Dragon Soul Press took the opportunity to interview S.E.M. Ishidea, an author featured in Across Time, Fairy Rites, and Dragons and Heroes!

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1) Introduce yourself!

I’m a technical communicator for a multinational technology company and a speculative fiction author whose publications include children’s books and short stories. I graduated with a BA in humanities and an MS in technical communication. Besides writing, I have an array of interests, including sewing and toy
collecting, and I enjoy stories in various forms, such as books, films, and games.

2) What prompted you to begin writing?

My parents read to me when I was a child and made up their own stories to tell to me. I started writing my own fiction in elementary school and simply haven’t stopped.

3) Do you have a favorite story or poem you’ve written? What’s it about?

My first published book, Nick Newton Is Not a Genius, will always have a special place in my
heart. It’s a reverse child genius story that features an “average” boy who lives in a family of geniuses. Although he’s not a brilliant scientist like his mom, a talented artist like his dad, or a know-it-all like his older sister, Nick’s compassion and curiosity make him stand out if I do say so myself.

4) What is your writing process like?

I love writing longhand so much that you can see the bulge of a callous near the middle fingernail on my left hand. I like longhand to jot down ideas and get first drafts out of my head. When I type up the initial draft, I try to do a bit of editing along the way. After the draft is digitized, I can edit it further.

5) Where do you draw inspiration from?

Story fuel is everywhere. In grad school I contributed cartoons to the student newspaper. As much as I enjoy science fiction and fantasy, these cartoons related to everyday life, such as how difficult it is to get out of bed on a cold morning. Similar to these cartoon ideas, story inspiration can spring from firsthand experience or other stories I learn about.

6) Who is your favorite author / what is your favorite book?

Despite my usual preference for happy endings, I’m fascinated by George Orwell’s 1984. I recently read a
graphic novel interpretation of this captivating dystopian novel and have also read other Orwell books beyond 1984 and Animal Farm.

7) What is one goal you have for your writing future?

Practically, I want to simply keep at it. Life can get busy, and other responsibilities and hobbies can easily eat into writing time, but I hope I don’t stop pursuing the craft of fiction. However, if we’re considering
more fantastical dreams, I’d love to have official merchandise someday, such as plush toys or action figures, that readers can purchase along with my stories.

8) What do you hope readers enjoy most from your work?

Whether readers pick up one of my more comical pieces or a more serious story, I hope they have fun reading it. I wouldn’t have stuck with writing for this long or endured so many rejection letters if I didn’t find any fun in it. I hope my readers have fun, too.

9) Where can readers learn more about you?

I’m on Instagram and Facebook. I also have a website and an Amazon author page.