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!