– First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
My name is Steve Prentice. I am from Salt Lake City, Utah.
– Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
Seventh Generation is my debut novel. It is about a young man coming to grips with the death of his mother and learning about his place in an ancient prophecy. It is a young adult fantasy fiction.
– Tell us a bit about your main character; what are they like, how did they come about, and what are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
Trae is the main character in Seventh Generation. He is a witty and troubled kid who recently moved to New York City with his father following his mother’s death. Trae was inspired by my work over the last thirty years in the mental health field, working with troubled children and youth from diverse backgrounds. Trae has a great sense of humour and active imagination which serve as both strengths and weaknesses at times.
– What was your hardest scene to write in this (or any) book?
The hardest scene was when Trae was in his room and could hear his father crying and talking to Trae’s dead mother about how he was trying to raise him right but not feeling up to the job. Trae was devastated and felt like he had broken his father.
– Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
I went the traditional route and was fortunate enough to have Seventh Generation picked up by Touch Point Press.
– What would you say is the most difficult part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
I think the hardest part of the journey for me was overcoming the fear that I could do the story I had in my mind justice on paper.
– Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I would like each book to stand on its own and when my writing journey comes to an end hopefully my body of work when took in total will speak truths about the human condition.
– What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
My favourite authors fall across a wide spectrum that run from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice to Allen Ginsberg’s Howl.
I was inspired to write by the early struggles with reading due to dyslexia. I learned the value of well written word.
– Are there any tropes, clichés, or writing styles that you dislike and, if so, what are they and why?
I dislike the happily ever after with everything spelled out and wrapped in a neat little bow for the reader.
– What are some of your quirks as a writer? Do you like to plot everything out or do you prefer to just “wing it” and see where the story takes you? Do you listen to music when writing and, if so, what do you listen to?
I like to use what is called the nine-step plot dot that I find provides a solid structure for the characters to explore and build their story within.
– What is the best advice you’ve ever had when it comes to writing and what advice would you give to new writers?
The best advice I ever got was at the Ford Poetry Festival when I got to ask Billy Collins about his writing process. He told me that it is good to learn a bit about how different writers approach their craft then cast it aside and find your own process.
– What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
I am currently working on editing an adult murder mystery and outlining a possible follow-up to Seventh Generation.
– Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
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