As much as authors like to pretend they are isolationists, we don’t succeed that way. A major part of being an author is supporting other authors. For the most part, this is pretty simple. Authors are readers, and we support other authors by reading their works. But with all the modern technology, there is also the problem of trying to establish yourself to be seen among expanse the internet has become. To assist the author, and spread your awareness of other authors, I reached out to Anthony Di Angelo, the author of Descent into the Hallway of Madness, A Hunting for Christmas, and Sicilian Roulette.
Who is Anthony Di Angelo?
I’m just your average type guy, easy-going and carefree. When I’m not busy with my day job, or living amongst the many characters and worlds that exist in my imagination, I enjoy spending time with my lovely girlfriend and our three crazy cats. I am a Ford Mustang enthusiast and absolutely love going for long drives in my Bullitt Mustang with the windows down and some good tunes playing. I am a movie buff and enjoy a wide range of series as well. There just isn’t enough time to stay current with all the amazing stories out there.
What are you currently working on? Can you tell us a bit about it?
I recently completed the first instalment of an epic fantasy series. It is comparable to Game of Thrones with its drama and medieval brutality combined with the mystical wonderment of Star Wars. With my first three novels I self-published, but with this story I wanted to go the traditional publishing route and am currently seeking representation with a literary agent.
What is most difficult about building your brand as an author?
Marketing and getting my books into the hands of readers and reviewers. I have fallen victim to scams who charged me for their services of which I never received. It is difficult and expensive to go at it on your own especially without the knowledge and experience.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
There’s a constant burning desire to create that comes from within that draws inspiration from anyone or anything and pops up in my mind at any time. It’s kind of like an FBI agent listening in on potential incriminating conversations, my mind is always actively collecting possible characters or stories from my daily experiences and interactions. It catalogues the accumulated information and turns it into possible story starts and plotlines. It could be anything from an overhead conversation, a scene from a movie or series, or a memory from long ago. My inspiration comes from these experiences that are funneled through my imagination and delivered to me typically in my dreams more often than not. So really anything and everything can inspire me to write.
How do you make time to write?
It’s like anything else, you have to make the time and unfortunately there are times where you’re simply not able to due to circumstances and life in general. I try live and work by routine and find that helps. I make time on my days off where I can spend a few hours a day on my works-in-progress.
What do you need in your workspace?
Nothing special really. I usually have my noise-cancelling headphones to play whatever music that will help creating the tone of a scene. My coffee mug. I cannot create without caffeine. There are times where I’ll take my laptop and work elsewhere. As long as I’m comfortable I can write.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Don’t give up on your work and ignore the naysayers. Read and learn all you can about the industry. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to uplift your work and not view it as a negative reflection of your work. You’re the one who thought up your story, so you know best how to tell it.
Do you have any other talents or hobbies?
I enjoy drawing and would love to take a class to further develop my skills. I have an interest in painting and would also like to take courses in better learning.
How do you develop your characters? Are any of them based on people you know?
Each of my stories have characters that are loosely based on people I know. I might use a trait or appearance of someone I know and use it as a foundation to build my characters off of. The finished character ends up being quite different from where I started to imagine it. Basically, I let my characters develop and take shape as I navigate the natural progression of the story.
What is your dream project you hope to complete?
My dream project is my current fantasy series as previously mentioned. I would love nothing more than to see it developed into true novel on bookstore shelves and eventually see it up on the big screen turned into a film.
Follow Anthony Di Angelo on his various platforms and check out his books!
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