I have a Master's degree, I speak Spanish, I've lived years overseas, I've been self-employed since I was 6, and I married a Colombian. My father was a magazine editor and I grew up writing. I try to put the most story in the fewest words without unnecessary dialog and hope my books can support my family when I'm gone. Authors approach books differently. I won't start a story until I have a unique twist or premise, then develop a detailed story arc. George Bernard Shaw said he doesn't write stories, but creates characters who beget them. Stephen King gets an idea and starts without knowing how it will end, while John Grisham won't begin a book until he summarizes each chapter on a card. Characters often take on a life of their own and Voltaire said it's not a tragedy unless the most like-able character dies. A protagonist must suffer for readers to feel sympathy, so everyone in A Game of Thrones suffers often. It's better to be a great storyteller than a great writer because awesome prose can't save a weak plot. I prefer to entertain than impress. You may contact me at MagnusMaximusSaga@gmail.com