I’m often asked where I get ideas for stories. Part of being a writer involves learning to pay attention to little things in your daily life. Whether it’s an overheard conversation, an interaction between co-workers, a story on the news, or questions you ask yourself about something you’ve seen/heard, story ideas start as little moments. It’s your job as the writer to fill in the details.
For many writers, another great source for materials is dreams. I’ve always had vivid dreams. As a child, I would even sleepwalk occasionally in an attempt to act out parts of a dream. In recent years, I started keeping a notebook on my bedside table so that when I wake up, I can write down the dream as quickly as possible. You never know when an idea from a dream will lead you to a big idea.
This was the case for Shayla Raquel. She has been following her dreams, literally and figuratively, in her career as an editor and writer.
I first met Shayla through online writing groups. I started following her on social media, and then her blog and website. (I even found out she lives in the same city where I went to high school. Small world.) Eventually, we connected through a book launch team I was a part of, and which she helped organize for another writer.
So, when she needed beta readers for her own novel, I jumped at the chance.
Shayla recently self-published her debut novel, THE SUICIDE TREE. The initial creative spark for the book came from a dream. Although she didn’t remember the whole thing, she began playing with an idea from it for an eccentric character that eventually would up in the book.
The story centers around Knox Kevel, a computer hacker trying to escape his past. But when he meets Arlo Jensen, a man with a multiple personality disorder, he is drawn back into a world of technology, mystery, and international intrigue. Arlo hires Knox to help him uncover the truth about the origins of his multiple personalities.
In this interview, Shayla offers a glimpse into her writing process for THE SUICIDE TREE, as well as her experiences as an editor and business owner. She also talks about the importance of encouragement from fellow writers. Her unique background as both an editor and writer
Q: How did you get into working as an editor?
SHAYLA: I started as a copywriter for a publisher at age 20, nearly 21. After six months, the supervisor asked me to apply for the copyeditor position. Right before I hit send on the email to decline the position, I called my sister. I felt like I wasn’t old enough, good enough, smart enough, and so on. Thankfully, my sister told me to apply anyway and figure it out as I go along. I applied and got the job. I’ve been in the publishing industry ever since. It wasn’t until 2013 that I started my own company, though—one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Working for myself is a blast, but working one-on-one with authors is my dream. I’ve edited over 300 books. Some of my favorite projects that I’ve worked on are 1929 by M. L. Gardner, The Mason List by S. D. Hendrickson (I’ve edited all four of her novels), Hope of Ages Past by Bruce Gardner, Dishonor by David Mike, Redefine Rich by Matt Ham, Get Picked by Aurora Gregory & David Pitlik, Give Your Kids a Break by Kim Fredrickson, The Starks Trilogy by Nesly Clerge (I’ve marketed all 6 of his novels), and Quarter-Life Calling by Paul Sohn. I have edited for Penguin Random House, Thomas Nelson, and DaySpring.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer for yourself as well?
SHAYLA: Yes, since age 16. I knew I wanted to become a writer after reading Stephen King’s memoir. I read every book the library had on writing. I devoured all I could on the topic. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me, but I’ve been in love with books since I was a child. It only made sense for me to become a writer. I’m too passionate about it to live without it.
Q: I know you took quite a while to finish your novel. Where did the original idea come from? What obstacles did you encounter during the writing process?
SHAYLA: The original idea started with a dream that I’ve since forgotten. Throughout the years, I’d play around with this character (Arlo) who had multiple personalities. It wasn’t until May 2015 that I finally started writing my novel (The Suicide Tree). It took a little over three years to finish my book. The biggest obstacles were plot holes, writer’s procrastination, and self-doubt. My biggest fear was, “I’m an editor. What if someone reads this, hates it, and won’t work with me?” That’s what I thought: that my novel wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t a great writer—even though I had years of experience. That’s what self-doubt does: it seeks to destroy your creativity. But there are ways to fight back. Join a local writers’ group, get rid of stress, forgive yourself, try writing challenges, read books you love, and go for a walk. Walking helps more than you realize when you’re in a creative slump. I highly recommend Pep Talks for Writers by Grant Faulkner (executive director for NaNoWriMo).
Q: What gave you the motivation to finally finish writing the book?
SHAYLA: Thankfully, once I joined/took over the Yukon Writers’ Society here in Oklahoma, everything changed with my self-doubt. My stagnant book was finished within six months of joining the group. The accountability, feedback, and encouragement I received changed everything for me. In fact, I’m very, very close to the writers in that group. I’m forever grateful to them. If you aren’t part of a local writing group, I’m begging you to join one. Don’t have one? Start one! (If you’re interested in starting a local writers’ group, here’s Shayla’s advice.)
Q: When working with new authors, what are some of the biggest issues you see?
SHAYLA: They do not read in their genre, and for some, they don’t read at all. What on God’s green earth are you doing trying to become a writer if you aren’t reading? It boggles my mind. Second, they don’t understand their genre (due to not reading in it) so they wind up writing a story that makes zero sense with their proposed genre. Finally, they do not understand what it takes to craft realistic, believable dialogue. (Hint: Buy The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman, and thank me later.)
Q: For those seeking an editor, what advice can you give in terms of how to pick an editor and what to expect?
SHAYLA: First, know your genre and know what kind of editing you need (developmental, content, copyediting). Second, understand that professional editors aren’t cheap. Third, do your research. Is this editor really who she says she is? What do her testimonials look like? Go check out the books she’s edited on Amazon. Look at the reviews. Any complaints on the editing? I think you should always go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling, walk away. For more information on finding the right editor, check out Shayla’s post here.
Shayla Raquel’s novel began as a literal dream. But her dream of owning a business, working with authors, and now, being a published author herself, came from years of following her passions and working hard. Whether your dream is to write, build a business, or complete another type of passion project, fear and doubt will always be there. By understanding your passions – your dreams – you can push aside the doubts and create something amazing.
Go check out THE SUICIDE TREE today! You can get more information and purchase the book through Shayla’s website or on Amazon. And for great advice on all things writing, self-publishing, book launches, and online marketing, head over to Shayla’s social media and blog updates!
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Thank you so much for this interview, Melanie! You’ve always been such a loyal supporter. I appreciate you!
Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions, Shayla!. It’s always fun to hear about how other creative people work and how they put their passions into action. I can’t wait to read the final version of The Suicide Tree! Best of luck with the book!