Guard your creative time and space. If you aren’t writing no other advice matters.
Middle-grade fantasy author J. C. Cervantes began writing when her daughter asked to write a story about her teddy bear. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. She talks to us about writing magic, reading widely and walking off writer's block.
Please give us a brief overview of yourself and your work
I write books where magic is always involved. Mostly I write middle-grade fantasy fiction with reluctant heroes who have been outcast in some way. There are usually monsters too.
What made you want to be an author?
I have always been a voracious reader but had never thought of myself as a writer, never mind an author. But I have always been a storyteller. And when my youngest daughter asked me to write her a story about her beloved stuffed bear, my journey began, and I have never looked back.
You are passionate about diversity in children’s literature. Why do you think this is so important and how can we better promote diversity through literature?
Books are powerful extensions of hope, and truth, and understanding. Kids need to see themselves in the pages of books, they need to feel valued, and they need to learn to see beyond their own lives, recognizing and celebrating others. When we teach respect and enhance empathy, we not only heal ourselves, we heal the world.
Do you have a writing routine?
I am definitely a morning writer. So, I try really hard to build my schedule around this. Evenings are best for edits. And when I get stuck I go for a walk versus staring at the screen.
How do you outline your work and begin writing?
I wish I could tell you I have a solid go-to process, but every book is different. It took me a long time to join my fellow outliners but when I did, I wondered what took me so long. I have used poster boards with post its, Word, journals, Scrivener. It all depends on what ignites the story.
Do you have any tips for a productive writing day?
Take care of your body. I know it goes without saying, but hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I also think some form of exercise does wonders for the mind and creativity. And turn off the phone. If I leave mine on, I get interrupted and too often lack the discipline to not check social media.
Is there any particular incident that has happened along your writing journey that you’d like to share?
When I was a newbie and querying agents, I had a well-known agent call me to request a full. I thought it was a prank call and when I realized it wasn’t, I got so nervous I promptly told the agent I was busy doing kid carpool and would have to get back to them.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Read widely, not just in your preferred genre. Read craft books, attend retreats as you are able, join writing organizations, but most of all—write. Write without criticism. Write what moves you, write what you love, and what you want to read. Tell the story only you can tell. And above all, be authentic and be kind.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for new authors?
Internally, overcoming the fear. We are riddled with doubt and worry and the big question: what if I’m not good enough. Externally, navigating the publishing world can be daunting so try and find a support group of other writers who you can lean on and lend support to.
What methods of book marketing do you find the most effective?
Boy, I wish I had a good answer for you. If your publisher doesn’t have a marketing budget for your book, there are other things you can do to get the word out. Social media. Giveaways. Networking. Connecting with your local bookstores for events. Follow authors on social media to see what they are up to. I have seen some pretty clever and creative methods used.
What struggles did you face in the writing and publishing process?
In terms of the writing: The doubt can be more than challenging but you just have to push through it and I hate to say it but it never gets easier. In terms of publishing? Ha. All the rejections!
What is the best writing advice you have received?
Guard your creative time and space. If you aren’t writing no other advice matters.
You can find out more about J. C. Cervantes via her website and social media channels: Twitter and Instagram.
