Interview with Steffan Basdeo
Published 2015-02-10.
What are you working on next?
Currently working on a book series which I started before TFOL, and I'm hoping to finish in a year's time. But don't be surprised that something else comes out before then.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Tv, movies, doing random things with friends
Who are your favorite authors?
Bruce Coville, JK Rowling.
What do you read for pleasure?
Comic books mostly. Maybe I'll re-read some books I read while growing up.
What is your writing process?
Depends on the book, and the story I want to tell. Sometimes I'll go with the flow, but most of the time I'll probably plan out what things I should include, imagine scenarios in my head, write that down, and see how I can bring the story to each point I've written down. Some things get included, some get excluded or recycled.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Easy. To not reach to work late!
Describe your desk
Messy, but out of the way.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Chaguanas, which is in central Trinidad. The country itself is an influence since it has multi-cultural and multi-racial people. It gives you the sense of equality of the world, once tolerance and respect of one another is applied. People who belittle others just makes me want to portray more how equal we all are.
When did you first start writing?
I tried writing a book when I was 12 which was probably a big rip off of Animorphs, Transformers and Power Rangers combined. Then when I was 15, I tried to do a whole superhero high school book which didn't work out too well. But when I was 18, I started writing scripts of a comic book I had an idea for about four friends in high school in their final 2 years and the issues just kept going and going. Eventually, I was able to design the stories into actual comic books online, but it's time consuming to create backgrounds for scenes required.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I had ideas, and I just wanted to portray those ideas and writing is the easiest way to do that. I wish I can continue to create videos and animation, but having a job can sometimes have you too preoccupied to achieve that vision.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
If ever I'm successful, I will owe it to Smashwords. But even now as a small fry, having a platform where you can share your work for free and have it be distributed to different retailers online is a big thing for me. I don't expect to see success, but I'm hoping that people like my work and perhaps feel inspired to use their imagination to create anything.
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