Author interview with Rashun Carter

Through his writing, Rashun aims to inspire, entertain, and unite readers, showcasing his talent for weaving compelling stories and delivering meaningful insights.

Q: When did you first catch the writing bug? What drove you to persist?
A: I first started writing when I was a child. I was inspired by my mother, who at the time penned extensively in a writing pad. Needless to say, her writing bug had sunk its teeth into me, and then I found myself writing stories birthed from my imagination into a wide-lined notebook. Later, I would tell these stories to my elementary school classes during free time or show-and-tell. Their applause and encouragement, along with my growing hobby to write those stories, encouraged me to continue writing. My writing talent transitioned to poetry during middle school through most of college, but it wasn’t until the end of my college years that I decided to write a full-fledged story again.

Q: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
A: When that snowball of imagination gets to rolling into an avalanche, I am definitely energized and enter what I call the zone. However, there are more than a couple of times that I’ve been mentally exhausted after my writing sessions. I think the toll it takes on the mind to complete a book is what really keeps some from actually finishing it. Writing the story is the fun part, but it’s essentially the tip of the iceberg in terms of what it takes to complete a polished book.

Q: Do you try more for originality or to please your readers?
A: Definitely originality. I feel that if you push to please your readers, then you are molding your story into something that you truly don’t want. It’s impossible to please everyone, so you may as well write what you want.

Q: Do you ever try to write to the latest trends? Why or why not?
A: Some tend to do that because the latest trends are what is finding instant success. Personally, I don’t go that route because then you’re basically making a book that copycats another. Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it will be timeless.

Q: What is your approach to incorporating elements of diversity and inclusion in your writing?
A: I feel diversity and inclusion gives realism to a book. If we look at the world today, we’re a gigantic melting pot. So incorporating such in a book really gives it that real world feel, so I make sure to include plenty of that in my writing.

Q: Do you have your own circle of writer friends? If so, what other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
A: Absolutely. I’ve networked with a plethora of other authors on Instagram and even supported their work. To name a few, Bernice Burgos, Matt Juhl, Joel Thomas Feldman, Astrid V.J., Vashti Quiroz-Vega, and Cassie Sanchez. Just reading their books alone makes me a better writer. I’m a firm believer that if you want to be better at something, then it is wise to pay attention to how seasoned veterans do what you are trying to do.

Q: Do you prefer to write stand-alone novels or series? Do you make connections between non-connected books?
A: Actually, the only series I currently have, Wraith, are written as stand-alone books. The sequel was originally written to flow from book one to book two seamlessly. However, it was suggested by my editor to write them all as stand-alone in case I come across readers who jump into book two or three. It wasn’t an immediate adjustment for me, but I found that it was indeed beneficial to write even sequels as stand-alone novels.

Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A: Read more and never stop writing fictional stories.

Q: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
A: It helped a lot with my understanding of what it takes to actually bring a book to form. After publishing Wraith the feeling was surreal, but I knew there was plenty of ways for me to make the entire process run much smoother. The biggest change was taking my time and not rushing through both the writing and editing process. I learned to let the story come to me, instead of forcing it. I learned that as grueling a process as editing is, it’s absolutely necessary to take my time with it.

Q: Do you have an all-time favorite writer, or does your favorite change over time? Who is your favorite writer today?
A: I would say Ernest Gaines, but I really like Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Dean Koontz, R.A. Salvatore, and Alex North also. It’s so hard to choose a favorite because of their unique styles of writing.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read? Do you write in that genre? Has that always been your favorite genre, or has your taste evolved as you have grown as a writer?
A: I love to read mystery, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and thriller. I think it’s safe to say I don’t exactly have a favorite because they all have their own uniqueness when it comes to a good story. I think as I grew older my taste for mysteries grew stronger.

Q: What does “literary success” or success as an author look like for you?
A: Success for me is when someone tells me that they really enjoyed my work or were inspired/helped by it. Many people get hung up on sales alone, but it’s the lasting effect a book has on a person that really shows success, in my opinion.

Q: What kind of music or sounds do you like to listen to as you write, or do you prefer complete silence?
A: I enjoy listening to thunderstorm sounds sometimes when I write. I’m a ceraunophile, so listening to thunder and rain is peaceful to me and puts my mind at ease. However, if I’m writing an action scene in a fantasy book, I enjoy listening to the epic genre of music.

Q: How many hours a day do you write?
A: It varies. I tend to rather go by how many words I write a day versus the actual time. Sometimes I give myself 5,000 words a week, which averages out to 1,000 a day (Monday-Friday).

Q: How do you select names for your characters?
A: It can be as random as Bob and Joe, to as complex as Celiloquee and Valerine. I tend to have a meaning behind some of my characters’ names in my sci-fi/fantasy books, but more common names in books tied to the real world. For example, in Wraith II: Parallel Insurrection, Zyn and Zayng (like the yin and yang) are identical twins. They’re legendary guardians with both conversed armor and temperaments. Additionally, they’re depicted as an Asian sister and brother.

Q: Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, how do you break through it and begin writing again?
A: Definitely! I usually take a break with some deep breaths and allow the words to come to me. I think writer’s block is a result of having too much jumbled up in one’s mind at one time. Taking a break and relaxing with some smooth music also works for me.

Q: Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?
A: I actually write in more than one because I feel that I shouldn’t restrict myself to one particular genre. If you have a talent to write, then let it go all out in whatever your mind pleases to write with no bounds. I’m not saying everyone has to do this because some are comfortable with being in one genre. I just feel that getting out one’s comfort zone and doing something new is beneficial.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing your most recent book?
A: The aspect of being able to both inspire and assist others with internal and external battles. “Food for thought” is an old saying, which means to take something into consideration seriously. I figured my most recent book, Food for Thought: Get Your Serving would entail such and even educate some on perhaps subject matter they may be unaware of.

Q: What inspires you to keep writing?
A: The limitless opportunities to inspire and entertain others. My love for writing is merely a bonus to my very own inspiration.

Q: What process did you go through to get your book published?
A: I went through a self-publishing process in which I had to submit a manuscript to be accepted into publishing. Afterwards, editing, cover design, and another five-hundred proofreads.

Q: What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
A: I take a bit of pride in producing books with a unique story. I’d have to say the twists and turns I include in my stories definitely stand out from others.

Q: How do you find or make time to write?
A: Having a full-time job in tandem with writing is no easy task. Sometimes I’m honestly too tired to write, so I either double my writing efforts for another day or I try to squeeze in as much as I can after work.

Q: What are some ways in which you promote your work? Do you find that these add to or detract from your writing time?
A: I do a lot of marketing through social media, but I learned that definitely cannot be one’s only path to promotion. Customized post cards, carry bags, pens, and bookmarks have been another means of promotion that I’ve found to be successful.

Q: What projects are you working on at the present?
A: I’m currently writing Wraith III: Influx. It’s the concluding book to my Wraith series.

Q: What do your plans for future projects include?
A: Goodness. I have many. However, one that really sticks out is a sequel to my mystery/thriller, Stalker. I’d originally planned on it being just one book with no continuation, but it’s been so well received, that I’ve actually been toying with some ideas of a sequel.

Connect with the author

• Website: wraithphoenixofficial.com
• Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/3CEB656

Now available in print and on Kindle!