Interview: Author Ann Bakshis on 10th Anniversary of Wasteland, book business, writer's block, upcoming releases and much more
Since her first published book in 2015, indie fiction author Ann Bakshis has released more than 26 titles and counting, some of which are series. Most recently, she has released a 10th Anniversary version of her popular bestselling three-book series Wasteland. Baskhis’ books venture into the genres of dystopian, paranormal romance, sci-fi and fantasy.
Get to know Bakshis as she shared her time for this OOTB interview to discuss re-releasing and celebrating Wasteland, the book business, author community, coping with writer’s block, her current writings in progress, and much more.
How did you approach the re-imagined 10th Anniversary version of Wasteland compared to the original?
This series has always been my favorite, so I wanted to make sure that I did it justice with the new cover.
Since it’s been 10 years, my writing has greatly developed and I’m more familiar with the industry, so with the help of my cover designer (who I’ve been with since the beginning) we collaborated on what the new cover should entail, such as how to tie it better into the story line than the original.
I think it captures the essence of the story way differently and is much improved over the original.
Being in the book business for more than a decade, what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome that?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced, and still do, is marketing. I’m not a great salesperson and it’s always difficult when you’re trying to sell your image or ideas to complete strangers.
Most of the time I have no idea what to say. Characters are a lot easier to talk to than people.
I do get assistance from other authors that I’ve become friends with over the years, or Facebook groups I’ve joined, but also just simply gritting my teeth and throw myself out there and hope for the best.
I’ve been a vendor at C2E2 since 2016, and that has really helped me start to brand myself and get some notice. It’s a small start, but it’s never easy or quick. It just takes time.
On the flip side, what’s been the best part(s) of the book business and being an author?
To me the best part of being an author is allowing my imagination to take over.
I’ve always written stories since I was a kid and wanted to know what it was like to live as someone else, go on adventures, explore strange worlds, and what better way to do that other than in a book.
I also get to write what I love to read, stories that I find fascinating that haven’t been told yet, or a new twist on an old trope.
What I love about the book business are all the other authors you befriend. We share advice, the do's and don’t's in the book business world, and there’s always lots of encouragement when you start to struggle. It’s a community that I’m thrilled to be a part of.
Do you ever face the infamous so-called writer’s block? How do you overcome that?
Writer’s block is the worst and can be caused by so many varying factors.
Normally it’s the motivation that I’m lacking because there’s either so many other things going on in my life, or I just don’t want to write and just play computer games instead or spend time with my daughter.
When it does happen, I’ll force myself to sit at my desk, turn on my laptop, open whatever manuscript I’m currently working on, and just stare at the screen, sometimes all day.
I’ll have music playing in the background, hoping it’ll help jar my muse when she’s decided to play hooky.
I just never give up and try to push through until the block breaks, which it does eventually.
Which book or series has been your favorite to write and how so?
My favorite series is my first one, Wasteland, and not just because it’s the first.
I spent 4 years writing it, so the main character Meg/Trea is very dear to me. I find her story fascinating, as well as the other characters who I’ve become attached to.
I will say this series has the most Easter eggs in it with regard to my real life. That was a lot of fun to slip those tidbits in throughout the story.
It’s also the series I will go back and re-read when I’m having writer’s block because it makes me happy and is what allowed me to become an author.
Who are some of your personal favorite authors and books?
I’m a HUGE Hunger Games’ fan! Katniss Everdeen is by far my favorite literary character. I can’t wait to read ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ and learn more about Haymitch’s story during his Quarter Quell.
If you weren’t an author, what would you see yourself doing?
I once thought about going into acting. When I was younger I went to several ‘cattle calls’. If that didn’t pan out, which it didn’t [laughs], I’d probably would’ve become a teacher like my mother and aunt.
What are you currently working on? What can readers expect next and how soon?
My plan is to re-release all three books in the Wasteland series this year with new covers.
I have a science fiction series called The Celestials that needs to be completed (working on the last book now).
I’m also hammering out the second book in my paranormal romance series Relic Hunter, which I’m aiming to have completed by fall.
There are a couple of YA projects that I’m currently world building, so there will be a lot coming out in the next couple of years.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and I look forward to sharing new stories with you when they’re finally done.
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