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Charlotte Murphy Showcase Interview

Author Picture Interview

Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Charlotte Murphy, author of The Antonides Legacy. Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Charlotte.

CM: Hello! Thank you for featuring me.

SPS: For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself and your work?

CM: Well, I was born and raised in South London, England and have always been an avid reader. My mum always says I had more books than toys when I was little and that eventually manifested into writing my own stories. My work is primarily Fantasy but I have written and won competitions in Romance.

SPS: What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

CM: Perfect writing conditions are snacks within easy reach, the big yellow chair in my living room and complete silence for my brain to go off on one. I honestly write only when I feel like it. That could be every day all day for a week straight then nothing for months. I don’t force my creativity.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

CM: When I finally finished The Antonides Legacy, I found myself crying that it had finally come to an end and I was so happy with it. I knew in that moment, I wanted to know if I could get a positive reaction out of others so decided to let it into the world.

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have found yourself writing in the style that you do?

CM: I read Fantasy mostly, some more epic than others but I have always admired those authors for their ability to create worlds. My writing style unashamedly tries to emulate my author idols while maintaining a simplicity that is easier for new Fantasy readers to follow. Almost like an introduction to the world of fantasy.

SPS: What would you say, if anything, best differentiates you from other authors?

CM: Probably the honesty in my writing differentiates me. My characters have real flaws that people can either relate to, or completely hate but always ignites emotions. The generic character types are more filled out, dimensional which I think allows for a realness even within a world of magical powers!

SPS: Where does the inspiration for your work come from?

CM: From my life and the books that I read. Most of my ideas just kind of pop into my head and I’ll jot it down and maybe it will turn into something! I do however get inspired by the things I love, whether its other books or family and friends or my own personal experiences.

SPS: Have you received a favourite review of your work?

CM: My favourite review so far is from my mum! It updated on my Amazon page and of course I recognised her name. She said she spent the last 7 chapters of the final book crying from sadness, anger and then happiness and that made me feel incredible. That I had got someone to feel exactly how I felt writing it, was out of this world.

SPS: What’s next on the self-publishing horizon for yourself?

CM: I’m currently working on the prequel to The Antonides Legacy so will be looking into a different publishing platform for that book.

SPS: Was the Self-/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

CM: It wasn’t always but now I’ve seen how achievable it is on my own, I feel great about having done it. I honestly don’t think I’m ready for the criticism of traditional publishing so will see where I get with self-publishing to boost my confidence and audience.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

CM: Yes actually. It’s hard! Having to do everything yourself is expensive, exhausting and so frustrating but the payout, albeit not necessarily financially, is absolutely incredible. Being at the forefront of your own marketing and style and look, is so rewarding.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

CM: My advice would be not to compare yourself to others. Age-old advice but rings true. I see so many people obsessed with word counts and how far along someone else is in their project or whether they should write plots before characters etc. when you should just write when and how you feel to. Noone is pressuring you but you.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

CM: Definitely check out M. K. Adams on Twitter and his novel Child of Destiny. It’s the first in a trilogy I believe and is written well and has a great plot.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, Charlotte, and all the best for the future.

CM: Thank you so much!

SPS: For more information on Charlotte and her work, please do visit her Showcase page HERE

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