Shadowspeak (Raven Eckman) - Interview

 

Alright yall, fantasy is not my typical genre, so when Eckman approached me with it, I was pretty set on the idea I'd have to respectfully decline. However, within the first few pages, I instantly felt the pull and knew I would be resonating with the main character if I gave it a shot. I didn't have to read the entire first chapter, something I typically do along with at least two or three more after that, to know I absolutely wanted in on this!

Shadowspeak has such a unique take on fantasy and quite frankly, the paranormal. Given I've had many experiences myself in life, I was so intrigued to see how these sorts of things were going to be translated in such a work. Let me say, this is a book I absolutely NEED to have on my shelf!

Grab your copy here!!
Check out my review of Shadowspeak here!

Shadowspeak
Raven C. Eckman

1. What inspired you to write Shadowspeak?

Shadowspeak was very loosely inspired by binging Vikings with my grandmother, human trafficking, and my love of fantasy. Somewhere along the way it adapted into its own creature and I adore that.

2. I also adored that! On the human trafficking note, what made you think to involve that in Shadowspeak? I know this is an alarmingly active practice and that it could use all the exposure against it as possible!

I first encountered mention of human trafficking in high school when we were discussing social events at the time. It stuck with me, the stories, the pain. And that came out somewhat in Shadowpeak.

3. I enjoyed seeing how you didn't allow Rune (main character) to let this overtake who she ultimately became. I think that aided with her development quite a bit! Moving along, though, was it difficult to write this book?

It took me a while to write Shadowspeak, more so because of just not wanting to write … or even avoiding it entirely. Personally I just wasn’t in that place yet to take a chance on my debut but once I started, then it was now or never for me.

4. I've seen a lot of authors mention things along those lines, so I'm glad you did, too. I think you're proof that if you just buckle down and go for it, anything is possible! Next question, what language inspired the language that you’ve given to the book characters?

In Shadowspeak I originally wanted to find an Old Norse dialect. After rounds of editing, and translating, I went with mainly an Icelandic dialect.

5. Why did you choose Icelandic specifically and are you fluent in it?

The translations in Icelandic dialect just worked with the meanings I was searching for and the flow clicked when I read aloud. I am not fluent in it but the language is beautiful and I enjoyed listening to words spoken aloud with a translating tool online.

6. Along the language lines, and given you've based your characters' language off of one that is used today, when writing fantasy, do you make up words? If so, how is this process done?

I sometimes do and usually it is unintentional. Eventually those words get changed … or become creatures of some sort. It depends on the story I’m working on. Also, as an aside, I once had a typo in my phone notes so bad that autocorrect was at a loss. I kept it for a while just because it was funny.

7. That typo sounds entertaining! Did it ever make it into the story somehow?

Nope! But typos will continue, ha! So I shall see what does make it into a story some day.

8. Similar to question number 6, how do you create the worlds and their “rules” in fantasy?

It really is trial and error for me when it comes to the rules. What works and what doesn’t? What do the characters do if I said this wasn’t allowed or vice versa? As for world creating, when I first start drafting I create aesthetics to be able to picture the characters and a base setting to find a tone. From the pictures the world I’m aspiring for adapts as the story does.

9. When creating the aesthetics, do you use a Pinterest board, or how do you physically set everything up?

I started creating aesthetics with Pinterest and continue to have a few private boards I refer to for fun. I've since moved onto photography sites that a fellow author had recommended to me a year or so ago to create boards on Canva.

10. Interesting! Perhaps other authors reading this now have a new tool in their arsenal for creation, thanks to you! When writing Shadowspeak, what else did you learn in the process (aside from how crucial aesthetic creation is)?

I’ve learned, and am still learning, to just let myself write. Don’t censor myself. Don’t stop and edit. Just let the confusion birth the words and a story will come from it eventually. It takes time.

11. I love how you worded that! I know that many aspiring authors often ask what the "right" way is to write, but there truly is none. Your method is just one of many and proves that it can be effective to do it that way! Regarding aspiring authors, what would you like them to take away from this?

Just remember that it is okay to play around with styles when writing your stories. Do what feels natural to you and the story.

12. Any other tips for new writers?

If I regret anything in my journey so far as a writer, it is not persisting to overcome writer’s block. So, for the writers out there who are finding the words aren’t coming as easily (or at all) keep writing—anything from lists to snippets of dialogue to scenes. You can do this.

13. Great advice! In Shadowspeak, what was your favorite part(s) to write?

I always love writing the beginnings and endings of a story.

14. Why is that? I absolutely loved how well written the ending was and the way you didn't rush it like so many authors do. I suppose that's a testament to how much you love to write them! 

I suppose it is because the beginning and ending for a story always come to me first. I get lost into that opening (then ending) and just need to figure out what happens in between.

15. Least favorite? I think I know the answer already, but lets just hear it.

I always have trouble with the middle scenes because sometimes I can’t figure out how to get where I want to go … and sometimes that means I’m not supposed to go in the direction I intended and that’s okay.

16. That makes sense! Given the amount of effort that has to take, as well as the effort publishing in general does, do you have any plans to release more works in the future? 

I do! I have a few picture books lined up and am beginning to brainstorm the prequel to Shadowspeak among another idea that won’t let me alone.

17. A prequel? Please do let WNR know when you do so we can release another review for you! When could we anticipate that coming out?

I'm hoping to have a rough draft by July but life may have other plans for me. Aiming for fall 2024 at the latest. And will do!

18. Perfect! I'm so excited! Is there anyone you wish to thank in this interview?

Shout out to everyone who has supported me on my writing journey so far. Thank you! I appreciate you!

Thank you, Raven Eckman, for your time and for allowing Wordy Nerd Reviews to interview you, as well as to get to read your wonderful book!

Shadowspeak (Raven Eckman) - Review

Shadowspeak
Raven Eckman
⭐: 5/5
Purchase your copy here!
To see an interview with Raven, click here!

This book hit me right in the "feels"! 

Pros: from the very start, I immediately resonated with the "others", shadows, and abandonment. I KNEW I HAD to read Shadowspeak! 

At first, I got a kind of Hunger Games vibe, but as the story progressed, the plot became something original and enticing unlike anything I've seen or read before (and I read a LOT).

Until the very end, I felt myself falling in love with Rune, her struggles and triumphs alike, as well as the entire world Eckman created. In ways, it even helped me to understand my own world and experiences that “shadow” Rune’s.

The characters are wholly consistent, Eckman is a true wordsmith (one of my most FAVORITE things about this book is how well written it is), and there are scenes I just didn't see coming but that were more than welcomed and needed for a cohesive, unrushed ending. I always love when authors take their time with tying everything up and make it worthwhile to read.

Cons: I had a little trouble at first understanding this world, but the more I read, the easier it was to get. It was complicated, not unlike our own, but well worth the time reading. 

Conclusion: if you're looking for a read that's original, has action, is well written, and will still manage to grab your heartstrings (with its shadowy threads), this is IT.

(You'll get the shadowy reference once you give this one a read!)

Queer Drunk Punk (Zehava Frieman) - Interview

*Note: contains content from the book, but shouldn't be considered as spoilers. 

Purchase your copy of Queer Drunk Punk here !

Queer Drunk Punk

Zehava Frieman

This book was one that gave me a "book hangover"! Frieman really knows how to capture an audience despite this being her debut to the world and her having felt a little nervous about it. I enjoyed interviewing her and seeing her thinking process quite a bit! 

Per my review: I adored everything about Quinn. I resonated with the inner growth she had to endure, the many losses she faced, and the way that she constantly went after what she wanted even when it was like pulling teeth. I was present in every scene, rarely thinking of what was to come, and played the "just one more chapter... yeah right" game (finished in one day). 

This work has all the makings for an "un-put-downable book": love, loss, heartache, recovery, grief, endurance, joy, and resilience. It isn't just about being queer in the 80's, but also is about a woman coming of age in a tough world (something many of us can relate to.) Five stars out of five, yall!

1. What was your inspiration to write QDP?

QDP began as a memoir, but while I was driving, Quinn (MC) took over. This girl was in my head every day for 9 months! She jumpstarted this project and helped me to get back into writing. 

2. Has writing always been your passion?

Yes, but life took over. I wanted to get back into it. As a kid, I had all these fake meetings with all these huge celebrity bands and loved writing stories. Again, life took over, but then Quinn, my muse and "alter-ego" entered the picture. I lived vicariously through her since I never got to really interview these people. I also used my love for writing as inspiration for Quinn's writing career both in high school and after.

3. What did you feel while writing this?

It was sort of therapeutic for me. I really lived through Quinn and enjoyed the process.

4. What do you want readers to take away from QDP?

I'd like them to feel surprised (in a good way) and not feel like it's too predictable. I want them to know they can make whatever they're going through against all odds, that they can achieve their dreams like Quinn did, and to learn how to be true to themselves as she did. I also want them to be inspired to be true to themselves and to be sure to surround themselves with other authentic people to be the best they can be.

5. Any plans for future works?

Yes! The next book should be out within a year or so. It will take place in '93 and Ashley from QDP will be the MC this time.

6. Advice for new writers?

Learn to self-edit, that not everything is a good idea, that your story will grow and evolve over time (what you begin with may be totally opposite than what you end with), and to be sure you create a community of honest people during this process. Mentors were a big thing for me and I think helped the most, probably. Don't forget to exploit your resources like Googling, traveling to locations to get the layout of the land, and talking to others. I read a lot about writing and I feel that helped, too. I'd encourage other writers to do similar.

7. What have you learned during the process of writing this?

To stay true to myself, to be willing to learn and research, and to also be willing to grow.

8. Favorite character and why?

Quinn. She's my muse, my "alter-ego" as my sister says, and I lived vicariously through her in a lot of ways. She experiences some similar things to what I did, but she also did things I never did. She's definitely got a special place in my heart!

9. What were the purposes for both Missy and Debby? 

Both were there to be lessons. Missy was a toxic person and was the epitome of the 80's girl in high school like in Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club. She was needed to help Quinn come into herself and grow.

Debby has another spot in my heart and was there to show Quinn how to love and be loved. She was also there to help her grow as a person, especially since she'd been through so much. Debby was to Quinn what Quinn was to me: a muse and inspiration to be the best she could.

Ricky was also there for a lesson and encouragement.

10. Who has inspired you while writing this book?

My mentors, Scott Parisien and Megan Kruse. They really taught me a lot about character development, setting scenes, and making sure I stay on point.

If you'd like to contact Zehava Frieman for more questions or to learn more about her thinking while writing Queer Drunk Punk, send me an email (wordynerdreviews@gmail.com) with her name as the header. You can also follow her on Goodreads (include link) and Amazon (include link). Be on the lookout for her next book in the next year!

Thank you, Zehava, for taking the time out of your day to amuse an enamored reader and deal with my nerding out over your work! I also appreciate you dealing with my communication during the reading and for being so open with any question I had!

Click here to read Nerdy Words Reviews review of Queer Drunk Punk!

Queer Drunk Punk (Zehava Frieman) - Review

Queer Drunk Punk Della Zehava Frieman ⭐: 5/5

Pros: this book has it all! Grit, love, heartbreak, experience, growth, and as a side-note, exceptional writing. 

Frieman’s wordsmithing made Quinn, MC, difficult not to fall in love with. As someone who came from a tough background, her rough around-the-edges persona was easy to relate to. I found myself resonating more than once, as well as learning quite a bit about not only myself, but life itself!

Given it’s set in the 80’s, it was enlightening to see how society treated sexuality. I don’t think it’s made leaps and bounds (though clearly has progressed), but my heart absolutely broke at how hidden Quinn had to stay. On top of that, watching her go through loss of every sort was something that will keep this read in my head for a long time, as I can deeply relate.

Last, once more, I really adored the expansive vocab and the way Frieman lets the words flow. I cannot say how many highlights I made!

Cons: there are quite a few 80’s references, but you’ll be able to figure most of them out based on context. Not to mention, it’s not always important to fully understand them as much as to understand they’re setting the scene up.

Also, there is a pretty emotional loss about mid-way through, so have some tissues ready. I’m not kidding. If that’s not your thing, well, you still need to read this and just power through it like Q powered through her toughest years to date.

Conclusion: once this is out (I’m a beta reader), I WILL own it. I only like to own books I’ve read and loved, and this one has most definitely made that list! The writing, flow, characters, and situations pulled me in and had me feeling everything from goosebumps on my arms and spine to sadness in my deepest gut - “art imitates life” and I cannot express enough how much this work does the same. Read it. Go on, now. Go read it! 

Click here to read an exclusive interview with Zehava!