Nevertheless, I loved historical fiction and I knew I wanted to write something in this genre. Afterwards, as I searched for treasure hunting stories, I came across the Spanish conquest and that was when my idea crystalised.
Ernoir Neuvostarr – 25 June 2021
The Back Flap
WARNING: Treasure seekers are not welcomed!
On a sun-drenched, tropical, volcanic island, a group of villagers enjoy their peaceful lives in paradise. Some take it for granted whilst other cherish the beauty. Everything was perfect. Until one day a ship of explorers from a faraway land, in search of gleaming treasures, arrived on their pristine golden shores.
The islanders are interested in exploring new opportunities and working with the Conquistador and his men. But the natives are not prepared to blindly accept strangers and reveal the secrets to their island. Meanwhile, the explorers are attracted to the resources the place can offer and suspect there are hidden gems and that there is more to the island than meets the eye.
Will both civilisations able to agree to a trade deal? Or will there be a war between two different nations?
Action, Adventure, exploration and romance all collide on Paradise Island.
About the book
What is the book about?
Diamond Champion: Paradise Island, Book 1 is a story of adventure, action and romance. It is set around the 16th Century, the age of exploration, based loosely on the Spanish conquest of South America.
Long ago on a tranquil tropical island, a community of villagers were enjoying their daily, carefree lives. That was until a group of explorers arrived on their shores. They have travelled from afar and are looking for treasure. Will there be peaceful trade negotiations? Will the explorers find any secrets to the island? Whatever happens, life will never be the same on the island that some call Paradise Island.
When did you start writing the book?
I first started drafting Diamond Champion around early 2020.
How long did it take you to write it?
Diamond Champion took me around nine months to finish the first draft, then I left it for a while to settle on the ‘digital bookshelf’. Afterwards, it took me another three months to complete further drafts and finalise.
Where did you get the idea from?
Initially, I had an idea to write a story about treasure island. But that seemed a bit cliched as there were many stories similar. Subsequently, movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Pocahontas and Eldorado all crossed my path, further nudging that idea into my mind. Nevertheless, I loved historical fiction and I knew I wanted to write something in this genre. Afterwards, as I searched for treasure hunting stories, I came across the Spanish conquest and that was when my idea crystalised.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I did not have too many problems with writing Diamond Champion because I had a good idea of how I wanted to tell the story. I had a good plan on the characters, plot and the historical setting. However, I needed to undertake research around this time period to better help me understand the environment and events. Luckily, after feedback from family members, I was able to improve sections and include additional details.
Notwithstanding, as it was my first attempt at writing a book, I found the ‘rules’ of producing a novel challenging, which made me change my narrative on several occasions such as the POV and structure of dialogues.
What came easily?
The idea of the story because I knew how I wanted to start the narrative, and how I wanted to end the book. As it was based on a historical event, the tropical setting was also easy to describe.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Yes, all the characters are entirely fictious. Moreover, I wanted to avoid basing the characters on actual people because the stories of the Spanish conquest have been well versed, and I did not want it to be another interpretation of those actual events. On this basis, it was easy for me to avoid real world people.
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 have a wide reading palate and love reading across a number of genres. My favourite authors include Tolkien, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Rick Riordan. On this basis, I would say they influenced me to develop a varied narrative and write a good book with a captivating story.
Do you have a target reader?
I am planning to concentrate on historical fiction and stories from the past. In addition, my stories will include action, adventure and romance. Hopefully, readers who love reading these types of genre are my target audience.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
As detailed on my website, my writing process goes something like:
- Write a big summary paragraph on book
- List out the main characters and their characteristics, describe the setting and scene
- Undertake research on the associated era/genre listing the food, clothing, weapons etc.
- Aim to write 1,000 words a day or 5,000 per week. This is to allow for downtime and distractions
- Once the first draft has been completed, leave it for a few weeks
- Review the manuscript and edit before finalise (maybe repeating this step a few times)
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I write the chapter headings and a brief paragraph relating to the purpose of that chapter. Then I will start completing them in more detail from the first chapter as I write.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I try to write the rough content and do a bit of editing as I type. However, once I finish the draft, I will leave it for a while and return to the manuscript and start editing it in more detail. Unfortunately, every time I go back to the draft, I seem to edit it even more!
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I hire professionals to help polish my book.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I am more of a pop music type of person so I do have songs playing in the background. When I am writing the first draft, I tend to listen to English songs as well as Cantopop. This includes Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Adele, Birdy, Gin Lee and Fiona Sit. However, when I am editing the drafts, I try not to listen to any music as I focus more on the words. Otherwise, I burst out into one of my favourite songs!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. I am currently a self-publisher.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
The success stories of self-publisher inspired me to go indie. As detailed in my blog, these included L.J.Ross, Rachel Abbott, Amanda Hocking and Rob Dircks. Reading about horror stories relating to authors being rejected until they got dejected dissuaded me from going with a publisher. Nowadays, the platforms available had also made it easier for self-publishers to take control of their own destiny.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did the cover myself, but it had taken several reiterations before I finally decided on the ultimate book cover for Diamond Champion. I wanted a cover that had some relating to the story such as the sun, sea, phoenix, jaguar, pyramid and diamond.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
My initial plan was to publish the book and market it later. However, being on Facebook and Goodreads forums helps me formulate ideas on how to develop a marketing plan.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
If you feel you have a story to write, just write it! It is better to have written a book than keeping it bubbling in your head. You start with nothing, and you will get nothing if you do not start something. I wish I had started to write stories at an earlier age. However, I would say you need to have time and patience to become an author. You will also learn a lot along the way, which will help you build up your experience for the next book.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the North-East of England around the Greater Manchester area.
Where do you live now?
I am now living in the rural setting of Yorkshire.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Besides books, I have an interest in reading Japanese manga and watching anime (including One Piece, Seven Deadly Sins, One Punch Man and Dr Stone), in addition to ogling all sorts of TV series and Wuxia. I have also gained an appetite for USA late night comedy chat shows. Check out my website for more information.
What are you working on now?
I am nearly the end of my draft for Paradise Island Book 2 and hopefully, I can get this published by the end of 2021.
End of Interview:
For more from Ernoir Neuvostarr visit his website and like his Facebook page.
Get your copy of Diamond Champion from Amazon US or Amazon UK.