An Interview with Stephen J. Ethier: Author of The Void Revealed

Stephen J. Ethier has a lifelong interest in science fiction and fantasy. He has published over 35 non-fiction books. This is his first novel, for which he designed the cover art. Ethier lives on the east coast of Canada with his wife of 37 years, Christine, and their three fur babies, Frodo, Tessa and Tinkie.

Tell us about your book.

The Void Revealed is ultimately about perseverance and triumph. The cyclical Fury has destroyed Elspa, the City of Carvings, and all that remains is the community of Windhold perched high atop the Spire while the forbidden Void lies below, a barren land filled with the Red Death that appeared with the last blistering hot winds of the Fury. The residents of Windhold live their lives governed by the theocratical Brotherhood and the secular leadership of the Sentinel. The corruption inside the spiritual body within Windhold has grown and twisted and ultimately left all the peoples at the mercy of a madman.

The only hope of the people is the Aspirant, Elise, who has been groomed to replace the Sentinel and bring a reasonable approach to an ever more radical community. When the Aspirant is intentionally stranded in the Void by a Brotherhood implemented scheme, Brand, a Sentry Guard and his team venture into the forbidden Void to recover her. What they find there is hardly the barren land they expected, and it has them questioning everything they have been taught about the history, the science, and the spiritual meanings behind their entire culture. You’ll enjoy meeting the wide variety of characters that populate these pages from Kree, an enormous black bird that communicates with Brand, to Chuff, a large, bipedal feline, who adopts Elise as her sister.

Why did you want to write a book?

I’ve been telling stories all my life. I have many stories in my head that I have never read before, so I want a chance to tell them to others. I’ve always been intrigued by how science fiction and fantasy tell so much about our current world. Writing makes be happy. I have no offspring of my own and these books are my children. I enjoy creating worlds and populate them with interesting characters that take on a life of their own.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

Although I have gone the traditional publisher route for the non-fiction technical books I have written, I wanted to try the self-publish route.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

To write the book I used a writing software called Scrivener. It is a great application for building and assembling all the necessary materials all in one place. Since I have a background in graphics, I used a software called Photoshop to produce and tweak various graphics required the cover and promotional material. Since I had no experience in the self-publishing world, I chose Kindle Direct Publishing because they are the largest player in the industry. Using them, not only would I be able to publish an eBook but also a printed book with no direct setup cost.

Would you self-publish again?

Depending on the success of this first endeavor I may continue to use the self-publishing route. If self-publishing proves to be a failure, I will hire an agent and pursue a more traditional publisher route.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

Not having the book reviewed enough. I hired an editor to review the book and make comments and suggestions as well asking those in the same genre to give their feedback. Since I had already published technical books I realized that I had to have a thick skin not to take the constructive criticism to heart. Not enough marketing for the book. It didn’t take me long to realize that to get my book noticed I had to promote the novel. I researched many sources on self-publishing. They gave me many valuable tips and techniques. One is that you need to get reviews of your book either by those that review for free or by paid means. The other was to make yourself a present on social media. Even in traditional publishing you will still have to make an effort to self-promote.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

In addition to what I answered to the previous question, use your local market but pursuing book signing opportunities, seek local book clubs to address, and ask any and all social and business contacts to promote your book.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

Developing the massive amount of patience required as things do not happen remotely within your desired time frame. Learning to temper your frustration with large amouts of tissues and rum toddies.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

When I’m in a writing period, I try to block out three to four hours everyday to create with weekends off.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

First and foremost is not put pressure on myself. One way to avoid writers block that has worked for me is that I don’t force myself to write on the current project. The goal is to complete the project I am working on, but writers block is a great time to explore other projects. It keeps you writing but doesn’t put the pressure on you to only focus on the current project. It keeps you in the mental framework to write.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

The book I wrote is mainly a fantasy book with science fiction undertones. Since this is the fiction I like to read it seemed like the obvious choice to express my views.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

I have a variety of writing inspirations for various reasons. Larry Niven’s Ringworld for the interesting characters are their varied traits. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle for its use of metaphors to illustrate ideas and concepts. Homer’s Odyssey for the depiction of a hero’s journey to return home and the mythical creatures he and his crew encounter.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My wife is an extreme supporter. She was a technical writer, taught literature, and was a newspaper editor. My few family members and friends all read my book and expressed admiration for it. Even my family physician who does read fantasy thoroughly enjoyed it and said, “It could easily be made into a movie.”

What are your plans now your book is published?

Take a short breather from writing and go on some sort of trip. Of course, I will still keep marketing my book. That never stops.

Why did you write about this particular subject?

Even though this book is fantasy it draws attention to what is going on around the world today.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

I’ve learned how happy I am when writing. I’ve always been creative in my life’s endeavors but writing gives me a satisfaction that is hard to equal. It is painful to be taken away from that joy to go through the process to publish and market my writing.

What’s next for you as an author?

The Void Revealed is the first in a four book series, Origo Essentia, and I am busy working on all of them simultaneously. If I get stumped on one I move to one of the others. As well, I have other numerous ideas and concepts to get down. So, I will be busy writing for a long time to come.