Interview with Milton J. Davis
The acclaimed "Black Panther" author of Afrocentric Fantasy speaks about his writing process.
Milton Davis is an extraordinary science fiction & fantasy writer and champion for POC inclusion in the sci-fi/fantasy industry. I met him via a Facebook group we’re both in devoted to the presence of African Americans in Science Fiction. If you’ve never heard the terms “Sword & Soul,” “Cyberfunk” or “Steamfunk” you would be doing yourself a favor by checking out some of his stories. His latest book, “Eda Blessed II” is available now.
What inspires your writing?
I originally began writing to create stories with people that look like me as the main characters. I get my inspiration from a variety of sources, but mainly history, music, and art.
What is your process of developing characters?
I don’t have much of a process. The story is the first thing that comes to mind, then I develop characters based on what I need them to do in the story. I create as I go, adding more details about the characters as the story requires. Truth be told, I don’t know how the character is going to react to certain situations until the situation presents itself. That’s part of the fun in writing.
Do you Start with a story outline or do you make it up as you go along?
I don’t do outlines. I hate them. They’re like work to me. I’m a panster. I have a general idea of how the story will flow and how it’s going to end. I fill in the blanks as I write.
How much research did you need for your latest story?
Eda Blessed II didn’t take a lot of research. We built the world of Ki Khanga a few years ago and I’ve written a number of stories in that world.
What researching methods did you use?
In the past most of my research was done with physical books. These days I rely heavily on Google, although I still purchase physical books as well. The main thing is to seek out at least three sources on each topic to confirm what you find.
Did you draw on personal experience?
Since Eda Blessed II is Sword and Soul, so not much personal experience was required. I will say that the main character Omari Ket is a composite character of a few of my old friends.
How did you publish?
I self published.
Why did you do it that way?
At the time I was contemplating publishing, not many publishers were interested in science fiction and fantasy based on African/African Diaspora culture. I also wanted the opportunity to have my own business again.
What advice would you have for writers looking to publish the way you published?
Be prepared to do a lot of work outside of writing if your goal is to make money doing it.
Do you use beta readers? How do you secure them?
I do use beta readers. The best way to secure them is to volunteer to be one.
How many revisions did it take to get a final draft of your most recent novel?
It depends on the novel. I do at least five revisions. Some books might take more.
What are some of your methods for establishing a believable and immersive setting you stories?
It’s all about the details. The more you give the reader, the easier it is for them to visualize. But don’t bog them down with details also. Be precise. Choose the right words that help you build scenes without overwhelming the reader.
What methods do you use to put your own cultural twist on conventional story genres like Vampires, Steampunk and Cyberpunk?
Sometimes it’s as little as making the main character Black. Other times is placing the character in a situation that is unique to the African/African Diaspora experience of the main character.
What are you writing now?
I’m currently working on Black Rose, a historical fiction novel that takes place in Japan and East Africa during the 15th century. It’s about a Swahili merchant who has become the guardian of a Japanese princess after her parents were murdered.
What is your advice to other writers?
Write your passion, and write every day. If you do both, you’ll find your voice and your audience.
Be sure to check out Milton’s latest book at these links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eda-Blessed-II-Milton-Davis/dp/1737227711/ref=sr_1_1?
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eda-blessed-ii-milton-davis/1139535730?ean=9781737227717