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To help celebrate the anniversary of my newsletter, I interviewed my friend and Critique Partner, Savannah J. Goins. If you've been with me from the beginning, you may remember Savannah from one of my very first newsletters. But a lot has changed for Savannah this year, and it's only going to get better for her in 2020!! Here's her official bio: Fantasy novelist and entrepreneurial speaker Savannah J. Goins teaches creatives how to value failure, enjoy the journey, and know when they've arrived. She uses her background in dragon wrangling as an exotic animal veterinary technician to encourage and inspire audiences with entertaining stories and unforgettable lessons.
She is the author of young adult fantasy novels The Gwythienian and The Crivabanian, with The Cathawyr expected for publication in 2021. She has been featured in podcasts such as Fantasy Fiends and book clubs such as Words and Whimsy.
How has writing changed your life?
The biggest impact writing has had on my life is enabling me to discover the writing community. The people there are the best and most supportive people I've ever known, and I can't imagine my life without my writer buddies! My writing journey has also made some entrepreneurial possibilities known to me that I would never have thought of if I hadn't started writing.
If you could be any character in your books, who would it be and why?
I would be Veri from The Crivabanian. Because he knows a lot about medical things and has the best sense of humor :)
Which character is the most challenging to write and why?
Enzi has been very difficult to write. I think just knowing she's the main character and thus the most important one to get right puts the pressure on.
What's one of your favorite writing moments over the last year?
While writing two standalones unrelated to the Gwythienian series, I've been able to see an improvement in my writing speed and clarity. I love rereading a first draft for the first time and seeing a bit of writing that is pretty good for a first draft, compared to earlier books where I constantly had to rewrite everything several times.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
I'm looking forward to working on a few secret projects! And reading some new books by my writer friends
Tell us about your 2020 goals.
One goal is to book 26 speaking gigs. Another is to get one of those standalones ready to query. I have a zillion other potential goals, but these are two I'm prioritizing.
What's the best book you’ve read recently?
The best book I've read recently is one in actually still reading now. The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. As for fiction, Annie Sullivan's Tiger Queen was a real winner!
What book are you reading next?
The next fiction book I want to read is The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy. For non-fiction, I haven't narrowed it down yet
Connect with Savannah J. Goins:
Website: savannahjgoins.com
Facebook:@thegwythienian
Instagram: @savannahjgoins
YouTube: @savannahjgoins