Interview with May Koliander

Published 2014-08-09.
How do you approach cover design?
First I thought I had to create a design myself...So I tried to take pictures that could be of use. However, my very first story being Athalinda and the Dragon's Pearl... snapping pictures proved difficult.There is always a first time, as we all know, and after pestering friends to draw dragons and pearls... and trying to do so myself with largely unsatisfactory results, I finally did the obvious - keyed in "e-book covers" on my computer and suddenly there were droves of them to choose from shimmering on the screen.
Of course, adopting a cover without giving it at least a little tweak was out of the question, but as I'm a real klutz when it comes to using the computer in a creative way, I have been shamefully taking advantage of my significant other's skills... Without him, I probably wouldn't be writing this right now...
What do you read for pleasure?
My full time job and writing now take up most of my time, but I really enjoy reading New Scientist. The world around us is an incredibly complex and fascinating place and their articles help you delve deeper into reality...
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My own manuscript ? If that's what's meant, I believe reading out loud is quite efficient.
Describe your desk
My "desk" is a mess. There are notes and stacks of papers all over, and I try to avoid "cleaning up" as afterwards I can't find anything any longer.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in the States, in Washington DC and lived in Maryland for a few years. Then Mom uprooted us and settled down in Switzerland. We sounded and looked different back in those days - I remember kids at school asking me if I was wearing pyjamas when I had on the checkered Sears corduroy pants granny had sent over... I often felt like an alien...belonging neither here nor there, but I can live with it !
When did you first start writing?
I wanted to be a writer when I was about 9 and started a few stories - fairy tale style - but after 2 pages would dry up. My problem was that I just didn't have anything to say... Then I turned to painting and painted oils for about 10 years before trying my hand again at a few stories in French. But as before, I seemed to run out of steam and then, quite a few years later, I had characters bubbling up in me and a story raring to get out. I guess one day you're ready and before that, you just ain't !
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Sent my first story to agents and publishers and got a load of polite refusals. Decided I wasn't a masochist so took action ! Wow ! Having to oversee the whole process is time consuming, even nerve-wracking but as most of us, I believe it's the way to go.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Creating situations, creating emotions. What's so fascinating about writing is that most of the time you don't know where it all came from. The story must have been hidden deep within you the whole time - probably since day 1 - but you weren't aware of it. I also enjoy weaving into the text/story any tidbit of information I get while writing the book. It's a kind of game - how will I manage to insert this new piece of data into the flow of the story ?
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
First hunger ! Then things I'm eager to do and the desire to see what comes next.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Well, I work to earn a living and I sleep a lot and read up on domains I need to know about. But let's not forget exercise... I work out too and tend the garden - which is rather large...
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The beginning of a fairy tale about a cannibal witch who lived in an old isba standing on chicken legs - pure plagiarism, of course !
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
No, Mom used to read to us at length every evening so I have no recollection of what I first read on my own !
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