#WritersQuick5 - Meet Author C.C. Ekeke

Welcome to week four of the #WritersQuick5 series - where we learn about writing from fellow writers. 

This week it is a privilege to feature our Q&A with science fiction author C.C. Ekeke, whose Star Brigade series continues to receive top reviews across Amazon and Goodreads. C.C.’s style combines military, science fiction and space opera fiction for unique and thrilling adventures. He has released three books in his Star Brigade space opera series as well as a novella and short story collection set in the same universe. He is currently working on book four of the series.

​Let’s see what he has to say…

Question #1: Where do you write and why do you write there?
I write at home because I would get too distracted people watching if I did it elsewhere.

Question #2: What is unique about writing for your particular genre?
One of the great aspects of writing sci-fi is the world building. You want to make sure your genre hits many of the well worn tropes that people enjoy but also introduce them to completely new worlds and aliens. Plus, its making your characters, no matter how alien, relatable.

Question #3: What are some of your grammar or punctuation pet peeves?
When someone only uses 'she said' 'he said' but doesn't convey a character's emotion outside of that.

Question #4: At what point in your writing process do you start to bring other people in to review your work?
I bring editors or beta readers in only after I have finished my first draft and given it my own editing pass.

Question #5: What advice would you give to a new writer about the writing process?
1.) Write everyday so it becomes habitual. Even if you only get a few hundred words down, it’s something.
2.) Make sure your story structure is solid before writing a word of your novel. You can start writing without an outline but not without a sound and airtight story structure in place.
3.) Whatever genre you choose to write, make sure your story is something you would want to read.
4.) Your book should get at least 1-2 passes from professional editors (not your parents or best friend mind you) before release. Typos and spelling errors can be a surefire way to tank a book's sales. No matter how good of a sell-editor you are, you will miss more errors than you realize.
5.) Make sure your cover art looks professional and hits all the right notes in your chosen genre. Check out the cover art for bestsellers in your genre on Amazon as well as the artists who did the work.
6.) Connect with other authors in your chosen genre and learn as much as you can. Networking with other writers who have the same goals or are in the place you want to be is a great motivator.
7.) Read not only books in your chosen genre, but also books that are not in your chosen genre. See why certain books are bestsellers as well as what inspiration you can draw from outside what you write.


Thank you to C.C. for these amazing answers, particularly the advice to new writers - words we should all live by. To keep in touch with C.C. please subscribe for announcements or contact him via his website & social media platforms. And please be sure to check out all of his latest work - easily purchased on Amazon, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play and Smashwords. 

Thanks again C.C. - as a fellow science fiction writer, I am thrilled to have your work featured this week!
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If you would like to be featured as a writer in the #WritersQuick5 series, please just reach out and let me know. I’d love to promote your work as well!

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