Meet Published Nanowrimo Author, Robin Burks

Robin Burks is one of my favourite authors to work with, and a former novel participant. I quite enjoyed her debut fantasy novel, Zeus Inc., which I reviewed last year. She also had some quite interesting thoughts on character development which might be useful to you when planning your novel.

This year she’s returned to discuss her Nanowrimo experience and promote the re-release of her novel through Biting Dog Publications, which she’s currently celebrating with a book tour. Please give her a warm welcome.

1. Why did you originally choose to do Nanowrimo?

A friend of mine told me about NaNoWriMo when I mentioned I was struggling with a novel idea I was working on (which later became Zeus, Inc.). I looked at the website and thought it could help me get out of my rut and get the story written. Fortunately, for me, it worked!

2. What inspired you to write Zeus, Inc.?

I had a dream one night about a world where everything was powered by the Greek gods and goddesses. That dream stayed with me for weeks and eventually, I decided to put the idea down into writing. It inspired the story and setting for Zeus, Inc.

3. How much research did you do to represent Greek mythology accurately before/after Nano?

Before NaNoWriMo, most of my research was done via Wikipedia, which isn’t always accurate, but it was a quick way to find what I needed. Once I started re-writing the novel, I purchased a book called “Crowell’s Handbook of Classical Mythology” and used that to add in more details. That book proved to be a great resource and I’ve also used it in writing the sequel to Zeus, Inc.

4. What advice would you give to someone attempting their first Nano?

I would just tell them to do it, to go for it. NaNoWriMo is a great way to get into the habit of daily writing and to stop worrying so much about the first draft and let the story just tell itself. I think every writer should try it at one time or another. I’ve participated in two so far and hope to participate again this year, time permitting.

5. Are you planning on participating in Nanowrimo this year? Why/why not?

I’m hoping to. I’m a little behind on a science fiction novel that I’m writing because I had to work on a short story (that has been accepted into a competition). I want to finish the sci fi novel before November so that I can do something new for NaNoWriMo. However, I might just use NaNoWriMo to work on that as it’s been a difficult piece to write. We’ll just have to see how it goes. I always donate to the program, because it’s been such a great help to me and other writers, so I plan on doing that again this year, too.

Robin’s success is proof that if we work hard enough, we can all find publication for our work. Even more so, it’s all the proof anyone needs to see that Nanowrimo is worth the time every year.

Don’t miss the Zeus, Inc. Blog Tour giveaway. You could win ebook copies of Zeus Inc. , along with a $25 Amazon gift card. Even better? Winning is easy: see details on how to enter below.

To be entered to win:

1. Pick up a copy of Zeus, Inc. for $2.99 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo or anywhere else ebooks are sold.
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest below.

About Zeus, Inc.

(Biting Dog Publications) 50 years ago, the mysterious Zeus, Inc. CEO Joseph Brentwood saved the world from a major energy crisis by discovering a new unlimited energy resource. Now, in 2069, Mr. Brentwood has gone missing and private eye Alex Grosjean has been hired to find him. Alex’s search leads her through her own murky past and into the fantastical depths of Hell itself, where she discovers that no one is who or what they seem to be.

Robin Burks‚ is not only a journalist for DVICE.com‚ and‚ RebelGaming.com, but also for her own site, FanGirlConfessions.com. Robin has just published her first novel, Zeus, Inc.‚ with Biting Dog Publications and is working on its sequel,The Curse of Hekate.A science fiction trilogy, The Book of Revelations, is also currently in the works. An internet addict, she can often be found on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. She also loves to read, act, sing, play video games and travel. Robin currently lives in Missouri with her four cats. She also occasionally speaks French and loves Doctor Who. Visit Robinon herwebsite, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, GoodReads.

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