Author Life with Robin Schroeder

We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind, or minds, behind the novel.

Robin Schroeder is the author behind the new space fantasy epic ‘The Beast Among Us’.

 

 

What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?

 

 The most important things I have accomplished in my life are my education, my family, and my career. I grew up in a very poor area of Texas where most of my family tree lived and died. I decided at an early age I wanted more for myself. While my three siblings dropped out of high school, I finished with a gusto graduating in three years with a 4.0. I proceeded to earn a M.S. and entered the work force as a professional. I am proud of my succession from a field worker to a leadership position in a large manufacturing company. I was able to travel internationally and visit 49 of the 50 states between college adventures and work assignments. I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and never passing on an opportunity. Along the way, I married and raised three beautiful daughters who have grounded me. No more sky diving for mom! Balancing an aggressive career with a family is not easy, but again I am happy with my efforts on both fronts.

 

 

 

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

 

 I had no access to technology as a child. We had one TV but were never allowed to watch the few satellite channels we received. There were no computers or phones, and very few human interactions out in the countryside. Books were always my refuge. I learned to read quickly in school and preceded to read every piece of literature I could put my small hands on. Neighbours would give me books for my birthday, which I cherished. One school day I discovered this incredible place called a public library. I will never forget my awe at the towering shelves full of stories. The books I read captivated my imagination. I have always wanted to contribute to that world, and, with any luck, I will be part of some other child's happy memories.

 

 

 

What book or author has had the biggest impact on you and why?

 

I have read hundreds of books and they all have impacted me in their own way. Thank you to all the authors out there! My favorite book as a child was The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. I was impressed by a young lady who refused to surrender to her siltation and instead molded herself to thrive in it. I wanted to always be as bold and brave as she was. She inspired me to join the varsity sailing team in college, to explore the depths of untamed caves, to rock climb, to hike and camp in primitive areas, to sky dive, and to travel the world. I hope Charlotte would consider me a kindred spirit. The conversations we would have if she could step outside those pages!

 

 

 

How would you summarise your book?

 

In The Beast Among Us you will follow a young hero who believes he needs to fix the world. He makes the mistakes we all have made when we were young and were forced to grow up too quickly. You will find adventure, laughter, and violence. Of course, any good book has an even better villain. The villain in The Beast Among Us gives me cold shivers. Happy reading!

 

 

 

What were your first experiences with writing?

 

Like most of us, I had many opportunities to write in school. There were essays and projects and term papers. I remember the teacher in sixth grade reading my paper to the entire class as an ideal example. I always enjoyed those assignments more than the rest of my classmates. I also had the opportunity to memorize Patrick Henry's speech Give me Liberty or Give me death! written in 1775. Speaking the words and thinking about his life in the Revolutionary War helped me start to realize how the right words could give characters true depth. I will never be eloquent as Patrick Henry, but I aspire to create stories that move the reader.

 

 

 

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

 

The key ingredients to a good story are a rational storyline, fully developed characters, and a stupendous villain. Readers are creating the story in their minds as the words gently guide them. The reader's creativity is filling in the gaps and providing content that the book alone could not achieve. The storyline must be rational without gaps in logic or the reader's visualization of the story will be disrupted. We have all experienced that discomfort when watching a movie or show where something happens that is completely unbelievable. You also want the reader to be able to relate to one of the characters by giving them emotions and back stories. They have to be as real as possible to keep a reader's interest. Finally, the most important component, you must have a good villain. Everyone loves to hate the villain. The protagonist will grow and develop faster if the conflict is intense. If you couldn't guess, I like writing adventure stories.

 

 

 

How long do you spend writing every day?

 

I try to find time at least once a week where I can sit and write for several hours. I find it easier to write several pages at once than trying to write a little at a time. It is difficult to get that time with three children running wild in the house, but my family typically will allow me the time I need.

 

 

 

How long did you spend writing this novel?

 

I started writing as a hobby when I had spare time. Between finishing my Masters degree, having kids, and developing my career, I had little spare time. I did not think about publishing at first so I would put the manuscript down for years at a time. It was only after I was close to finishing that I committed to the goal of getting the book published. My first book in total took 10 years to complete.

 

 

 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

 

The most challenging part of writing is believing it was a worthwhile effort. It takes time, concentration, and dedication to write the story and then complete the editing process. There are so many other things that you could use the time for, take the kids to the park, do the laundry, read more work emails, and on and on. If you want to write, you have to be serious about it or it will quickly take the back seat to everything else in your life.

 

 

 

What did you find most helpful when writing this book?

 

 Meeting people through work has been the most helpful part of my literary journey. People are amazingly diverse in their thoughts, words, and actions. Embracing the spectrum of human characteristics has helped me develop a more diverse character base.

 

 

 

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

 

My life has progressed as a result of my choices. There were some good and some bad, but they all helped me get to this point. I wouldn't change anything.