Riva Shaw

Riva Shaw is the author of the ‘Circle of Fire’ trilogy, the first in the series is available now. Novel Kicks was excited to have a chat with Riva. We asked her who she’d have round to dinner and what tips she had for new writers.

Describe your route to publication?

My novel is published through YouWriteOn.com which is effectively self-publishing. I decided to go it alone because Circle of Fire is not easy to categorise and agents and publishers are not happy to take on something that falls between two genres. I know that I risk being told that I am not a proper writer, but hopefully readers will just judge the books on their own merits.

How do you approach a typical writing day?

I don’t really have a typical writing day. I write wherever and whenever I can, either straight on to the computer or in notebooks to be typed up later. Sometimes I will write more if I snatch a few moments here and there than if I have a whole day to play with.

You’re the author of the ‘Circle of Fire’ trilogy. Can you give us a brief synopsis.

Circle of Fire is a fantasy but there are no magical creatures or wizards. It’s more like a historical novel set in a fictional world.

In the first book, the hero is Nick Trayer. When he was fifteen, Nick became the youngest ever Warrior of the Circle of Fire but when we first see him, ten years later he is content to live as a farmer working side by side with his tenants, trying to forget the tragedy which caused him to turn his back on glory.

On the day that Nick is due to marry Catherine, his childhood sweetheart, the King is killed in a hunting accident. His fourteen year old son Rowan inherits the throne and with it a land ravaged by disease and threatened by enemies new and old. Nick knows that his duty lies with the new King but when Catherine is also put in danger, he is forced to confront his past and begin his personal battle between love and duty.

Do you plan much before a writing project?

I write in layers. The story has to ferment in my head first of all, then I put the bones down on paper. Because of the way my mind works, I write snippets of conversations and scenes (the flesh) and fit them in, in an approximate order then of course comes the hard part, connecting it all together (the skin, I suppose you could call it) then finally, the clothes i.e. details, descriptions etc. Then I have a first draft.

How do you approach the editing process?

I find editing more relaxing because I know that the story is all down on paper and I can concentrate on making each chapter as good as I can. My writing group is wonderful, they pick it to pieces and make me see it from an entirely different viewpoint. Having honest criticism from writing friends is, I think, invaluable.

Which authors/books do you admire?

I like all sorts of books but especially historical fiction. The absolute queen of the genre is Elizabeth Chadwick. She makes the medieval world come alive and each new story and set of characters is fresh and different. I think that is an incredible skill.

Is there a book by another author that you’d like to have written?

Well, as I say, I would love to be able to write like Elizabeth Chadwick but also, David Gemmell’s Troy series. It’s the ultimate heroic fantasy.

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

No, I don’t think there is. Fiction should be just that. When you read about a character you form your own picture of them. To meet them in real life would probably be a disappointment.

Best/worst thing about being a writer?

The best thing about being a writer is the feeling you get when the characters take over the story. It’s a real buzz.

I suppose the worst thing is coping with criticism. It’s like someone criticising your child, but you do learn what to take on board and what to ignore.

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

I’m sure I’m not the only one to say this, but I think Stephen Fry would be fascinating.

Top five tips for new writers?

Read. If you are not a reader you will never be a writer.

Write what you want to write, not what you think will sell. There will be no passion in your writing if you try to write to order.

If you find yourself struggling (usually by about chapter 5) just write anything, even a shopping list. Move on to the next chapter and come back to it but whatever you do, don’t stop.

Listen to criticism and consider it carefully. Change the things you agree with but if you don’t, stick with your instincts. It’s your book.

Never give up.

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by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.