Interview with Fantasy Author Steven Raaymakers

Tell me a bit about yourself….

I am a fantasy author from New Zealand, with degrees in both law and graphic design.

What genre/s do you write in?

I write fantasy and post-apocalyptic/dark fantasy.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing ever since I was six or seven but wrote seriously from my mid-twenties onward.

Do you have any published books or articles? Tell me a bit about these and what publishing route you took.

I have two books out, with the third coming on 4 April 2022! It’s a trilogy that has been in the works for over six years and seeing it complete is a real milestone.

Did you use a book formatter and cover designer?

I have a degree in graphic design, so the interior book formatting and title design, and layout is all me. My Aria of Steel covers were painted by Reffelia, a talented artist and great friend.

Did you self-publish or get traditionally published? How did this go for you?

I self-publish, as the opportunities present in self-publishing fit my goals. I’ve really enjoyed the process.

How do you market your work and promote your brand?(Include links)

You can find all my books and social media here: https://linktr.ee/sraaymakers I am also active on Reddit, u/RaaymakersAuthor

What social media and writing platforms would you recommend?

Personally, Facebook seems to work best for me, with an active presence on Reddit as well.

Do you have a blog or website?

Yes, at stevenraaymakers.com

What inspires you most to write?

Music and other books. Some songs and OSTs really resonate with me, and I always have something playing as I write. Other books are really inspirational for me. Often, I’ll be reading and a totally unrelated thought will suddenly spark into life. I keep notes on my phone for such moments.

What do you do to help with writers block?

If one story isn’t happening, I’ll move to the next. Having two projects working in tandem is my advice.

How do you plan your writing and start?

I have a spark of an idea, which I usually think about for a few months. I outline the story and then write the first draft. The rest is editing.

Is writing your full time job? If not what else do you do?

I am a practising solicitor, working primarily in estates and property.

What are you working on at the moment?

My current project is finishing off the Aria of Steel trilogy, and my next project is Scars of Magic, which will likely be published within the next year.

What is your target audience?

Anyone that likes fantasy dealing with tough subjects. My characters deal with a lot of emotional issues and trauma and usually become better people on the journey.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually at least one year.

When did you first discover you enjoyed writing?

As soon as I learned my letters at age three or four.

What is your writing schedule look like?

I write when I can. My day job can be quite exhausting but is very rewarding in its own way.

What does your family think about you writing?

My fiancée is my biggest fan, and my mum reads all my books as well.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Work as a lawyer, play video games, read books and watch films. I also listen to a lot of music.

Where do you get information and ideas for your writing?

Everywhere. The world is an endless source of inspiration. Most of my ideas for magic systems come to me when I am in nature.

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters. The most mundane plot can be incredible with the right cast. The opposite is also true. Having boring characters save the world just ends up being boring. The perfect story is a blend of many things: characters, high stakes, emotional investment by the reader, and damned fine prose.

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