What have you written so far?

Fiction:

Chaos Rising: The Erstallius Chronicles, Volume One

The Rhysu Alternative: The Erstallius Chronicles, Volume Two

Non-Fiction:

Lawless Tradition: God’s Victory Despite Christendom’s Failure

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

My love for science-fiction began while I was still in grade school. I have always enjoyed investigating new ideas in science and technology. Merging those two subjects via writing seemed a natural thing to do.

My non-fiction work results from my years of research, and my desire to share my discoveries with other people. Knowledge is the key to understanding.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After I penned my first short story. That hand-written prose was lacking the same skill I have today, but I wrote a complete story that impacted those who read it. This may have only been a personal victory, a goal reached that didn’t end in professional accolades with a monetary award, but it was a goal completed. My first step toward more writing and more goals.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing?

I am a persistent writer. I write until the project is done. The only thing that affects my fiction is the plot. If I hit a roadblock, I analyze what went wrong, fix it and move on. For non-fiction, I spend more time doing research. Once satisfied I have enough material, the writing flows.

Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?

I usually begin in the afternoon, after other responsibilities are out of the way. The time I spend writing is variable, based on the subject set before me. Some chapters take more time than others, and I never rush just to create more pages. I spend more time on the first draft, as that creates the foundation for the project. During this time, I ignore all distractions unless absolutely necessary.

Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?

My fiction writing starts with a simple idea that grows into a brief outline, then blooms into a detailed plot. I then insert characters as needed and adjust the plot as the characters demand. We can’t play the game until the rules are set and the players are chosen.

Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?

Bev was first written as a minor character in a prologue to the story, and would not have been seen after that introduction ended. She was so unnecessary to the plot she didn’t have a name. Once I finished the prologue, I saw another path and realized Bev had to be a main character for the beginning to have the best impact. As I reworked the plot, it was obvious she had to be the female protagonist. Her character arc was essential for the development of the other characters and the outcome of the story.

What role does research play in your writing?           

Research is the foundation for everything in non-fiction.

In fiction, especially science-fiction, research is how I develop the logic tree in my plot. The story must be founded in a reality that is believable to the reader. Understanding the science in our science-fiction is the only way our characters will react appropriately to what the plot reveals to them.

What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?

Writing means more than scribbling on paper, or tapping the keys on a keyboard. Writing is hard, because it is fed by our research, grows from our imagination, is honed and polished until it delivers for our readers a unique personal experience, because the mental interpretation of our words depends on the reader.

What is your next project?

First up is completing Volume Three of The Erstallius Chronicles. Bev’s story will come to an end, and I look forward to experiencing the journey.

Want to learn more about P.D. Blackwell?

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