Interview with Sundae Rye

Sundae Rye

Interview Date: 5/21/2012

Biography

Sundae Rye is an Indpedendent Science Fiction Author & Artist. His recent work includes "The Zebra Eats the Lion" and "Coffee, Beer & Papercuts?" In his spare time, Sundae cooks tasty vegan meals, reads comics and listens to old time SciFi podcasts. www.sundaerye.com


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

In the summer of 2008, I returned back to simple Indiana after spending nine months interning in materialistic South Florida. I enrolled in a much-needed summer Eastern Philosophy course before my senior year of college. Being taught meditation and alternative perspectives, my "awakened" conscious sparked afternoons of writing without purpose. After graduating and the disheartening of job searching, my writing became rants of emotions that eventually shape-shifted into works of fiction.


If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")?

Foresight into the Future. I had a stretch where I was listening to talk radio on a daily basis and it really put my mind in a dark place. Between the fear mongering and warnings, I have an interest to see if any of the speculations are going to come true.

Kev's response: Precognition. Always an interesting power. I'd be concerned about it unless it were controllable and at-will. (Not to mention being about the topic you desire.)


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies??

It's a tie between, Silver Surfer and Archangel. I was a collector of action figures as a child and I made sure to take special care of both of these characters. If I remember correctly they were the only two not covered in sloppy glue or tape.

Kev's response: Aye, Archangel was far "cooler" once he got the metal wings. Silver Surfer's always been an interesting (and powerful) character. I like 'em both.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you??

From my life, past and present. If I have a mental block, I just take a walk or sit in silence. Within minutes I have a memory from some weird experience that seems to fit perfectly with what I'm working on.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer??

So far I have written the ending first for both of my books. I have a meaning that I want to support, and once I have that, I start storyboarding from there.

Kev's response: Wow! That's an alien method of writing (to me)! I can understand the desire for it, though. If you work backwards, you can come up with some truly devious plotlines.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write??

I've tried a schedule and it doesn't work out to well. The moments of inspiration, usually in the middle of the night work out the best.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read??

Science Fiction.


What do you enjoy the most about writing??

Writing makes me feel like my life hasn't been a waste. Looking back I feel like I'm squandered a lot of time on unproductive tasks and on duties that I didn't want to be doing. Being able to utilize these periods of time into a finished piece of creative work gives me an odd personal comfort.

Kev's response: *thumbs up*


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy??

Editing and proofreading over and over. The more I read my work the more I question and analyze.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself??

I love to eat Peanut Butter and Pickle sandwiches.

Kev's response: Err ... I won't judge. Trying not to judge. Failing. >:)


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time??

I have the bad habit of overfilling my plate. I have a stack of short stories, notes and ideas sitting on my desk that are always yelling at me to do something.


I'm looking to advertise for evil minions for my plot to take over the world, any suggestions??

Find minions who don't need their cellphone 24/7. The more people I meet in this world, the more I discover how comfortable humans are getting at living through a tiny screen.

Kev's response: Yeah! We need larger portable screens!


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books??

My opinion is based from being a substitute teacher for three years. The younger generations are helpless without technology. So in the future I think all written work is going to be in E-Book format and much shorter. The attention span and dedication to reading the lengthy works of Stephen King and Harry Potter are going to be done by a scarce few.

Kev's response: Heh, the first few Harry Potter books were quite short (for certain the first one was a very short "full" novel).


What are your current projects??

I'm working on a Webcomic, entitled "Strange Winter," along with my first Graphic Novel, "Paucity," that I'm planning on wrapping up in October. I freelance when it's available, so I hope I find some little projects to help pay the bills.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing??

Yes I do! Read all the formatting guidelines before you put too much time in your work. I spent days formatting and submitting my first E-Book. Having the headings formatted correctly, your work will be spot-on and then can be easily converted to both paperback and digital.

Kev's response: I'd add to this - work out a set of custom classes in MS Word, and always use them book after book. It makes it much easier when it comes to the conversion process with Mobipocket and such.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)??

Besides www.sundaerye.com, I can be found at Twitter, Lulu, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the iBookstore and Etsy.

Kev's response: Sundae, good fortune on your novels, and on the web comic. That's an interesting project!



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