Steve Schatz, author of the YA fantasy adventures “Adima Rising” and “Adima Returning,” recently sat down to chat characters, writing, and more with the U.K.’s Library Of Erana blog. Here’s what he had to say about the Adima message and his top tip for new writers.
Are your characters based on real people?
Not specifically. I use pieces from everywhere to grow the characters. I listen to a lot of comics (Louie C.K., Sarah Silverman, Eddie Izzard, Margaret Cho, and others). I remember particularly pithy remarks. I steal character traits from people I like and don’t like. That’s how I start. Then, as the characters take form, they develop their own voice.
Is there a message conveyed within your writing? Do you feel this is important in a book?
I have several specific messages in the Adima series. The most important is to take aware, creative action and to take responsibility for making your decisions. If your action works, great. If not, learn and share what you’ve learned. In “Adima Rising,” a major message is also the importance of creating one’s own connection to the sacred, not mindlessly turning such an important, personal decision over to someone else.
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers?
Write. It’s amazing to me how difficult it is to turn what’s in my head into something on the page. There’s a big difference between thinking about writing and writing. I use Mr. Steve’s 15-minute rule. I promise myself that I will write 15 minutes a day, no matter what. If I do that, I’m good. Many times, once I get going, I will write longer. However, I only commit to 15 minutes.
Enjoy the full interview here 
