Ask the Author: Josiah DeGraaf
Answered Questions (4)
Josiah DeGraaf
My fantasy influences would largely be Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, and Pierce Brown. But for short stories in particular, I've also been very influenced by Flannery O'Connor and Ernest Hemingway. While I hadn't read him before Visions of Grandeur, I also love Ken Liu's work.
My biggest advice for aspiring short story writers is to remember that short stories aren't structured the same way as novels and are often more focused on a key moment than a sweeping narrative. Only include the parts of the story that are necessary to set up and appreciate that moment for what it is.
If you're looking for further assistance, I provide ongoing support for teen writers at the Young Writer's Workshop and also speak at a variety of writing conferences around the country. You can check out my website for more information on where I'll be next!
My biggest advice for aspiring short story writers is to remember that short stories aren't structured the same way as novels and are often more focused on a key moment than a sweeping narrative. Only include the parts of the story that are necessary to set up and appreciate that moment for what it is.
If you're looking for further assistance, I provide ongoing support for teen writers at the Young Writer's Workshop and also speak at a variety of writing conferences around the country. You can check out my website for more information on where I'll be next!
Josiah DeGraaf
My plan is to continue the series with a novella starring Sian that will be coming out sometime in 2026! Keep your eye out for more announcements this Fall on my email list about when this novella will come out.
Josiah DeGraaf
Glad you enjoyed the dilemmas in Visions of Grandeur! For me, a lot of it had to do with putting the characters in a place where I knew there weren't easy answers. And then I used the natural consequences of the character's choices to point to whether they made a good decision or not. :)
Josiah DeGraaf
I work with the cover design team at Damonza. They do incredible work and I love seeing what they put together!
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