Interview with P D'arcuri

Published 2018-04-04.
How do you approach cover design?
In regards to my cover design, I approach based on what I try to feel from my own story and how I perceive it as best as possible, and then convey it digitally. I tend to listen to music to help inspire creative flow - yes, this does help! What I do is, I research similar books in the same genres, I then compile a list of things many have in common, similar elements etc, I then try to create something slightly more different (the angle). What I use is Photoshop as a base, and Illustrator.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love to read a lot of dark fantasy type stories, and poetry but not limited to, but also lyrics. Anything related to stories with a lot of emotion and depth I truly enjoy, whether it is fantasy, drama, or even a typical horror. If there is substance, I am all for it!
What's the story behind your latest book?
I am not exactly sure how to approach this, haha. The story behind it? As in what the actual story is, or what was my motivation? I will assume it is the latter? If so, my story first started off entirely different, it began as an original story I formulated based on vampires and werewolves, but and at the time, Twilight was becoming an international phenomenon, so I scrapped it. Entirely.

It took me around 18 months to formulate that idea that I wrote off, so I was put off from writing for a while. Deep down I was still keen to create something original. So around two years later, bits of inspiration came to me, in various forms, from ; movies, series, music, photos, I compiled an idea for a story that triggered a massive creative flow inside me, like a spark, and I kept drafting different outcomes and scenarios. It was tough, and still is. I always considered myself a perfectionist, and there was a time that I wrote the first five chapters over and over, differently, for nearly a year, before I set on something which I think, personally would be a great entry point. The first part is always seems to be the hardest, but once the foundation is there, it gets easier, since you have something to build onto.
Describe your desk
My desk consists of my Macbook Pro, as well as my Lenovo Laptop. I use the two for different things. My Macbook Pro I mostly use for digital works, design and writing, whereas my Lenovo laptop, I use for intense storing, drafts, research, music.

I don't use paper, I compile all my stories digitally. Sometimes when I have ideas, I write them in my email and send it to myself, or create drafts. Other than that, what you'll find is a cleaned organised space, with my equipment, good lightning if need be, and definitely my digital library of music. Other than that, any type of inspiration - including; photos, abstracts, arts etc. I view on my laptops
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I love stories, and I love what people can construct from their imaginations. I had a love for deep plots, character developments and what purpose actual stories hold. I wanted to do the same, and I was always keen to do something out of my own, with a purpose, and not for the sake of just writing. I spent a few years formulating what I have, and things always get better with time and more writing, so I hope to develop myself more, and discover more things form others to inspire me!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Formulating characters that I love, and have others love them just as much. The chance to create my own worlds, and then bring that forward.
What do your fans mean to you?
Fans will always mean EVERYTHING. Without fans there is no success. If we could be each others fans, this world would run much better. But I suppose not everyone will like everything. But to me, they mean a way I can connect, bond on a level of creativity, where people can maybe relate to, discover things about themselves, and then, this will help me become a better person overall. I am a big people's person, and I can say, anything is doomed to fail when there are no supporters! So fans and support in general are the livelihood. And I can say, any support I get, I acknowledge, and I hope that everyone that considers purchasing my book messages me, so i can thank them personally!
What are you working on next?
I am working on a multi-series in the DIVIDED universe. With each iteration surpassing the next! My main focus that I am working on now is the second ARC of the DIVIDED, which I feel will be extraordinary, since I have already learned so much already, I feel the next ARC will be a game changer for myself, only because I have truly invested so much, and I say this as humbly as possible, that I am very pleased, and all I can hope is that my fellow fans, and future fans will come to enjoy it. other than that, I have various other ideas for future stories, but only time will tell.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I work a lot, most people actually think I'm lying when I tell them this. Ha-ha. But I spend most of my time helping clients in the fitness universe. I am a certified Personal Trainer, I currently run operations for a small studio(s) specializing in EMS, but I have my own clients outside of this, to which I attend daily. I am busy doing my marketing degree, hoping to finish up as soon as possible, so I can dedicate all my resources to things I pursue - my career and story-telling.

Other than work, I hang out with my friends, I enjoy fitness, digital design creations, cooking, sightseeing, exploring, traveling, meeting new, and interesting people, sports (Skiing, MotoX, Sandboarding, Snowboarding)
What is your writing process?
I don't have set of rules I follow, it's more of what works for me.

What I do is, I create a lot of scenarios. I create a beginning, and the final (end) result, and all I do is fill in the middle parts. which where most of the conflict takes place. So I expose myself to a lot of things that help fuel my creative flow - music, imagery, movies etc.

People should never neglect the fact that emotions DO play a big role. it can motivate, or it can cause you to break. With many things outside of writing even, what I found best was to surround myself with a lot of things that had "substance" how did it make me feel? How would it make me feel? Also, one needs to understand the perception of others, so approach things from another's point of view is something to consider.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Success, and a willingness to learn and discover. Nothing excites me more than to work with people I can inspire, motivate, help and encourage. And I do this daily - that to me is purposeful!
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Books by This Author

The Divided : Amalgam War
Price: $5.74 USD. Words: 102,030. Language: English. Published: May 26, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
The angels of Adaeus’ day denounced Deverill as myth. They were wrong. But nobody knows it. It’s been ten years since the Summit War cost Inassa both her parents, but her resolve to continue their legacy remains undimmed. As heir to King Adaeus’ angelic nation, there’s one thing she knows for certain: the Supremacist Council isn’t doing half what it should to protect the humans on Horizon from