Konstanz’s newest release, Only Barely dead, available here for purchase.
Konstanz, How long have you been an indie author?
I’ve been writing since I was 13 (wow! Ten years!) but I self-published my first book –Only Half Alive – in 2013. So three years.
What do you write?
YA Fantasy and Paranormal, all with a dash of romance.
What has been your most successful project?
This is a hard question to answer. When you says ‘Success’ are we talking sales? Reviews? All of the above? If we go by sales, Missing Royal, by far! If we’re going by reviews, Only Half Alive for sure. But if we’re talking about how successful it is as a well-written novel that I can say I am most proud of, that would be Magic Me This.
What do you think made it a success?
My fan base is certainly growing with every book I publish. So I think overall it’s about writing a good book. In their own sense, each book has been a success!
How does faith figure into your writing?
I’ve never directly added religion into my books. It’s one of those elements that can be tricky to navigate and can alienate readers. But I do keep all of my books clean. And there is always a moral to the story. Something that can be learned from it. For example, in Missing Royal, Shanice must learn that it’s ok to ask for help, and that she isn’t alone. In Only Half Alive, Christina is shown that light can always be found, no matter how dark life seems to be.
I know that it can sometimes be a harrowing experience, having your work out there for others to critique. I have read some of your posts about being bullied as an author. What do you think contributes to that social phenomenon? How do you rise above it?
In many of the cases where I was bullied specifically as an author, I feel as though the one doing the bullying felt threatened by my potential success. But I’d like to think that we’re all in this together. Especially authors. We should be helping one another. Not fighting our way to the top. The thing about books is readers will always want more.
What are the first three things you’d say to someone thinking about venturing into independent publishing?
1. Get a good team behind you. Editors, cover designers, beta readers, typesetters …etc. 2. Don’t rush it. Take your time. Learn your craft. And always keep learning. And 3. Believe in yourself. Never give up! You’ve got this!
What do you think of the LDS writing community? Highs, Lows? What could there be more of?
I think overall it’s wonderful but there is always room for improvement. No one is perfect.
You have such a kind and cheerful online presence. How do you stay cheerful and keep your positive energy going?
They say life is 10% what happens to you, and 90 % how you react to it. My life is far less cheerful than I make it seem most of the time. But complaining, crying, and whining about it won’t help anything. Staying positive is one way I can help make the world a better place. There is already so much negativity (especially online). I don’t want to add to that. There is so much good in the world though. You can always find something happy in life if you’re willing to look. And in my darkest days when it seems there’s nothing good at all, well those are the days I stay off Facebook. 😉
Who is your favorite LDS author, and why?
There are far too many to choose from!
Konstanz Silverbow has always been a dreamer . . . but not a writer. Being an author was something she was dragged into. But since that day, she hasn’t stopped. It has become more than a hobby, it is a passion.
During the day Konstanz works, making jewelry, playing the violin, collecting dragons, and learning all she can about medieval weapons. But at night she creates made up worlds and places where those dragons come to life and the weapons are used in battle.
Young adult fantasy, paranormal with a dash of romance author, Konstanz Silverbow; Proud Creator of magical worlds, fictional creatures, ideal superheroes and sarcasm since 2007!
& if you’re a fan of magical, dragony jewelry and accessories, link here for Konstanz’s fun etsy shop.