I think the more you read, the more material you have to be inspired by, and I think that’s wonderful and important.

Leo Flynn – 29 June 2021

The Back Flap

Mara Keres. A trained warrior and formerly highly respected peacekeeper. Note “formerly.”

Once, she had her life under control. Once, she had the trust of the galaxy.

Now she rots in the same prison she used to sentence people to. Solitary confinement for six years. It would’ve brought anyone else to their knees. Not her.

Then an offer resurfaces, almost too good to be true. Ghosts of her past and demons come back to haunt her. Will she ever make it out alive? Sometimes, facing your worst memories is worth the risk.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s a space opera about one woman’s search for justice and freedom on her own terms, set against the backdrop of a brewing interstellar war.

When did you start writing the book?

I wrote a short story that would later become this book for a short fiction competition in the spring of 2019. It was vastly different from the final version! I decided to make it into a complete series in 2020. So I edited it and wrote the rest of the books in The Mara Files.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me eight months to write and edit the eight books in the series, but Mara’s Awakening took 1 1/2 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

Nothing falls into place all at once. It’s a long struggle of writing, brainstorming, random ideas in the middle of the night, and revising until it all comes together.

The Mara Files’ basis was a woman with a robotic hand and a dark past.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Coming up with interesting plot points and character development in the short span of the story. I’ve learned a lot from publishing my first book, and I can’t wait to do the next!

What came easily?

Mara’s character and the way she interacts with the world around her. I feel like I have a deep understanding of her personality and how she sees the world, and it makes writing her all the more enjoyable.

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

It’s hard to create characters who are entirely fictitious. They don’t feel as real and complex as opposed to when real people have inspired you.

I wouldn’t say I’ve consciously put parts of people I know into my characters, but probably subconsciously. Of course, it’s all a delicate balance. You don’t want them seeing themselves in your book and getting cross at you!

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 read vicariously. It’s one of my favorite things to do and always has been. Rick Riordan, Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Becky Chambers are probably my biggest influences. Though I’ve read so many books, it’s hard to tell.

I think the more you read, the more material you have to be inspired by, and I think that’s wonderful and important.

Do you have a target reader?

Young adults and adults who enjoy grittily, fast-paced science fiction, balanced out with light-hearted moments and characters.

About Writing

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

A writing process? I think you mean a complete lack of one! In all seriousness, all it consists of is writing for a solid hour every morning after waking up with no interruptions. Then writing down ideas and little snippets as I get inspiration through the rest of the day.

I keep all my outlining and ideas on a Trello board. It helps me stay organized.

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

I usually have a rough outline for the story, and I work off that, but sometimes I veer off or have better ideas as I go, so it’s flexible.

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

I always wait until I’ve finished writing the entire first draft before even touching it for editing. I’ll never get it written otherwise!

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

I certainly do! It keeps me focused. (As does turning off the internet.) A lot of instrumental stuff, like lo-fi hip-hop, classical, or chill electronic.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I didn’t. The goal was always to self-publish.

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 did think it would be wonderful to be traditionally published, and it certainly has its merits. But as I researched it more and more, I realized how much you depend on someone else to say your work is good enough before you’re allowed to share it with the world.

They’re both difficult, but self-publishing is tricky because you’re starting from the ground up. I also love a challenge and saw it as a perfect opportunity to learn valuable skills like marketing, networking, and establishing an author platform.

I’ve learned a lot, but I still have a long way to go. I’m still open to the idea of being traditionally published one day.

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

I hired a professional to do it. There’s no way I could have created such a stunning cover! I do enjoy design work, but I’m no expert. I worked with the Book Design company Miblart, highly recommend them for self-published and indie authors.

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

Yes, I have a detailed plan and am adding and revising things as I go. You learn new things all the time and better ways of doing things. Being open to change is a must.

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

Research, research, research. Read as many articles as you can find, take notes and organize them into a marketing plan. Because you don’t have the resources, inside knowledge, and connections a traditional publishing house gives you access to. You need to find it yourself.

Join Twitter! There’s a vibrant community of writers. You can make friends, be supported, and encourage each other as you embark on this endeavor.

You don’t need to buy an expensive course, most of the information is available free online.

About You

What are you working on now?

Of course, I’m preparing the following books in The Mara Files!

My next space opera series is about a princess who embarks on a solar systems tour until it goes haywire! She’s stranded in another galaxy after being ripped from hyperspace.

Through her journey, she discovers a plot to destroy the peaceful Cassileo Federation her people worked so hard to make. She must find a way to return home before it’s too late.

I’m also working on several short stories and writing poetry.

End of Interview:

For more from Leo Flynn, visit his website, follow him on Twitter, and like his page on Facebook.

Get your copy of Mara’s Awakening from Amazon US or Amazon UK.