even if it’s just baby steps. When I’m happy with a piece I record and send off to a handful of people I trust, to see what their thoughts are. They always see something that I did not. And if it’s no good, I’m not afraid to toss. I just think of it as growing pains.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I didn’t; which I know is a mortal sin when it comes to writing books. But that wouldn’t have worked for this kind of book. I gave it time—as much time as it needed— for the writing to grow organically. It was more of an exploration, an allowance of things to happen. I didn’t know where I was going from the outset, and feel as if I would have probably stunted its growth if I had stuck to an outline.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I polish each piece individually as I go.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I worked with a poet/ spoken-word artist friend of mine during the process, sending him pieces individually as I went, listening carefully to whatever feedback he would give me. And at the end of the process, I bartered with my dear friend (who used to be a professional copy editor) by helping her with grant-writing for a film she’s seeking to produce.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I love to listen to the sound of fireplace crackling, rain and wind. There’s a few ASMR YouTube videos that I put on in the background and I find instant focus. Now that I’m creating my own ASMR videos including spoken-word from the book with nature sounds and ambient soundscapes, I feel like it comes full-circle.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I submitted my work to the agents of my favorite writers, but was rejected. I’m guessing because the book doesn’t easily fit into a specific genre, and because this is my first book under my own name, so I still have yet to build street cred.
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 went with an Indie Publisher Clay Grouse Press because they are a young company and are willing to go the extra mile for their authors.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Publisher Clay Grouse Press did the layout and cover design. The photo was from my morning commute when I lived in Vietnam, where a large chunk of the book is set.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have an overall plan, but marketing can be so overwhelming for me, so I can only do a little bit each day. I much rather be doing the creative side of things!
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I would say, have patience with yourself. Think of writing as a life-long practice, part of your regular self-care routine, part of your life-journey. Give yourself the time to perfect your craft, to find and speak your truth. Read as much as you can, everything you can get your hands on, don’t be afraid to share with others and get feedback.
About You
Where did you grow up?
In the Washington, DC area. Specifically, Alexandria, VA.
Where do you live now?
Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What would you like readers to know about you?
How much writing Harnessing Light has changed my life. It’s allowed me to grow as a writer and help me shine as a creative being. It is my deepest hope that reading Harnessing Light will touch hearts.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on some short films and always have several other book projects in development. And I’m taking some classes with Masterclass.com (to which I’m totally addicted.)
End of Interview;
Get your copy of Harnessing Light from Amazon US or Amazon UK.