This week, we interviewed Sonja Kestal, a captivating author of thrillers and fantasy dramas. Sonja reflected on her relationship with Inkitt, and shared her creative wisdom and plans for the future.
Hi Sonja, thank you for chatting to us! As a successful Inkitt Icon, what are your top tips for authors who are just starting out?
I’d always advise beginner authors to plan their story in advance. Plot, characterisation and grammar are key to creating a good story. Without a solid, thought-out plot, a story can become too predictable and readers can get bored. If the characterisation isn’t good, the reader won’t be able to connect with your story. And if the grammar isn’t good, then readers will stop reading because it’ll be too hard to understand.
Those are three essential building blocks for literary success, we agree. Has Inkitt been a source of inspiration to you?
Ever since I joined Inkitt, it has inspired me to keep on writing even when I get writer’s block. Inkitt inspires me because it’s one more chance for me to become a world-famous author, and it is a step towards having my book published. Inkitt is an opportunity that can change your life if you really work for it.
That’s true, it really can! Are you able to describe Inkitt in 3 words?
‘Opportunity, inspiration and new beginnings.’ Inkitt provides the opportunity to become something more. It inspires you by giving you lots of great novels right at your fingertips. And Inkitt may just be the new beginning to a potential career.
Beautifully put – it’s encouraging to know that the work we do motivates fantastic authors like you. Focussing on your creative process, please could you describe your ideal writing setup?
I’d say that my ideal writing set up would be sitting on my bed with a blanket over my lap. That way, I’m alone with the peace of my own mind. I can get easily distracted by the TV or radio, so being in my room where it’s quiet allows me to think clearly and become inspired without any disruptions.
That sounds ideal. As a writer, are you a night owl or an early bird?
I’m definitely a night owl. After a long day, writing is my way of relaxing. My mornings are really busy, so I feel most at ease in the peaceful calm of the evening.
Cool! Do you prefer creating heroes or villains?
I prefer writing villains because my stories are filled with darkness. I find it much easier to write about villainous characters, rather than creating a predictable hero that always loses the first battle and wins the last one. It’s not my style. Although, in my book Caltropia, there aren’t really any heroes because most of the characters are both good and bad.
Enigmatic characters always make for an intriguing read. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself as a writer in 10 years time?
I see myself as a published author with my book on store shelves. My main focus will be working on new books, and hopefully I’ll be recognised for my talent and ideas. I never plan to stop writing.
We’re sure that your readers will be overjoyed to hear that. To finish off, what genres would you like to try out in future?
In future, I’d like to try out two genres: science fiction and historical fiction. They are different to what I normally write, and experimentation will improve my writing style. The more genres I know, the better my writing skills will become – it’s always good for me to try new things.
Indeed, it’s exciting to challenge yourself and write outside your comfort zone. Best of luck and thanks for chatting to us!
