tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57088215705097269142024-03-08T22:31:41.041+11:00Ash OldfieldAsh Oldfield - Fantasy Fiction AuthorAsh Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-26665270326001094292024-03-07T10:48:00.003+11:002024-03-07T10:48:41.545+11:00Supanova Melbourne<p> Supanova Melbourne will take place on April 6th and 7th this year at the Melbourne Showgrounds. I will be there once again and I cannot wait. It will be my first time selling <i>Witches of the Dead Kingdom</i> in person so I am super excited to be able to talk about it to a captive audience š</p><p>Mark it in your calendars!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf5ArgESG47i2wJI37DU5dRepLOA8luUXENO0EYSMaQm73WOVXC0tnXJRNxroU-MNiI9a55VqsIIGRCo5AOMUhbSvSs244-b4zKIowb0dUoyA9mg6GGvczqQUGVlvw7G9UYMEKos_ogMRULBBmg0rSpaLYoEm7kP0Drc4DSMomVPxbrpBFkaSvVsjuK72/s408/Supanova%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="408" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf5ArgESG47i2wJI37DU5dRepLOA8luUXENO0EYSMaQm73WOVXC0tnXJRNxroU-MNiI9a55VqsIIGRCo5AOMUhbSvSs244-b4zKIowb0dUoyA9mg6GGvczqQUGVlvw7G9UYMEKos_ogMRULBBmg0rSpaLYoEm7kP0Drc4DSMomVPxbrpBFkaSvVsjuK72/w400-h121/Supanova%20pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-66275227673168042492024-02-23T18:25:00.001+11:002024-02-23T18:25:00.124+11:00Have You Met Stanley?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFikjoIK8pnB1n5uUkFYnQ53YhrM8B28CmOnaIP6R2bhxiVwPYphwx32T8rHq5ND61WwhA9SE46di6gLYbnq9vz88ZoZaMW9SlYxIgSxsa_woFa3y4B-4awrn7NYSZHA6r5sO0k5mT_WM-Snex0YVzHZqzNjwjBm339zvJbnQRijvpiGFyKiOeHlbuXPfv/s4080/PXL_20240205_064419491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFikjoIK8pnB1n5uUkFYnQ53YhrM8B28CmOnaIP6R2bhxiVwPYphwx32T8rHq5ND61WwhA9SE46di6gLYbnq9vz88ZoZaMW9SlYxIgSxsa_woFa3y4B-4awrn7NYSZHA6r5sO0k5mT_WM-Snex0YVzHZqzNjwjBm339zvJbnQRijvpiGFyKiOeHlbuXPfv/w301-h400/PXL_20240205_064419491.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "ABC Oracle Plus Variable", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I recently got myself a new writing buddy - Stanley, an adorable schnoxie (miniature schnauzer x dachshund). So far he has mastered the art of sitting on my feet while I write, accompanies me on (very short) walks when I need to stretch my back, and has chewed up one of my research notebooks. Basically he's the perfect companion ;) </span><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-47485594511435021182024-02-21T19:37:00.008+11:002024-02-21T19:38:40.058+11:00All My Books Are Free for Read an Ebook Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzFZcw2cA6GRW_LBBs0SUbfB3Uk-nL_AUcj8BrzQsrUPvypvXxoPBq2k3e8BmnG_bXKSV-p59uo1Wv1R21cV123th3jwhVJcsUhyphenhyphenl-v8nWAymBVOiT8AEYNVgtge61HKAurf_l7D1rSk71MwJ7wze1vL2tvxT2pN1ar_9RYY1zUW9sU4uveEjh3ly7lhU/s600/download%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzFZcw2cA6GRW_LBBs0SUbfB3Uk-nL_AUcj8BrzQsrUPvypvXxoPBq2k3e8BmnG_bXKSV-p59uo1Wv1R21cV123th3jwhVJcsUhyphenhyphenl-v8nWAymBVOiT8AEYNVgtge61HKAurf_l7D1rSk71MwJ7wze1vL2tvxT2pN1ar_9RYY1zUW9sU4uveEjh3ly7lhU/s16000/download%20(1).png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, Readers! <br /><br />We are fast approaching Read an Ebook Week, a week that encourages readers to pick up the digital device of their choice and download a new book to read. <br /><br />I'm excited to announce that the entire Rachaya Series, as well as <i>Witches of the Dead Kingdom</i>, will be available as part of a promotion on <b>Smashwords</b> (nowhere else!) to celebrate 2024 Read an Ebook Week! This is a chance to get my books, along with books from many other great authors, at a discount so you can get right to reading. <br /><br />You will find the promo here starting on <b>March 3</b>, so save the link:<br /><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek"> https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek </a><br /><br />If you wouldn't mind taking part in promoting this celebration of Ebooks and reading, please feel free to share this promo with your friends and family. Just forward this email to anyone who would love a chance to find their next favorite book and, as the name suggests, read an ebook! <br /><br />Thank you for your help and support! <br /><br />Happy reading!</span>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-77343354299008169742023-11-29T16:40:00.000+11:002023-11-29T16:40:01.734+11:00Witches of the Dead Kingdom has arrived<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=": https://www.asholdfield.com/p/the-davies-witches-saga.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_9VDBn3sL8N_wIpaA-Sgx64amol8R5cX3K7E-DrUut8Gxcpl9REfcq7FmQ6j501oKMSPbHsBh2fja05NRw94TTK8ib8d1cm6tgC4w1UqFWdDQ0fLftGdFNn6AzT8eXA3sRRJYBYvioHpnj0bKPSJaivHWJQGcsWlfxGi-iMWjAnQijPIcNXKlB5QdUj1/s320/WOTDK%20Promo%201.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>It is here and I could not be happier with how the book launch has gone for <i><a href=": https://www.asholdfield.com/p/the-davies-witches-saga.html" target="_blank">Witches of the Dead Kingdom</a></i>. Readers, both old and new, have been really enthusiastic about this book, and I could not be more grateful for their response. Thank you so much to those of you who preordered.<p></p><p><a href="http://linktr.ee/AshOldfield" target="_blank">Here are all the ways you can purchase your copy.</a></p><p>Now that the dust has settled on the book's release I can focus on writing Book 2, as well as a bonus short story or two for my readers. I can't wait to get back to putting words on the page now that I can ease up on marketing a little bit. </p><p>Here's the blurb again: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once upon a time the almighty
Dhia walked the realm of Earth, setting themselves up as gods over the humble
mortals. Centuries have passed since their banishment and the Dhia have fallen
out of human memory. The only connection between the Otherworld and Earth that remains
is the crossing to Annwn, where the souls of the dead go to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Odd, then, that Arawn, King of
Annwn and High Lord of the Dead, has a mortal wife and stepson. The Dhia have
turned a blind eye to this oddity for now, but Motoki is nearing the age of
adulthood and his very presence in Annwn is dangerous. It would be wise for the
Dhia to remember that High Lord Arawn is not to be underestimated when it comes
to protecting his own.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Across the narrow divide on Earth
the spirits of the dead are growing restless. Spirit Seeker, Louisa, is growing
concerned, but none of the witches in her life seem to be too bothered by it.
Louisa's suspicions turn into alarm when she runs into a young man from another
world who needs her help to return to the Otherworld. But nothing is as it
seems and hidden family secrets could, at best, get them killed and, at worst,
could spark a war. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></p><p>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Witches of the Dead Kingdom</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> is the first book of an exciting new
Contemporary Adult Fantasy series by Australian author Ash Oldfield that blends
Welsh mythology with modern day magic.</span></span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/AshOldfield" target="_blank">For more regular updates, or to support my writing, you can sign up to my Patreon.</a> That's where I tend to post most of my bonus snippets, updates and other random thoughts!</p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-51132986541854646732023-11-07T13:15:00.000+11:002023-11-07T13:15:10.447+11:00Chatting about books and medieval manuscripts with TC Emerys<p> I had a lovely chat over on Instagram with fellow author TC Emerys about medieval manuscripts, writing fantasy and which characters we love the most, Check out the video below :)</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUut80oD0a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUut80oD0a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUut80oD0a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by T. C. Emerys - Writer (@tcemerys.writer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-56035560618914199562023-10-19T10:22:00.000+11:002023-10-19T10:22:27.733+11:00Witches of the Dead Kingdom Cover Reveal<p> If I have been quiet over here it is because I have been incredibly busy getting <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/asholdfield" target="_blank">Witches of the Dead Kingdom</a></i> ready for publication. Everything is now set and ready to go, so I can finally reveal my stunning cover art. Without further to-do, here it is:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/asholdfield" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxqxrQBN9btwhkKiIdl4bK1B500RrwvcInWfVoWWuxg3yBLsqM2EnMo3JkgzCBO4PyQA3oN9nDGxVzu9Qv0W5fojwsdpMRAlREz6zRicEgE248tStnE0Sj6v7i8wzrafjDHcJdmKQEAyEXtYJnaoELRtHVGZ_h9Ozl7XeFX03Fr8ybRfgnhx9hc88pRnu/w320-h400/portrait%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>*happy sigh* I have completely and utterly in love with it.<p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://linktr.ee/asholdfield" target="_blank">Witches of the Dead Kingdom</a></i> is all set to release on November 24th and is available for preorder. Click <a href="https://linktr.ee/asholdfield" target="_blank">HERE</a> for preorder options.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>From the blurb:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Once upon a time the almighty
Dhia walked the realm of Earth, setting themselves up as gods over the humble
mortals. Centuries have passed since their banishment and the Dhia have fallen
out of human memory. The only connection between the Otherworld and Earth that
remains is the crossing to Annwn, where the souls of the dead go to rest. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Odd, then, that Arawn, King of
Annwn and High Lord of the Dead, has a mortal wife and stepson. The Dhia have
turned a blind eye to this oddity for now, but Motoki is nearing the age of
adulthood and his very presence in Annwn is dangerous. It would be wise for the
Dhia to remember that High Lord Arawn is not to be underestimated when it comes
to protecting his own.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Across the narrow divide on Earth
the spirits of the dead are growing restless. Spirit Seeker, Louisa, is growing
concerned, but none of the witches in her life seem to be too bothered by it.
Louisa's suspicions turn into alarm when she runs into a young man from another
world who needs her help to return to the Otherworld. But nothing is as it
seems and hidden family secrets could, at best, get them killed and, at worst,
could spark a war. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Witches of the Dead Kingdom</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> is the first book of an exciting
new Contemporary Adult Fantasy series by Australian author Ash Oldfield that
blends Welsh mythology with modern day magic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-34603144286674561532023-08-29T08:30:00.055+10:002023-08-29T10:22:24.136+10:00Author Interview - Aminata Coote<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkm7US6hoC7fklsreVnvISXUY_dnbT2V6bSzi5hvgk-MHX6j6l2Y3IXnRkemjYueknQ-RPr0Iu_GhffZCdmzRQvlgAusTkjakyaOnkyTBytId75kK-D4mKe1JhOTgpgB6zgj0GZ4xhtkSW-0AvUbMsGXQlRb3i_t9_ZvXIdtwCroNFdO9qqzIeYG7VsoT/s3780/Aminata%20Coote%20blog%20banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1890" data-original-width="3780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkm7US6hoC7fklsreVnvISXUY_dnbT2V6bSzi5hvgk-MHX6j6l2Y3IXnRkemjYueknQ-RPr0Iu_GhffZCdmzRQvlgAusTkjakyaOnkyTBytId75kK-D4mKe1JhOTgpgB6zgj0GZ4xhtkSW-0AvUbMsGXQlRb3i_t9_ZvXIdtwCroNFdO9qqzIeYG7VsoT/s16000/Aminata%20Coote%20blog%20banner.png" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">Aminata Coote</a> fell in love with books as a child. She writes stories
that point to a God bigger than our failings and walks with us through our
trials. She is also the author of several Bible studies and devotionals for
women. Aminata lives in Montego Bay, Jamaica with her husband and son.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q1: What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">His Perfect Choice</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
is the final book in my Orange Valley series. It features Jessica Smith who was
an antagonist in <i><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">His Perfect Match</a></i> which is book one in the series.
Jessica has to learn to be honest about who she is and her needs so she can
follow her path rather than chase after unrealistic expectations. The love
interest, Andre Meyers, had been in love with Jessica for years so there's a
hint of unrequited love. Other tropes you'll find in <i><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">His Perfect Choice</a> </i>are
learning to love, redemption, and found family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE05OtlzOpXk3qKvJzp-osqwNjtx5oP0wkAMoSYdWnQWqI6jhpFpOnYlwWmSb1_iVXOLYIOoC7zkM4fo8fJbpInnhzEUIPh-JriP-8Dy90pIes0KC84zskBP6yYEzpKcOmFjyrTUgBw1cgoVJVCIE7arLk8Rwe7x0azlanlDA7p9ywDb635NEK7g3Kn91H/s320/His%20Perfect%20Choice,%20Aminata%20Coote%20-%20Amy%20Wall.png" width="201" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q2: How long does it take you to write a book?
How long does each stage of the process usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It varies. I've taken anywhere from two weeks to four
months to complete a first draft (depending on the length of the book). My
thing is challenges: I like to give myself a target to see how well I can meet
it and how I feel during the process. For me, the drafting is easier (not that
everything is perfect), but I can meet a manuscript completion date if I set my
mind to it. The part I struggle with is revisions--that takes forever! Okay,
realistically, it's probably about 2-3 months depending on how clean my first
draft is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q3: What is your favourite type of
character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I like writing characters who either start with no or
weak faith and then, as the story unfolds, they encounter God and He turns
their life around. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas,
settings and/or characters?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They say you should "write what you know"
which is one of the reasons Orange Valley is a town on an island. Now people
may read it and wonder why my characters never go to the beach, but... I've
lived on an island my whole life and we don't go to the beach as often as we'd
like. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q5: What is something you wish you had known
earlier on in your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To keep writing and talking about my books. I took a
year off to write full-time, wrote a couple of books, and sat back waiting for
the books to sell... As you can imagine, that didn't happen, at least not the
volume I was expecting. I finally realized that I had tons more books to write
and I needed to get started. I also needed to find ways to talk about what I'm
writing that invite my community to be a part of the process. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Znf6ctt--GSPp2Lbwx5zMASeVjLTRYU16X-jlqg5uW2RHACpXj9oO3Bsvr6wSHNh5Xwnvfsxm-uM6a7skqT0d6EpPWMFvAqKkzugC-2-Gixy1Nn-Nzwptap9PEd6ityEHNTxbaZkVFli9V3r-5XlTZZr0IogkJW_L-SWJso_JQbPTQHwpRLsiJGvA_1x/s1080/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Znf6ctt--GSPp2Lbwx5zMASeVjLTRYU16X-jlqg5uW2RHACpXj9oO3Bsvr6wSHNh5Xwnvfsxm-uM6a7skqT0d6EpPWMFvAqKkzugC-2-Gixy1Nn-Nzwptap9PEd6ityEHNTxbaZkVFli9V3r-5XlTZZr0IogkJW_L-SWJso_JQbPTQHwpRLsiJGvA_1x/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q6: What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I don't get writing ruts as much as I once did--not
since I started setting manuscript due dates for my books. Because I set that
deadline, I have to find a way to write. If the words aren't flowing, then I go
for a walk. This isn't always possible since I write at night, so I pace on my
roof (that's not as dangerous as it sounds). My husband is usually willing to
walk with me and I bounce ideas off him until I feel the words bubbling up. If
that doesn't work, then I work on another project. Sometimes the brain just
needs a break from the thing it's hyper-focused on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q7: What is your favourite writing
resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Reedsy Book Editor. My computer crashed in 2022
and I lost more words than I want to remember. With Reedsy, my manuscript is
automatically saved. I can write on my phone and it syncs to the cloud. Plus, I
have a built-in book formatter and e-book/paperback file generator. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q8: How would you describe your bookās
ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My ideal reader is someone who enjoys reading about
characters who remind them of themselves. People who struggle in their faith
but are ultimately able to connect to their Heavenly Father and gain victory
over their situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q9: What authors or books inspire you the
most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So many authors and books inspire me that if I were to
name that all it would take forever. I'm inspired by authors who are not afraid
to write about hard things, whose stories have characters who actively exercise
their faith and are not afraid to admit that they're Christians or that
sometimes they struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q10: What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">She Reigns</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Tarah-Lynn
Saint-Elien, <i>In This Moment</i> by Gabrielle Meyer, <i>The Next Right Thing</i>
by Emily P. Freeman, <i>Living Beyond Your Feelings</i> by Joyce Meyer.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">His Perfect Choice</a></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank"> </a>is book three in the <a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">Orange Valley series</a> and
releases on August 25, 2023</span></b></span><b style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To find out more about Aminata Coote, check out her author website a<a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">t </a></span></b><b style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">aminatacoote.com</a>, or her faith-based website at </b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://hebrews12endurance.com" target="_blank">hebrews12endurance.com</a>.</b></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" target="_blank">His Perfect Choice</a></i></span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://aminatacoote.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHKdUHYy-aW6yPVmhGMz-pfGi_29jB8VfcBsRjz9hx6uKj4YwMaKLnB7karJOavyMwm0w5kNFB8-7ir05ABs--DIv7ws-qpFsodzLWcgVgdkXgheNUdbLgj9DveobtGcQ3wPrQn3xx30CFL924hF6hhfF_jky8kjt6uthg7O-kKOY_Qqnr1xTdCIvqgZi/s320/His%20Perfect%20Choice,%20Aminata%20Coote%20-%20Amy%20Wall.png" width="201" /></a></b></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jessica Smith has always prided herself on being in control, but when
her vision of being the perfect pastor's wife falls apart, she's forced to
confront her vulnerability. As she battles weakness and fatigue, she attributes
it to a stubborn cold until a diagnosis of Guillain-BarrƩ Syndrome shakes her
world. Determined to overcome the illness, she's thrown into a challenging
journey with her physical therapist, Andre Meyers. Andre has been in love with
Jessica for years but watched her chase after someone who didn't know she
existed. When heās assigned as her therapist, he sees this as a chance to show
her how much she means to him. As they work together, they must confront their
past and discover that God can use brokenness to create a beautiful ending. Will
they take a chance on each other and find their happily-ever-after? Find out in
this heartwarming tale of hope, faith, and second chances<i>. </i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Like this interview? Please consider <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Buying Me a Coffee</a> or checking out my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/AshOldfield" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to keep them coming :)</b></span></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-55601020517585397282023-07-11T17:19:00.001+10:002023-07-11T17:19:58.024+10:00The Shadow of the King is here!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QiJPdK0Wv1a_VmcScERPhfHURRMN5D_y9HffujQitNnJeYPebxPK3WHNeK5UrLPthzf_CvWVWTBrgnqqrAYnHl0bR-RTUmJ__rTEzkRBYduMsuL9FW8_oP47E7t8MScIW-Rc1Ld8CbRKfeBDTngAC_HqD3pR0FJePC65rBkcb6BF3UTMoAJcNHNRNPtA/s2400/bonus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2400" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QiJPdK0Wv1a_VmcScERPhfHURRMN5D_y9HffujQitNnJeYPebxPK3WHNeK5UrLPthzf_CvWVWTBrgnqqrAYnHl0bR-RTUmJ__rTEzkRBYduMsuL9FW8_oP47E7t8MScIW-Rc1Ld8CbRKfeBDTngAC_HqD3pR0FJePC65rBkcb6BF3UTMoAJcNHNRNPtA/w640-h336/bonus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;">The first of an ongoing enovella series has been released, entirely free for my <a href="https://campaigns.assemblo.com/h/j/752CB3AD45F52A55" target="_blank">newsletter subscriber</a>s.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>From the blurb:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">The royal Andiril clan of the kingdom of Baeral are a strong and proud family with dark power thrumming through their veins. They are defenders of the high seas, defeaters of would-be conquerors, not to mention makers of great wine. But when tragedy strikes, she who lurks in the shadows must do what needs to be done to ensure the family line does not cease to exist. For the Andiril family is the only thing standing between the witches and utter destruction at the hands of a nation who fears them.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The Shadow of the King is a fast paced, adult fantasy novella with lots of twists and turns that sets the scene for the action-packed Ethereal Bridges novella series.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://campaigns.assemblo.com/h/j/752CB3AD45F52A55" target="_blank"><b>Sign up to my newsletter to grab your copy.</b></a></span></span></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-28422678953604040202023-05-30T08:30:00.011+10:002023-05-30T08:30:00.149+10:00Author Interview - Colleen Smith<p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXerceMevX9BNXWifOqybB0xobYKgeZ5jrZCSzRR7QZh1pZPypXHVms3C-v79nza7iEfW9CN4wLmDx12p_B5VoZ3WgQbHasc_30uZB9m-sPtxbFW-44lWrs-90usK_5Su_6f3JLQEY0Z00Rjh7PM0lyWl050Int2cOjem806-BT8vMzjpP5lyMxIMCw/s2240/Colleen%20Smith%20blog%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXerceMevX9BNXWifOqybB0xobYKgeZ5jrZCSzRR7QZh1pZPypXHVms3C-v79nza7iEfW9CN4wLmDx12p_B5VoZ3WgQbHasc_30uZB9m-sPtxbFW-44lWrs-90usK_5Su_6f3JLQEY0Z00Rjh7PM0lyWl050Int2cOjem806-BT8vMzjpP5lyMxIMCw/s16000/Colleen%20Smith%20blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">Colleen Smith</a> has always wanted
to be an author, publishing her debut novel in 2023 is a dream come true. She
is a multi-genre writer and doesnāt like to be put into a box ā just try and
get her to answer what her favorite <i>anything</i> is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">When she isnāt writing sheās
trying to figure out life and stay sane while doing it ā so far, most days
sheās succeeding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Genre: Iām
a multi-genre author, but my debut is a coming-of-age contemporary novella.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q1: </u></b><b><u>What is the name of your latest book and what is it
about?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">The Summer with Annagale</a></i> is about
a young man who is going through some difficult times. In dealing with that,
heās pushing people away and shutting down. Then he meets someone during summer!
Itās about holding onto hope, the power of friendship and seeing the world in a
different way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ5nbhflH7TkYLcBl9SbNHbOcUaQeO0Py7wuNHjLDbMrkdh7vWSofIqhTZn-5oaLK6m0M0pEsbZPs4IwP7jXm4Hi6JzGxwSzHsDlIaec-V8mCqYHfZqjzvIQgHgPU1_YYIYPYqVKzUeOA5Xrp5kc81gXK7WKatroYiewuTu4soU07sAMhfjS89drypA/s320/ebook%20coverm2-23-23.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">That all
depends on the season of life Iām in. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I love
drafting and can usually write the first draft of a book quickly. Editing takes
much longer. <br />
Writing is an ongoing process for me. While I have always written, Iām still
new to this craft and Iām still learning what works for me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">It doesnāt
seem to matter how much I may plot before writing; things always change once I
get into the head of my characters. Iām also only doing this part time; finding
moments throughout my week to write ā that definitely extends the length of how
long things take me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">The Summer with Annagale</a></i>
was the most fleshed out from the get-go, besides a few additions and tweaks,
what is being published is exactly how the story came to me in those early
morning hours. But from first draft to published book it took about two years
of stolen time to finish. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q3: </u></b><b><u>What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">Whatever
kind of character my book needs! I love seeing the various kinds of strengths
characters can have, but also seeing their vulnerability. I love exploring how
that may present itself in different types of characters. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I
definitely think that when I do my stories are stronger! That became very clear
with <i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">The Summer with Annagale</a></i>. I myself was going through a tough time,
I had lost hope and was struggling. <i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">The Summer with Annagale</a></i> draws from
a lot of those feelings and emotions. It was also therapeutic. Writing about
Aidan and Annagale helped me process what I was experiencing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on in your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">So many
things! I wish I had studied the craft more, but also trusted my instincts more.
Thereās a lot of advice for writers out there and while there is power in
learning as much as we can, we also need to understand what works for us and
what we want in our own career. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45o0yUeF62_aL8Yqz6ECtgKZl1xZhJM6rwBv8ssLbUSB38h3M3x3P_zeUcbd311sfsYw1KkE8Gb3sOGtAGLU7odNsloPaG0wZm6DSNQ0GcslDTNHP4AHqQnqhGCgcKKLdGoxOo59s0e3IMMZcEMBxYlfyvI9a6jjsVFqkhbhHYy8yLWLfDoPccAVy2w/s1080/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45o0yUeF62_aL8Yqz6ECtgKZl1xZhJM6rwBv8ssLbUSB38h3M3x3P_zeUcbd311sfsYw1KkE8Gb3sOGtAGLU7odNsloPaG0wZm6DSNQ0GcslDTNHP4AHqQnqhGCgcKKLdGoxOo59s0e3IMMZcEMBxYlfyvI9a6jjsVFqkhbhHYy8yLWLfDoPccAVy2w/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q6: </u></b><b><u>What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a
writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help the words
start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I have a few things. Usually when
that happens, Iāve been in my head too much or Iāve let expectations overwhelm
me. Stepping away and free-form journaling is one of the best practices I have.
Letting all my thoughts and feelings out on a page helps to clear my mind and
help me refocus. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">Also, talking it out with
someone. They arenāt in the thick of the story or issue and have a whole new
perspective. I canāt count the times Iāve talked to my sister or critique
partner and theyāve easily fixed an issue I was struggling with. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">And sometimes I need time away to
fill my creative well. Reading books, watching movies, doing a puzzle, or I
even like glue-booking! Thatās where I am right now. The last week or so I
havenāt written anything, but my book is in the back of my mind, my ideas percolating
ā and Iāve figured out some plot issues that, had I forced myself to write, I
wouldnāt have come to. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q7: What
is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">Books and
stories! My goal is to read more craft books this year. But also, fiction books
and watching movies are a great resource. Weāre all telling a story and the
more I consume the more I can see what Iām drawn to as a reader and breakdown
what and why I like specific things. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">While it
is a YA, itās for anyone who has ever gone through a hard time. Anyone who has
felt angry, hurt, broken, hopeless. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q9: </u></b><b><u>What authors or books inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">As Danielle from Ever After said
āI could no sooner choose a favorite
star in the heavens.ā Ever since
I was young I have loved reading. As much as Iām a multi-genre writer, Iām a
multi-genre reader. Each book I have read has inspired me! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">I
just finished the Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Iām almost
done with <i>On Wings of Ash and Dust</i> by Brittany Wang and Iāve just
started <i>The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles</i> by Julie Andrews
Edwards and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>To find out more about <a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">Colleen Smith</a> check out her <a href="https://linktr.ee/colleensmithwrites" target="_blank">linktr.ee</a> or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleensmithwrites/" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleensmithwrites/" target="_blank">colleensmithwrites</a>. <i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" target="_blank">The Summer With Annagale </a></i>is now available. From the blurb:</b></span></p><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>Can a summer change a life? Can
a moment last forever?</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">Aidanās life is falling apart ā
everything he thought he knew has been shattered. Now heās forced to spend the
summer at his momās auntās house in a small seaside town.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">Angry and hurt, he plans to
avoid everyone and everything. But when a local girl passes him multiple times
with large baskets of yellow flowers, he canāt stop his curiosity. The decision
to follow her might not only change his summer but his life as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">Is there more than meets the eye
to a Caesar salad, a yellow flower, or a seashell? Can hope and friendship be
found in a seemingly broken and confused world? The Summer with Annagale is a
reminder that there is magic in everyday life, and even in dark times hope can
still exist.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://books2read.com/TheSummerwithAnnagale" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYW9RCdOakd-8BflKF2ZtyYRbFxGyXuXSOUEnz3OE9hhysMy9hvvFD2YtNSEA4G_T94Njef_1Li1nN3EfOl1ggK13VWVCy1XCo8cMknM-sh8sYpR9BWExZsf7muGhlQ5uc5BRB32ED37Dhv2tP7s6O-cABY-RTQgzjl843RUNH94OV9IhkQiL0gPxDg/s320/TSWA%20at%20a%20glance(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me A Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b></b></span><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-40530059508282036352023-05-23T08:30:00.051+10:002023-05-23T08:30:00.147+10:00Author Interview - Meagan Johnson<p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Fje3cBEKb05A59RuNSxRNHheOkGTlRvQGZUBun-IaRuo1JLVzydwI8k_8l__Cf976X0EhZWJxXm-Bg_-BAcsNEyyy22snSS58Tj707pnNbpbrZO4zOPLgAuSixSOQAakJ2ZPw8znIut2ci3bpRHIrTfA126zLVYcezLndF2FP0cPgruJTH1qLnOHig/s2240/Meagan%20Johnson%20blog%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Fje3cBEKb05A59RuNSxRNHheOkGTlRvQGZUBun-IaRuo1JLVzydwI8k_8l__Cf976X0EhZWJxXm-Bg_-BAcsNEyyy22snSS58Tj707pnNbpbrZO4zOPLgAuSixSOQAakJ2ZPw8znIut2ci3bpRHIrTfA126zLVYcezLndF2FP0cPgruJTH1qLnOHig/s16000/Meagan%20Johnson%20blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="line-height: 107%;">I am a NA Author from Utah. <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> is my debut novel out May
22, 2023. I am married to my best friend and have the best little girl in the
world. When I'm not writing I like drawing or painting, playing video games,
reading, playing with my toddler, and gardening.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Genre: New
Adult Fantasy Romance<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q1:
What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> is my
debut Fantasy Romance novel that follows a princess desperate not to repeat the
past and an old flame who makes it difficult for her to move on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-aoXqfZ-K2qXPQfjIA-OALOtV1q2sUGBxqBke3ch573_4sTHrgkkkRps-xJ1xx9hlvPoqoeoXBb8bhmxU3UyEsgjGT01PhN1yTVUdNULZIbT1T8_G9KtzhM_R8RKFXqHEwrcOJYelfRfDz6hxcpeC1RtX2qiJbwDkZs8V_XXA_gvgXMVy-GLDYEOZw/w200-h320/Crowned%20in%20Shadow%20eBook%20(1)%20-%20Meagan%20Johnson.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q2:
How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the
process usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I got the idea
for <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> when I was 12 years old, and obviously the story
has changed a lot since then. I worked on it on and off for many years, but
really took it seriously in 2021 when I chose to work on the story for Nano.
With earnest intent, it took me a little over a year to get to the publishing
stage. Given that this is my first novel, I'm a little more gracious with
myself, but I'd love to have a faster turn around time. Working on <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i>, each step of my process took about 2-3 months each. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q3:
What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">In <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i>, my favorite character to write was the cinnamon roll love
interest. This character is different though because he "looks like he
would unalive you and could unalive you" but is such a softie for the
female lead and every time he's on the page *simp* I just love that kind of
character. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q4:
Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I did! In <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> there was a scene I really struggled getting the emotions right
for and I went the route of using a very specific incident where I had to tell
someone I cared deeply about that I didn't love them like they loved me and it
really helped get my main characters to where they needed to be. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q5:
What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">That art
is subjective. I am a natural born people pleaser and so when I started this
journey I was so intent on making sure everyone loved every aspect of my story
no matter what. After many, MANY, tears and breakdowns, I was reminded that I
needed to write my book for me first. It was my story to tell after all. And
that no matter how hard I worked- all the blood, sweat, and tears- there would
be people out there who won't like my book, and that's okay. Not every book is
for everyone, and honestly, that reminder was very freeing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLtggFk97Gm3SCETqYc4rWJRrd3nkqagsfh0EKI8P9UWkCqZXWbaPnTbBb0atWGfIGeenBnFHr9VIosjrM09L_Qv8Cl67w66Zh4VYXzXGtDFSEGOyH0T10R5tXMTd0-iw6C9d9OErMG6GVK8jVP2-hprlLS9cDA2RTPpsBqxOw_Me8XZdSV4doQmnTQ/s1080/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLtggFk97Gm3SCETqYc4rWJRrd3nkqagsfh0EKI8P9UWkCqZXWbaPnTbBb0atWGfIGeenBnFHr9VIosjrM09L_Qv8Cl67w66Zh4VYXzXGtDFSEGOyH0T10R5tXMTd0-iw6C9d9OErMG6GVK8jVP2-hprlLS9cDA2RTPpsBqxOw_Me8XZdSV4doQmnTQ/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q6:
What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any
strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? </span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">It sounds
so clichƩ, but showers! Showers are nice and relaxing and I believe it tricks
your brain into forgetting that you are in a rut. However, that doesn't always
work. Sometimes I've found that skipping the scene I'm stuck on and forging
ahead helps too. Truthfully it depends on the day and how badly I'm in a rut. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q7:
What is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">I really
don't have a lot. When I started taking <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> seriously I
had no resources. I had tried watching a variety of YouTube videos, read
countless articles. And in the end, I found that there is no right way to write
a novel. Everyone has their own thing, mine just happened to be flying by the
seat of my pants. But also, a good playlist works wonders! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q8:
How would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">The age
old question! This one has always been so hard for me, because in my mind if
someone likes fantasy romance then I say, "You should read <i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i>." What it comes down to is this: If youāre a reader and you
love fantasy, unique magic systems, scorned lovers, and a dash of romance, then
<i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a></i> is right up your alley.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q9:
What authors or books inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">Renee
Dugan and her books (The Starcashers Saga) helped me a lot. Julia Scott is also
another one. She was my first Instagram follower and she was so nice and
friendly and I've never forgotten that and following her author <i>Sister of
the Stars</i> journey reminds me that itās okay to take breaks and not burn
yourself out. She's a rockstar!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: times;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">So many things! I
always have multiple books being read at a time (not always by choice- thank
you library). Right now I am currently rereading <i>The Selection</i>, but am
also reading Zodiac Academy, and I am about to start.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>To find out more about <a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/" target="_blank">Meagan Johnson</a> check out her <a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meaganjohnson_author/" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span></span><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/meaganjohnson_author/" target="_blank">meaganjohnson_author</a>.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Crowned in Shadows</a> </i>is now available in paperback and ebook. From the blurb:</b></span></p><span style="font-family: times;">Princess Danielle has lost everything at the hands of the Shadow King and his army of death. The start of the war cost her her home, family, and the one person she trusted most. She retreats from public life to find solace in her grief but discovers a determination to never relive the past that nearly broke her. She enlists a group of legendary warriors to train her to fight back against the darkness of the world. After months of training she finds her life once again threatened by the Shadow King. Now, she is prepared to fight for whatās left of her home and family. Everett has continuously reaped the consequences of war since the Shadow Kingās invasion. Weighed down by guilt from the choices he has been forced to make, he finds himself in self-imposed isolation. Hidden from the world, he attempts to put back together the remaining shards of his life. When he is called back to his former life at court, he is forced to wonder what the cost of war will be, and how it will affect those that he loves. Can Danielle and Everett confront their past and make the necessary decisions to save the future of their kingdom?</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://meaganjbooks.com/books/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNWweV4zsz1EaONJVK0CUq5WYyio0CGcrQ7zpT2Y7DuUNrQ8T4ielcnbUFYfMMGwyoyYrWDkFP65-GRSScGQnHvPk_BxVq-vzeG_wRotr9KUzCzgD8yGUJm15zZZkVZwim4nzXOkvfzF8WfIvfU1OXEv1PeyFA3j4RmN5zK3RHavRXaXNOHA9Y3F3KA/s320/Crowned%20in%20Shadow%20eBook%20(1)%20-%20Meagan%20Johnson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Like these interviews? Please consider Buying Me A Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></b></span></div></div>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-91875653346523853192023-05-16T08:30:00.035+10:002023-05-16T09:40:36.114+10:00Author Interview - Julia Blake<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z4iLcGXxB-GeXYKyYFd8hQPc4avhYAn2XFze2vcSd3nMM-abSXUpncrHODMiSxH8OX3P9JYmrwegz1o3IQflwc_JJ4hpzXuOPBfOk2Cb0ZLfstut17_qIDz8e-ykUhLZ-AwCIkSB9Vq3rZN9Krq5LfTLf0ht1WJIpORcQJHz-qiBuQ4PnJov-5IVoA/s2240/Julia%20Blake%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z4iLcGXxB-GeXYKyYFd8hQPc4avhYAn2XFze2vcSd3nMM-abSXUpncrHODMiSxH8OX3P9JYmrwegz1o3IQflwc_JJ4hpzXuOPBfOk2Cb0ZLfstut17_qIDz8e-ykUhLZ-AwCIkSB9Vq3rZN9Krq5LfTLf0ht1WJIpORcQJHz-qiBuQ4PnJov-5IVoA/s16000/Julia%20Blake%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām <a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">JuliaBlake</a>, a multi-genre author of fourteen books published to date and book
fifteen on the cusp of being launched. I live in the East of England with one
very friendly little black cat, a grumpy baby tortoise, and my teenage daughter
when sheās home from university. I like the simple things ā good food, red
wine, and preferably sharing both with good friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre: So
far? Contemporary drama, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy,
steampunk fairy-tale retelling, sci-fi, short stories, and poetry.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: What
is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Itās
called <i><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Mage Quest</a></i> and it is Volume II of the <a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Erinsmore Chronicles</a>. Itās
been four long years since Ruby was last in Erinsmore, but, when she returns
itās to find over twenty years have passed there. Her friends are older, and
Ruby is an aunt to eighteen-year-old twins. Agreeing to go on a quest to find
her nieceās mage, Ruby has no idea of the adventures that await them. With
dragons, a cyclops, brigands, pirates, a beautiful demon intent on world
domination, oh, and mermaids ā this book is a wild exciting ride from beginning
to end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqGk2tTfi2OdwYuOM32PF9O4Zj6MJVfLR7tIkOnSpsXWbdiO6omKXwk22rizRWIoH9dLEwQYTJvQDey3ZEzCLfKuDkbHDBdMATEik4UZLZjSU7hw4J0Pm7_ygw8joIzu3NiLOq96LxHqJkBBn8oUF8wWc4sdDH9RegPWrB_t0nA3PtQEeZkzhNb7NmQ/s320/Mage%20Quest%20Ebook%20jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām a very
fast and accurate writer. <i><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Mage Quest</a></i> is 100,000 words long and it took
me 23 days to hammer it out. Luckily, I write an extremely clean first draft. I
run each chapter through spellcheck and Grammarly as I go, then read through
once itās finished to check continuity. I listen to it on readback, and then
itās off to my proofreaders. I make any amendments they suggest. It goes to my
beta readers, and then itās good to be published.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: What
is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Definitely
villains. They are so much more interesting than the good guys. Iām fascinated
by what makes a character evil. Were they born that way or did circumstances in
their life force them down that path? The villain in <a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank"><i>Mage Quest</i> </a>is a
beautiful, sweet, and compelling demon called Lyllith, who has the power to
force people to obey her and believe they are happy doing so. She feeds off
their emotions and wants the whole world to love her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In my
fantasy novels, I donāt really draw from my personal life, but in my
contemporary novels, I definitely do. <a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">The Perennials Trilogy</a> is a prime example
of this. In book one, <i><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Becoming Lili</a></i>, I draw upon my experiences of being
viciously bullied at school. In book two, <i><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Chaining Daisy</a></i>, I relive the
hell of being in an abusive marriage and how I escaped and survived. Book
three, <i><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Rambling Rose</a></i>, is the aftermath of a marriage break up, of a
demoralising and unfair divorce, and of finding myself a single parent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on in your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Write
whenever you can ā because housework and all the other stuff I procrastinate
with will always be there. Donāt worry about what other writers are doing and
donāt compare yourself to them. Write because you love it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi1hKMviRcCfm8GfRTuLZmWo6KHLryy16sZPBirMhiTXUo479bMBIw45uJ3TfJiav7Vl7tW4EqSh_BneLYCNPFrx3bkdAzLkOirQ-iS6uXrIegZKPByUgZ93TKosXCizLSBhj1Dl4QbGRkz-dAAiAntaPrVGjAh0Q8-iJCJxiQOrK9DceeAtRZeQZSg/s320/_JB%20Youtube%20banner%20-%201024x576.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: What
do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any
strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I donāt
tend to get into writing ruts. Because of the way I write ā a process I like to
call binge writing ā I can go months without writing a word, but it is all
churning away in my mind, so, when I finally sit down and start to write itās
like the dam has burst and all these words come gushing out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: What
is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Grammarly
is useful, I tend to run each chapter through it as I finish writing them. I
also like the read-back facility on Word. It is such an incredibly useful
editing tool. As for actual writing resources ā Iām a simple writer and I donāt
need fancy notepads, pens, stickers, notice boards, plotting apps, writing
self-help books, playlists, or any of the stuff that other writers seem to
need. No, when I sit down to write itās just me, my laptop, and a glass of
water.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: You
are such a prolific writer with a wide range of characters and settings, and
you seem to dip in and out of your different book series. What strategies do
you have to remember all of the separate details and character voices?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ooh, I
honestly donāt know. Maybe because all my characters are like family to me.
They have such a clear and distinct presence within my mind that itās easy to
keep them all straight. I guess itās a bit like when you have several TV shows
on the go at once ā you keep them all straight in your mind because theyāre all
so different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: What
authors or books inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I love the
epic fantasy novels by Robin Hobb ā she taught me not to be afraid of long
books and great sweeping book series. Of sowing the seeds of a plot arc that
wonāt be fulfilled until fifteen books later ā to play the long game. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I am
currently re-reading the books by Karen Miller. I love the world-building in
her novels and the complexities of her characters. I will also be reading an
indie book because I like to read and review a fellow indie author once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span style="font-family: times;">To find out more about Julia Blake check out her <a href="https://linktr.ee/JuliaBlake" target="_blank">Linktr.ee</a>, or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliablakeauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram @juliablakeauthor</a>. <a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" target="_blank">Mage Quest</a> is now available in paperback and ebook. From the blurb:</span></b><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><i><b>Erinsmore ...</b></i><br /><br />Ruby has longed to return for six lonely years. When her wish is granted, over twenty years have elapsed in that magical land. Ruby's family and friends are older. Her dragon, Iliana, is fully grown. And she's an aunt to teenage twins.<br /><br />After his mother's death, Finley Smith is sent to live with his uncle Mick. Curious about the red-headed woman who visits Mick to talk about somewhere called Erinsmore, Finley follows Ruby into a strange new world. Invited to accompany the royal twins on a quest to find the Mage to the Heir Apparent, Ruby and Finley have no idea of the dangers ahead.<br /><br />Joined on their journey by the twins' bodyguard, Merric, and the mysterious healer, Xem, this odd assortment of adventurers will face dangerous creatures, dark magic, and an evil foe intent on conquering Erinsmore.<br /><br />Against overwhelming adversity, Ruby and her friends will discover that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.<br /><br />Let the Quest Commence ...<br /><br /><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/"><b>Mage Quest is Volume Two of the wonderful Erinsmore Chronicles</b></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://juliablakeauthor.co.uk/books/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAOOkOoW9ELfKM79Ln_kk2QQhX6vi6CcaLcD1mP8FLunBzecgib0Po1nUXriPT276fWE6BeLWs1d5DMRGJyBcwomOsp4a7Grj3paUDU9jnCTKm2c2XF-aOgruMwNYDLQROKGeCKpisWZ-N8yKf37Wj1hj54F4p14OpEB35602ffG5Q3wQ4T-N3DOBeg/s320/%231%20Mage%20Quest%20Promo-%20400%20X%20400%20px.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like these interviews? Please consider Buying me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-30014397731839873012023-05-09T08:30:00.072+10:002023-11-27T10:08:31.859+11:00Author Interview - Elise Carlson<p><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQPTTZNFWrlVLM_7Xwp7FsAEW6CrZo5NI0Rw9QgYlynJ_oLePtV-faGfjrg_opQFycvNDSP3IWpxOCMHy-0nldWDrdh2wzXrBxZya2IRJM5LwxJHLXaXLx_MSznWuTW6PiBUCQXYIlEMOvntODDqUr-GRBbhHprOn3igIS3OQbxx0MK-gFaTUQG9JnA/s16000/Elisa%20Carlson%20BLog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Elise Carlson</a> (they/them) is an Aussie who graduated from playing imaginary games in
their extensive backyard to writing epic YA Fantasy. In between educating
energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are āchildrenā and
adventures in Europe, North America, South-East Asia and locally, Elise enjoys
writing adventures and epic conflicts for the young and young at heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre: YA
Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1:
What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/books/" target="_blank">Secrets of the Sorcery War</a></i>, nonbinary Regent Ruarnon's parents are held prisoner by
monster-breeding, sorcerer-king Nartzeer. Ruarnon sets sail, seeking allies and
tools to enable them to recover their parents. Meanwhile, lost Aussie Linh and
her friends believe their only means of getting home āmagic gateways and
sorcerers with the power and knowledge to activate said gatewaysā lie in
Nartzeer's homeland. Their homeward quest will take them beyond the protection
of Ruarnon's rescue expedition, so they seek skills and advantages to equip
them to survive their journey home. Meanwhile, Nartzeer's sorcerers tell a
different tale. His ships sail east, loaded with monsters, pursuing unknown
means in lands Ruarnon and company believe uninhabited. Both sides pursue secrets
from the Sorcery War, and Nartzeer's quest threatens to destroy Ruarnon's
allies, and sink the ship on which Ruarnon and Linh sail. <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Secrets of the Sorcery Wa</a>r</i> is book 2 in the <a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Ruarnon Trilogy</a>, an epic YA Fantasy that was released
April 16, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/books/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2756" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xmnQBoylNxVvYHRfBW1XAd1tZvmyhjqVwxPvd6zuBj8V5ffM5UJCXA37DdiSHVYFytvRrcjM6jGEU9kcTMHJLtsCko3AUySzkvRscD7no47epqr25dUyWVrwxDR5aI37MpiQL65QnJbsAiuqFJ8N0Ov8Gdsio5WCE-UyvzjDwcr34gFotUo02bMNLA/s320/1%20-%20Elise%20Carlson.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2:
How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the
process usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
advantage of having majored in archaeology and ancient history, with a minor in
politics, is that any details I need to research for world-building purposes
are often minor and merely icing on the cake. So research and world-building
tend to be only a matter of weeks. Drafting takes a few months, each round of
revisions or redrafting also taking a few months. I normally redraft each book
around 4-5 times, and mostly spend my year teaching full time with a little
travel on the side. So to get a book from idea to fully edited and ready to
publish... my debut, <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Manipulator's War</a></i> and my second book, <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Secrets of the Sorcery War</a></i> took around 7 years each. <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">War in Sorcery's Shadow</a></i>
will likely be the same. (I hope to release book 3 in 2024, as I tend to draft
book 1, then book 2, then book 3, then begin edits on book 1, then book 2 first
round edits etc, on constant rotation.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3:
What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
antagonist. Heroes always try to do what's right and tend to have less clouded
judgement. Clouded judgement is what I find fascinating in antagonists. I love
writing antagonists every bit as altruistic as the hero, but not so fortunate
in their personal circumstances. That describes both King Kyura (<i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Manipulator'sWar</a></i>'s antagonist) and King Nartzeer (the whole <a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Ruarnon Trilogy</a>'s antagonist).
Neither Kyura nor Nartzeer is as predisposed to be optimistic in their hopes
for their people as my hero, Regent Ruarnon, and both are less fortunate in
their personal circumstances. Nartzer has experienced a good deal of trauma,
and his trauma predisposes him to tragic errors of judgement. I don't want my
readers to hate my antagonists. I want readers to cheer them on, wince when
they stumble and weep when they fail. This too is why I enjoy writing
antagonists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4:
Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">As a
nonbinary, asexual, aromantic person, I have to consciously disassociate from
myself to write characters who relate to each other along binary gender lines,
and who experience sexual and romantic attraction to anyone. Whenever I focus
on other aspects of the story, I forget to do this. So it's no coincidence that
Ruarnon is nonbinary (I identified their gender shortly after identifying my
own), or that they and lost Aussie Linh in the Ruarnon Trilogy are asexual and
aromantic. Similarly, in envisioning how four Aussie teens may respond to the
shock of literally stepping from Australia to another world, and their struggle
to get home, of course one of them was going to channel my energetic, always
wanting to make people smile self. And my restlessness, and ADHD self, enter
Troy. And as a neurodiverse person who spends just as much time internalising
and rehearsing conversations in my head as I do speaking out loud, naturally
Ruarnon, Linh and Aboriginal Aussie Michael were going to be deep thinkers. So
a good deal of my characters' traits are portioned out from my own character.
My plots on the other hand begin with seeds of my emotions. I often experience
emotion as instrumental music well suited to that emotion playing in my head.
Then I envision an (often) dramatic scene unfolding, matching the crescendo of
that music and emotion. And when I weave these scenes together into a novel, my
plot grows out of scenes born of my emotions. The abduction of Ruarnon's
parents began this way. I was restless about something that wasn't right.
Antsy. And in my mind, there was Ruarnon, standing on a balcony, their posture
slackening in shock as they witnessed their mother bound and being whisked away
in a carriage late at night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fYUPJeXQF4qhXP9d9NGPt5YNXDpDZSD7ZS8nvKZBsMy5luefC3bjSHVaF1Rs0nRoqr0NMfzlhwvStH9GDrOl0ZXnS2MavK76WU-5HXaDOr4rhPj1NIOXCRljZVSWTa_YomiI4KqNjAKnrBOcX5zx0sPj8pUCRfEf49S13_tNQ28W_hYDw7LltBM_fA/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5:
What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Just
because you didn't outline the main sequence of events and growth points of
your characters before writing, or during writing the novel doesn't mean you
can't do it after the first draft. Or the second, or the third. Outlining my
novel after the fourth draft made editing <i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Manipulator's War</a></i> a long and
messy process, and gave my lovely critical readers and editors more work than
they would otherwise have had. Both they and I were very happy with the end
result, but when a shorter, smoother, easier road is an option āI'll take that
road in future!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6:
What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any
strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I work in
an emotionally demanding full-time job, which mostly relegates headspace and
time for writing epic fantasy novels to Sunday afternoons, or failing that, to
school holidays. With time and the capacity to hold fully fleshed-out
characters and complex plots in my head at a premium, it's usually all systems
go for the day or writing session until I run out of energy to continue. Its
returning to a novel after life keeps me so busy I have to put it down for
weeks or months that I find challenging. Re-reading the book so far helps me
get back into the zone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7:
What is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
Emotion Thesaurus</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">.
My feelings tend to express themselves as instrumental music, with precious few
or no physical reactions or cues in my body because I suppressed negative
feelings a great deal as a child, and often still do as an adult. My
characters' emotions as they fight wars they don't wish to fight, get lost in
the world of Umarinaris, encounter monsters, magic reviving out of myth etc,
and respond physically to dramatic events unfolding around them comes naturally
in dialogue, but not physical cues. So to show disappointment in the slumping
of shoulders, reserved mirth in a twitch of the lips etc, I flag those bits
when drafting, then return to the flags with my <i>Emotion Thesaurus</i> for
ideas on filling in the emotion-showing blanks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8:
How would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My ideal
reader likes fast-paced stories with lots of action. They value an
unpredictable plot over a smooth and gentle ride and complex plots they can
really sink their teeth into. They appreciate LGBTQ+ representation (especially
gender diversity), diverse characters in general, rich world-building and may
also share my appreciation of ancient civilisations. They may enjoy romantic
subplots, but don't depend on romantic themes to really sink their teeth into a
story. They appreciate platonic friendships and found family. They share my
passion for adventure, and my insatiable appetite for knowing what lies beyond
the horizon, or in this case, on the next page.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdgqJlKWV6aGIysoMLjKTJRlA0wNbX_LpUxhI167_XOogOGpaYojBuGShj0Ps_0l92Qe78QwoQRfCYEstB13edrltHbwwi-8tV74YNtGDs2mhnv8d5USucFfug2iPKB1mx_02_DAxuiLpJUHbkf2UUV4whYujjD43VIunlQ_LSdD5w3u-qbxJg_qJNg/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9:
What authors or books inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">For me,
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time was a master class of character development,
writing multiple points of view effectively and incredibly rich world-building.
Wheel of Time is enough inspiration for me as a fantasy writer of secondary
worlds for the rest of my career. But Brandon Sanderson's characters in the
Stormlight Archives also encouraged me to slow down, and ensure I breathed life
fully into my own cast. Meanwhile, the basic narrative structures of enemies my
characters hear about, grow wary of and struggle to piece together clues to
understand said enemies motives, and the story structure of a story unfolding
across a fantasy world, are very much inspired by Final Fantasy games,
especially my favourites, XIII and X.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
Rarkyn's Familiar</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">,
a YA Fantasy by Nikky Lee and <i>The Raven and the Dove</i>, a viking
historical novel by K.M. Butler.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about Elise Carlson check out their <a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElisesWritings/ " target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22292560.Elise_Carlson?ref=nav_profile_l " target="_blank">Goodread</a>s pages. Give them a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eliseswritings/ " target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eliseswritings/ " target="_blank">eliseswritings</a>.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Secrets of the Sorcery War</a>, </i>Book 2 of the <a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" target="_blank">Ruarnon Trilogy</a> is now available in ebook, with the paperback soon to follow. From the blurb:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times;">Secrets lie across the seas.<br /><br />Heir Ruarnon seeks allies to free their parents from unpredictable sorcerer-king Nartzeer. The reclusive Urai are not who they had in mind but can offer far more than Ruarnon anticipates. However, negotiations are interrupted when Nartzeer's murderous grey-hided damars are sighted sailing towards Tarlah.<br /><br />The damars' human handlers are lost Vietnamese-Aussie Linh's chance to confirm that her gateway home āand sorcerers able (and hopefully willing) to operate itā lie in the dangerous West.<br /><br />When Linh sets sail to confront the handlers, she learns that magic is very much still wielded on Umarinaris. That some of the Sorcery War's deadliest weapons survived. And that Nartzeer somehow knows all of this and has his own plans for those weapons.<br /><br />But is Nartzeer the villain everyone in the East believes? What do his fleets truly seek in the Eastern Seas? And why have the damars become so formidable that they threaten to sink Ruarnon's ship and overrun all of Ruarnon's potential allies?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://elisecarlson.com/ruarnon-trilogy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CeW2er5Q0IxQjC3df4vlXcJt58uOYTEP2JbJGLiskjId6E6oa7GFltL_7Ar6bxifelXAFB8fQB7Ji-abOrw0whAVMD0pOzEzHqP8YvQwraY2XBN6uBcBWPKPW2GnuhoS3jb_LtSUgmvIsnG50xwA-9AS6O926Qxrv0jfq8fm4g0WEkUxN3t2itAKnA/w400-h225/All%20Roads%20lead%20To%20War%20(1)%20-%20Elise%20Carlson.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800180;">Like this interview?Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-72403099312899818812023-05-02T08:30:00.054+10:002023-05-02T08:30:00.138+10:00Author Interview - Micheal Anderson <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCf3_LVgSqjHBzMu1eeKHbbw7Oe_H4zZldXMQoU1El0tBKzZz0TcfEgvzEnzu79ealbOta2rosYUxibeRgRgVLWdnD_L88SSIZdm3N2VZr8L2ir5QkcGgiKadfjhGY67oZUGK-lBL6zyo9OMqLEca4vaRYjiXrFWosgb4KGfkkxtz5a7CWoCHx55U_w/s2240/Micheal%20Anderson%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCf3_LVgSqjHBzMu1eeKHbbw7Oe_H4zZldXMQoU1El0tBKzZz0TcfEgvzEnzu79ealbOta2rosYUxibeRgRgVLWdnD_L88SSIZdm3N2VZr8L2ir5QkcGgiKadfjhGY67oZUGK-lBL6zyo9OMqLEca4vaRYjiXrFWosgb4KGfkkxtz5a7CWoCHx55U_w/s16000/Micheal%20Anderson%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">Micheal Anderson</a> is the author of the STEM focused <a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">Zoey Lyndon chapterbook series</a>. She enjoys writing middle grade fiction and understands the value
of representation in childrenās stories. Her mission is to normalize
encouraging Black and Brown girls to pursue more math and science in order to
help close the gender gap which exists in the STEM fields. She is a member of
Jack and Jill Associates, The Links Inc., and Society of Childrenās Book,
Writers, and Illustrators. Micheal lives in St. Charles, Missouri with her
husband Rodney. Sheās an active volunteer in her community, enjoys listening to
jazz music, and loves to travel abroad.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre: Children
- Middle Grade Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1:
What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">Zoey
Lyndon's Misadventures at Camp</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
is a story about summer camp mishaps, friendships, and a bit of mystery. This
is the third book in the STEM focused series ... this book encourages an
interest in Engineering.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2609" data-original-width="1721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6tnN4O6hwM8QDpQhVbMxkv3PU1sSjoZDPqbTGts61l0gBXOjQkWkxLk4HEuaLnHPd9aOMTj1pTGvpgpSyTxdH5D3pXD_Mm8feKkr8BtRw2r3KI_RC9BzwsdsqnMAmV2QZAjydWAJnPFD4BeQlYZi5oNeWUgX09_wz8wuS-JjlNWErUGRMijNbCOopA/s320/ZoeyLBook%203%20FrontCover%20-%20Micheal%20Anderson.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2:
How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the
process usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I find the
more I write, the less time my stories take to complete. The book I'm currently
working on has taken about 6 months. <i><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">The Misadventures at Camp</a></i> took 7
months. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3:
What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I'm
finding I enjoy writing messy characters. Interesting characters who happen to
have some sass and attitude are exciting to me and I really enjoy writing them
into my storylines. I also think they add depth to the story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4:
What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It would
have been nice to know more about promoting my books. Marketing your books is
its own beast and you have to learn what works best for you. Don't allow
yourself to get bogged down by trying to do what's working for someone else ...
you have to go at your own pace and do what works for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5:
What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any
strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Initially,
I'll try to press through it which sometimes will help. If pressing through
doesn't help, then sometimes I have to simply walk away and come back to my
story in a couple of days. I find when I give myself time away and come back to
it with fresh eyes, it will often do the trick.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2117" data-original-width="4472" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOZEKs5Ha7oLukJKuYMmEKCPk5EAq8ehhb_RVuupilkS8dBJMSErdI5V0vfG7-YzGZ74fZ236oaSkBvaQBzOfnSa65ZksS6OhOirLPKwLnoFXvRSld9Ndw6_ue13QgEZParyZZMsAJ2AaCrbYHMuoKlsEnvvCvXUgG81e1jtMs1QsAebIakaQ4t1yoQ/s320/MA-Quote%20(2)%20-%20Micheal%20Anderson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6:
What is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I'd have
to say a combination of my own experiences or the experiences of others which I
witnessed. Story ideas come to me at random moments and I'll jot them down on
my phone or in a notebook I keep on my writing desk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7:
How would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My ideal
reader is a someone who can read independently and beyond picture books.
Readers who are ready to tackle early chapter books and enjoy a good slice of
life story. Also anyone interested fun stories with a touch of drama and mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8:
What authors or books inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In the
middle grade genre, I'd say Renee Watson and L.B. Anne. I also like Isabel
Wilkerson and Beverly Jenkins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">I just finished
reading <i>The Davenports</i> by Krystal Marquis and it was so good.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>To find out more about <a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">Micheal Anderson</a> check out her website </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><a href="http://www.everythingmicheal.com" target="_blank">www.everythingmicheal.com</a> (where you can </b></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>download a copy of the free teachers guide for <i><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank">Zoey Lyndon's
Misadventures at Camp</a></i>), or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/everythingmicheal/" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/everythingmicheal/" target="_blank">everythingmicheal</a>. From the blurb:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2609" data-original-width="1721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4wr8nBUo90NnbXVaHJtMGab3ZRPxpdMAFEFWCrWlLt1AWNtK4ohCNTqaodiZ9mweab-ca95EU_mJr2yGbDWWR4mt7-rp5G_Ca25yM9ByjA3TQ4BK26f9RMtF_rdqC3iMIUM03fx_3eZvcWa6erMtqgsLVITCBtt1YHXkHQDb1nB-yUkLixjMZM1v3w/s320/ZoeyLBook%203%20FrontCover%20-%20Micheal%20Anderson.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Zoey and
her bestie, Tommi, are hitting the trails! Theyāre attending Camp Whispering
Pines, a five-night Engineering Camp Experience. Things are off to a great start,
and Zoeyās enjoying her camp friends and newfound freedom. But things take an
unexpected turn when Zoey and her friends stumble upon an interesting
discoveryāthe campās legendary One-Eyed Nelson is in fact a real person! And to
make matters worse, Zoey makes a decision that places her and a cabin mate in
danger, putting them both at risk of being dismissed from camp. Will Zoey and
her friends uncover the truth about One-Eyed Nelson? What consequence will
Zoeyās decision have?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.everythingmicheal.com/" target="_blank"><i>Zoey Lyndon's Misadventures at Camp</i> is now available in ebook, paperback and hardcover.</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Enjoy this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></span></span></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-37732053110403423622023-04-25T08:30:00.064+10:002023-04-25T08:30:00.196+10:00Author Interview - Maxx Victor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6_EWk4DPyfDM0rTbzN9O7VQHOF6ZE80ADkCLZqcENiFIRYlThMCsYyMv3n6roonOSsybhERzGSf79i-TgzuBk4RYv_J1daCwLRPAqRCD3HJ0H46jDD3x38uLEgM71oA0inOa-768jkmabF_hoTbaALBiNSStnabCWL_i7Qv6UtzgbDe4NfuW-KVdIw/s2240/Maxx%20Victor%20Blog%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6_EWk4DPyfDM0rTbzN9O7VQHOF6ZE80ADkCLZqcENiFIRYlThMCsYyMv3n6roonOSsybhERzGSf79i-TgzuBk4RYv_J1daCwLRPAqRCD3HJ0H46jDD3x38uLEgM71oA0inOa-768jkmabF_hoTbaALBiNSStnabCWL_i7Qv6UtzgbDe4NfuW-KVdIw/s16000/Maxx%20Victor%20Blog%20Banner.png" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Maxx Victor</a> is an Australian author, musician, and secondary school science teacher,
who has achieved award winning success with his short stories. A dedicated
husband and proud father of two, he is also highly involved in his local arts
community; performing in bands and producing and directing amateur films.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Maxx</a>ās
author journey began at a very young age. As a child with dyslexia, reading and
writing were a constant struggle. To help, his father implemented the nightly
routine of reading Titin and Asterix comics and Biggles books to Maxx and his
brother; installing a lifelong passion for reading. Maxxās mother also
encouraged him to write stories (some which he has kept to this day).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">During his
secondary school years, <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Maxx</a> unearthed a love for music. He regularly wrote
poetry and song lyrics, as well as scripts for plays and short films. Something
again sparked the curiosity for writing stories when Maxxās children were
toddlers. He frequently created impromptu, twisted fairy-tale bedtime stories,
with his family members as the main characters. <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Maxx</a> now writes <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09HSKGS9K?binding=paperback&qid=1680824923&sr=8-3&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk" target="_blank">teen fiction</a>
and hopes that his writing can inspire young people to be defined by their
passions and talents, not by the things that the world will tell them are
impairments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre:
Paranormal Romance and SciFi<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">My latest book is the
second in my <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Anchor and the Moon</a> series, titled <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Hearts and Diamonds</a></i>. In
this book we continue following the romance and adventures of the two main
protagonists, Cinder and Black, two young people with paranormal abilities. In
searching for their missing friend Dom, they inadvertently draw the interest of
an ancient evil. On returning to their sleepy beach-town home, they unwittingly
unleash this evil on their friends and family. All the books in the Anchor and
the Moon series will be modern-day, shifter romance twists on popular fairy
tales. <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Hearts and Diamonds</a></i> is inspired by Snow White and Cinder and
Black was a reimagining of Cinderella. The books feature fun, action, romance,
and mystery. There is a lot of flirting and inuendo, but the spice levels are
still appropriate for young and old alike.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EdL_jrGNY2qoavJ8BXHJJBUcV4N4Uz_4h_wMAXEx_47V1-tZ-DjfEhl3vv2aDrJRVnGLEegDZYupFDgsUz7R-pLVIvmPo6QTE-pga2kBfyA4UD1lfUYK9wNASnnRSv8eKoDqTMiuwejhHvTwjl1ZTngz3Cf6PXZquDkeR9PxCkSbc8q3eao8ey1xGA/s320/BookBrushImage3D-4b.png.png" width="236" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My first
book, <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Cinder and Black</a>,</i> was my hobby and passion for more than a decade
as I learned how to write. I published <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Cinder and Black</a></i> in 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">For <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Hearts and Diamonds</a></i>, I set myself the challenge to write and publish a book in 12
months. With a great deal of extra time on my hands during the pandemic, I
managed to successfully write, edit, and publish <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Hearts and Diamonds</a></i> in a
year. As much as I like the idea of publishing a book each year, I am not going
to put that time constraint on the third book. Working to that timeline made my
writing feel too much like a job rather than a passion.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I like to write witty
and cheeky characters. My character Dom is made up of the worst parts of my
friends (or best depending on your point of view). Dom isnāt afraid to say all
those things we wish we could say. I also like that under all his bravado, there
is a heart of gold.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The main
setting for my books is a small beach town called Heathcote. While Heathcote is
a fictional town, it is very much inspired by the towns I spent my summer
holidays in as a child. The banter between best friends Black and Dom is
definitely inspired by my interactions with my brother and my close group of
friends. The most horrible insults are always saved for your best mates. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In my
āday-jobā, I am a high school teacher. I get the opportunity to meet all kinds
of crazy, weird, wonderful young people. Domās younger sister Torry is one of
these great teenagers. She is definitely on the autism spectrum, which makes
her all the more lovable and engaging. Many of my readers tell me that Torry is
their favourite character. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I wish I
had known that I needed to have a marketing plan and that I had started that
long before the book was published. As I assume many writers do, I just thought
I could write a great book, give it a great cover, put it on Amazon and sell
thousands of copies each month. I have had over 1000 copies of <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Cinder and Black</a></i> downloaded in one month, but I had to work very hard to make that
happen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvXuUFjaOUQs6IZ9W1lfPW5NCdRmTcJbiLZ55PfsrFzUnTeKud1g_F7fFAzyixgBA-M7US9EybAlNZ1uIjXyMbzq7BoIyS9X36sJM-31rqmxZmyKX-__e3KYQ_i5YyqeFbojOLKns-khng9-5EpEyaScz4COxUNAMpwg2gBxyZ9N6Bpr1ZyHRZv71xA/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This happens to me
often. I am very envious of people who can write 10,000 words a day, that is
not me. Some days I struggle to write 10 words I am happy with. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The two things I find
that work for me are re-setting my brain to be in a creative state, and
removing myself from distractions. To re-set, I will take a walk through the
bushland near my home (another influence for the town of Heathcote) and listen
to music. I have created playlists that remind me of each of my characters. If
I am trying to write a scene with Dom in it for example, I will listen to hard
rock.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">To remove myself from
distractions I will take myself to a cafĆ©. Iāll order a pot of tea and some
cake and keep writing until the pot is empty. If I have time, I might then
order lunch and keep working.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: What
is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Punctuation
has always been an issue for me, so I love ProWritingAid. I use ProWritingAid a
few times in my writing process. At the end of the first draft, before I send
my work to the editor and as a final check before publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My books
are for a YA audience, but I have had people from primary school age to
retirees tell me that they have enjoyed them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I would
say my ideal audience is anyone that likes a bit fun, action and mystery mixed
with a good shifter romance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">You are writing book 3 of a series.
What challenges have you encountered when writing the later books of a series,
compared with writing the first book?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As I said earlier,
the first book was my hobby for more than 10 years. I was fine with this book
taking years because it was just something fun to do in my spare time. Now that
I have that first book out, I just want to write and publish more books. My biggest
challenge is not having enough time to get all the stories I have floating
around my head down on the page.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p>
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Fairy
Tale</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> by
Stephen King and <i>The Hub</i> by Liv Evans</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>To find out more about <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Maxx Victor</a> check out his <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">linktr.ee</a> or give him a follow on <a href="http://Instagram.com/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><a href="http://Instagram.com/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">maxxvictorbooks</a>. <i><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Hearts and Diamonds</a></i>, Book 2 of the <a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" target="_blank">Anchor and the Moon</a> series is out now and is available as ebook and paperback. From the blurb:</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/maxxvictorbooks" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnJ2EZTgRFa3vJtE_GsiZcNKk75edBNGKcyQbRg418zXG9Oe_3MOd7OguR8dcWI8LlKyYD-57Vf97v6wXMT3XKE4KejhrVMZ9XP1o0V2fX9bAUzUIPVGLzgskLV2d2ZkOA5NyMr9AUY-HpuYynp1BpoxVYheHzBGDdxncO-_CKdoPn4pngjBbZUjeEw/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Enjoy this interview? Please consider Buying Me A Coffee to help me keep them coming :)</a></span></b><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-10637932081725471652023-04-18T08:30:00.075+10:002023-04-18T09:21:44.443+10:00Author Interview - H. E. Bauman<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJ2srce1V_RiQ1Eq-2P6w_j9oDE8FIbMRgwKCC5NnP_8T4fSt9qwGV7_GI4O_8JJphd10UQM4aO8-jMd9i4rK_NHvwxacMkVCzcD28-Rco0EP1lr6AVcaBAJmOgNTcYk5ar-cHEoD3pCE0muZuK-g2QrQFDQ3qucKl7biV9uT5hvTCPoCkr-XleXLrA/s2240/H.%20E.%20Bauman%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJ2srce1V_RiQ1Eq-2P6w_j9oDE8FIbMRgwKCC5NnP_8T4fSt9qwGV7_GI4O_8JJphd10UQM4aO8-jMd9i4rK_NHvwxacMkVCzcD28-Rco0EP1lr6AVcaBAJmOgNTcYk5ar-cHEoD3pCE0muZuK-g2QrQFDQ3qucKl7biV9uT5hvTCPoCkr-XleXLrA/s16000/H.%20E.%20Bauman%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://hebauman.carrd.co/" target="_blank">H.E. Bauman</a> is a fantasy author obsessed with
all things magical. Sheās the author of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Darkened Skies series</a> and has a
space fantasy series in the works. Sheās been writing since she was a child,
and some of her earliest stories were about witches, cats, and talking
gryphons. When sheās not writing, you can find her playing tennis, immersed in
a video game, or spending time with her family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Genre: Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> is a new adult romantic fantasy novel about a
young woman keeping a magical secret. Astrea Sovna, the main character, is a
Lightbringer, a magical healer and empath. Her uncle is the court seer, and
when she was very young, he had a vision of Astrea dying on the battlefield.
They hid her magic from the emperor to spare her that fate. <br />
<br />
Astrea works as a junior librarian, but the emperor personally selects her to
work on a diplomatic project with his youngest son and her former best friend,
Prince Varojin Auris. Forced to work together, they soon uncover a series of
murders and shadowy people that seem to be connected to both Astreaās magic and
the emperorās project. Itās up to Astrea, Varojin, and their friends to uncover
those secrets for the security of the whole continent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1859" data-original-width="1270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFIrxOWOozM-SNU9aa69o-IQG5K2YwgeEoboAhNlDUwrurWAP5PE5CYZWrPHNK-TBE3E-UHXs3ceP3TIW8jetaqnTul589kL2T-e2I-3jxUTVPKQD6dAe7cgJDurCEG9DQHWpbR056fMdINC0tcwRv3WN29hJIXlcCkS7gZRuA-8OGupvUypsGo1O2A/s320/UDS%206x9%20Flat%20Hardcover%20Mockup.png" width="219" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q2: How long does it take you to write a
book? How long does each stage of the process usually take?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gosh,
itās honestly varied for every book Iāve written for the Darkened Skies series
so far, which is four of the six Iāve planned. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></i>, the
first in the series, took me the longest since it was a new world and new
characters, and there was a lot of discovery writing that had to happen to
figure out those important elements.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Now that Iāve moved deeper into the series, I can get most of my novels from
first draft to an almost final draft in ten to thirteen months. Each book goes
through multiple rounds of review and revisions by me, my beta readers, and my
editor. I couldnāt do it without their help!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Iām sure
most writers say this, but I love writing complex characters. People are
complicated, and itās really interesting and rewarding to watch your characters
grow as they face those world-ending challenges often seen in fantasy. <br />
<br />
One of the main things Astrea struggles with in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></i> is
finding her voice and sticking up for herself. Thereās a lot of internal uncertainty
as she begins to grow, and she continues that journey (and gains more
confidence in herself) in the second book. Itās letting me dig into things like
support systems, partnership (romantic or otherwise), letting go of old
patterns, and finding a balance between individualism and community, so thatās
been fun to write about and explore.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas,
settings and/or characters? If so, please give an example from your current
book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I
definitely look to my own life for inspiration about all kinds of things for my
books. Astrea Sovna, the main character in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></i>, is a
magical healer and empath. Iāve played video games my whole life, and I
gravitate toward characters with healing powers. I thought itād be a fun
challenge to write about a healerāwho has no battle experienceāthrown into what
becomes an epic mystery spanning the entire continent. Thatās obviously a huge
part of her character and impacts her deeply.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
I get inspiration for setting from the real world, too. My husband and I went
on our honeymoon in Paris, and the Luxembourg Gardens there were a great
inspiration for the vibes I was trying to capture in certain locations in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a>. </i>We spent a few hours there one afternoon just soaking up
the sun and relaxing, and that helped me in picturing what city gardens and
parks might look like in my fantasy world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q5: What is something you wish you had
known earlier on in your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Iāve
always known that writing is a messy process. Drafting, rewriting, and revising
are full of ups and downs, and though that can be hard, I always know what to
expect.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
as far as publishing goes, I feel like people donāt talk about how much of an emotional
rollercoaster this process can be. Thereās a lot of anxiety and excitement at
the same time, especially once you hit those few months before publication.
Itās such a privilege and honor to have readers diving into your world, but
there are still so many other emotions going on behind the scenes. I knew it
wouldnāt just be sunshine and rainbows, but I wish Iād known the process would
have <i>so </i>many mixed emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ-Q5xsJyohVvYjpXNzzvqL_E3z1LVY4kSY_qUHMnBUzxcUbdlRez4WPLS9Ys90DaJbG_sY5NZ8KsHAQ_6vdTiG3r3kf47V9vN4mBnzhAiyiS2jVyM-Te2fYMmh9mlUDt6OgqWGkFUiB1qC0rwugSXDso2is3tMzvDcA-dI6gOI18BKqjmyYyu2morQ/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is
there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing
again?</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There
are a couple of ways I get myself out of a writing rut. The first one is to
just push through, which is obviously easier said than done. But I find that if
I just make myself sit there and write 500 words, even if theyāre not the best
words, that can sometimes help get me back on track. Moving my body is also
helpful, so Iāll either go for a walk or play tennis. When Iām in a deep rut, I
usually bounce between those two strategies for a few days until I find that
writing flow again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q7: Your debut Fantasy novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></i>, has 1920s vibes and tech. What sort of research did you
need to do to ensure your story is accurate?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When
I was first writing <i>Under Darkened Skies</i>, I knew I wanted to add 1920s
flair to the story despite it being a completely made-up fantasy world. I
thought it would be fun to have that level of technology and that it might open
some interesting doors for me as the series continued. Several people, upon
hearing ā1920s,ā have asked if itās like <i>The Great Gatsby</i> with magic, or
if there are gangsters and flappers, and I can answer both of those questions with
a solid āno.ā</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
As far as research, Iāve read up on all sorts of things: 1920s cars and their
styles, airships (like zeppelins), telephones and radios, even espresso
machines! Iāve also looked at 1920s fashion and architecture from various parts
of the world, especially Mediterranean Europe, which was a large inspiration
for the setting of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a>. </i>But I gave myself more room to
play with those elements since it <i>is</i> a fantasy world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q8: How would you describe your bookās
ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> is a medium-paced romantic fantasy for
new adult and adult readers. Iād say the bookās ideal reader would be someone
who not only enjoys that kind of pacing, but readers who like magical fight
scenes, mysteries, background politics, a wide supporting cast, and a main
character who has to step into and learn about their power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What authors or books inspire you the most?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is such a hard question! There have been so many books and authors Iāve loved
over the years. <i>Inkheart</i> by Cornelia Funke and Tamora Pierceās books
were early favorites; I still have my copies from when I was much younger! I
loved the <i>Six of Crows</i> duology by Leigh Bardugo, and <i>Lore</i> by
Alexandra Bracken was so fast paced and intense. Other fantasy authors I admire
include Susan Dennard and Sabaa Tahir, just to name two of many.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Q10: What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Iām
currently reading <i>The Spare Man</i> by Mary Robinette Kowal, and <i>A Master
of Djinn</i> by P. DjĆØlĆ Clark is next on my list.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about H.E.Bauman check her out on </b><b><a href="https://hebauman.carrd.co/" target="_blank">https://hebauman.carrd.co/</a> or give her a follow in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hebauman/" target="_blank">Instagram @hebauman</a>.</b></span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" target="_blank">Under Darkened Skies</a></i> is now available! From the blurb:</span></b></p><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/H-E-Bauman/e/B0BTWP2THW" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="1801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl-AGYmiJnisrsRJHoHZie66V12Rzts-KA6ZeAvqP02rKAsUcCuyu3m_72LIlWIA-qLQ3Snljr55KpsOa67aEZ3nRhnDBiS3wmTTC-EBU2yij4huOQ93b1UEx8yMTxB7FZHANc01G6uvU62XShCb_8bLA-iwlTX3ghzYmgys5oil2-HJ9rKXD7Mzv4Q/s320/ebook%20copy%20smaller%20file%20size.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><i>A librarian with a secret. A prince looking for redemption. A dark discovery that will force them to confront their truths. </i><br /><br />Astrea Sovna is destined to die. As a Lightbringer, sheās expected to serve the Helosian government as a battlefield healer; but when the court seerāAstreaās uncleāhas a vision of her being killed in the line of duty, he forbids her to reveal her powers. <br /><br />Until now, Astrea has gone unnoticed as a junior librarian. But when she gets reassigned to a diplomatic project to strengthen ties between Helosia and one of its neighbors, she finds herself saddled with her past, in the form of returned war hero and her ex-best friend, Prince Varojin Auris. <br /><br />Forced to work together, Astrea soon learns that although Varojin has been out of her life for years, heās still the kind, patient friend she remembers. As they navigate old friendships and imperial politics, the pair discovers that the mysterious shadows stalking the city are leaving a trail of murder victims in their wake. And when Astrea becomes a target, a dear friend gets caught in the crossfireā¦ <br /><br />As Astrea and Varojin begin searching for answers, they realize there is much more to the emperorās project than political niceties. If the shadows arenāt stopped, Astreaās futureāand the security of the entire continentāhangs in the balance.</span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></b><br /></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b><p></p></div>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-62912328618565349632023-04-11T08:30:00.066+10:002023-04-11T08:30:00.186+10:00Author Interview - Fay Bec<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWNmmD48kBIt3Xn4Y5R87f2Tn_VVnvBXWLmNdSwJcGbgAVB29Te7-MAcdFba0Umiht7NTHCiNX9Itwina-BHRUn9XUYMdywsgRkT1q2Jm08tlQ7jPlz-60W3nGcEq5CAxI9uIGV_4I1l0r54Vlf6G_WNNRjqxUZkCskOV8U9oJjMhCpl1yw0Ifl8JBQ/s2240/Fay%20Bec%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWNmmD48kBIt3Xn4Y5R87f2Tn_VVnvBXWLmNdSwJcGbgAVB29Te7-MAcdFba0Umiht7NTHCiNX9Itwina-BHRUn9XUYMdywsgRkT1q2Jm08tlQ7jPlz-60W3nGcEq5CAxI9uIGV_4I1l0r54Vlf6G_WNNRjqxUZkCskOV8U9oJjMhCpl1yw0Ifl8JBQ/s16000/Fay%20Bec%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://faybecbooks.com" target="_blank">Fay Bec</a> grew up in Massachusetts and moved around before making Florida her home. She is married and has four little ones she couldnāt live without. Fay wasnāt the biggest reader growing up, but she always wanted to become a writer. She finally took the chance in 2022 and put her heart into her debut novel. When she isnāt writing, sheās raising her babes, lost in a tv show, or drawing. She believes Villains do it better, and there is no convincing her otherwise. Keep an eye out because she is just getting started!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Genre: New
Adult Dark Fantasy/Romance</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden Beneath the Embers</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
is about a 25-year-old woman named Davyna, who was adopted at a young age and
didnāt learn of it until she was a teenager when her āfatherā died. Her
adoptive mother kept her from living her life, convincing her to sign a
contract that held her captive. But that alone doesnāt stop our girl! She
pushes the limits and starts learning who she isā¦and where she comes from. And
along the way has to figure out who she can trust because it seems everyone has
a hidden secret. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">This book
has some dark themes, so please check the trigger first on my website or Amazon.
But we have Fae, supernatural creatures, curses, and more within the pages of
this story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden Beneath the Embers</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
is Book One in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Dark Curse</a> series. <i>Seeking Beyond the Flames</i> (Book 2)
is already in the works, and you donāt want to miss this oneā¦a lot will happen!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xN9Iv6c71wcLnQlq8jeD63cx37Daf1HOwmo7UEypU1qC55mTWfqLmh7m-zWHDZ3k4-6X6KV-FK5S22x0BMT5SiK8pOvAYhW8jvP_Yyb3HpAlsQmmzk4BzTtJyIxyiT35DeKhNw0ex8HhVjUiJwviV9ClXTuShAQzSmK6ma49qfZwBxt8LbjIc_3gWw/s320/mockup-featuring-two-softcover-books-mockup-placed-against-a-plain-backdrop-3439-el1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: You
are currently re-releasing your debut novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden Beneath the Embers</a></i>.
What is the process involved in creating a second edition of your book? What
kind of changes can your readers expect?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Oh, man. There was a lot to this
process, and I wonāt lie; I was surprised at almost every turn. Initially, I
planned on updating the files, but I learned I couldnāt since more than 10% of
the book had changed. I added over 27k words to the book and decided to redo
the formatting, along with the cover. So, she got an entire makeover! The
process of doing a second edition depends on what you are doing to the book.
And since I did just about everything I couldā¦it was a lot of work, but I donāt
regret a second of it. I had a fantastic team working with me on this. And
would like to personally thank Ali, Ashely, Alex, Annie, Susan, and Thea for
all their help! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Something else to be aware of
when it comes to second editions: you will have to unpublish the books (all
formats) and buy new ISBNs to attach to the second edition before re-uploading
them. If anyone has any questions about it Iād be happy to help share more
behind the scenes and my experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But I am thrilled with the
updates and feel there is way more depth now that was missing. Readers who read
the first edition wonāt miss much if they never go back. The plot stood the
same, and I did that because I didnāt want it to become an entirely new book.
But they will find some scenes were removed, new ones were added, and a brand
new spicy bonus chapter! Overall, itās just more detailed and has a better
flow. My goal ultimately was to help the story shine brighter and help the
reader connect more emotionally with Davyna and the other characters.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Well, I
love writing the main character overcoming trials and heartache. There is hope
in their stories for the readers and myself. And I love that, butā¦ The
villains. I get to pull the dark parts of these characters to the surface, and
they are completely unashamed of the evil they bring to the table. And it just
makes the story. You canāt have a main character overcome anything without a
badass villain trying to tear them down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, absolutely.
Davyna got a lot of my trials and past woven into her character. And it was
tough to write at times but also very freeing. There were also two other
characters in my book that got a mix of someone in my life, which left me
pretty broken, and they added to Davynaās pain and doubts. I think we all pull
from our own life in certain scenes when writing because itās what we know. But
when we are writing, we have the opportunity to rewrite the outcome. And that
gave me some closure that I didnāt realize I still needed after all these
years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I could
have made my first book more cost-effective. I put a lot of money into my first
book, and even with all that, I still needed to come back and make adjustments.
Iāve learned that itās good to shop around, speak with different people, and
form a budget for each book. Because if you plan on publishing more books, you
can save or use your royalties on the next one. Another thing I think that Iāve
learned is it takes time to learn your voice in writing. And after finishing
the first draft of my second book (which is in editing now), I knew I wanted <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden</a></i>
to reflect more of my voice and match what the series will develop into.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJTOesBOybCjhSBonAi8LooZRA38rQ7tusDZ6y8LRxgud5CLeD1nLv_Cp0UfNvVX1HiRY0XJTygtVkqgyICSws7Pg_jqjl6UBmFLXI0-DXb0H-CXwT-KWISfIOYSjnU-WK0McshubOAQF642IkGbnnzBlCLYHDwQbpE9cD2C0-OiGTKC4K51zMCf-Ew/s320/mockup-of-a-book-placed-over-an-old-wooden-table-with-antique-stuff-m23711.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">So, if I
find myself in a rut or Iām blocked I will typically walk away from it and try
to clear my head. Or look at what I wrote and try to work out why I feel
something is missing. I canāt remember the author who said this now, but I
struggled with the plot when I was writing my second book. And a friend told me
what she said. Which was along the lines of <i>if you are blocked, itās
probably something in your plot that isnāt working</i>. And honestly, I found
that to be true. I was able to go back and look at the book and see it needed
more chapters in the beginning, and one scene needed to be moved further out.
After that, I started breezing through the plot again, which made a world of
difference in that book. Also, tonnes of music that fit the theme of your book!
That always gets me in the mood to write.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: What
is your favourite writing resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām kind
of obsessed with writer books right now, like <i>The Writerās Guide to Character
Emotions</i> or <i>The Writerās Guide to Psychological Trauma</i>. They have so
many on Amazon, and I plan on collecting more. They give me ideas of different
things to use in my writing, along with watching authors on YouTube. That
actually helped me a lot in the beginning with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Well, definitely
adults since I write smut and some triggering topics. But also people who love
a sarcastic, morally grey character. Lots of magic and supernatural creatures.
One bed trope, enemies to lovers, found familyā¦ People who want a fun twist on
the lore of Fae. And who maybe liked Cinderella growing up and wants to see how
its ties into the book. (Wink, wink)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What authors or books inspire you the
most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I feel like Iām inspired by so
many authors out here. But being an Indie author and seeing others publishing
is just an inspiration to keep going. To keep learning and creating my own
stories to share with the world. So, here are some of my friends I admire and
love their work so much! Ali Stuebbe, N.J. weeks, C.L. Menegon, and Shay Ruby.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Iām
actually about to start <i>Gothikana</i> by Runyx which Iāve heard amazing
things about. So, I canāt wait!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">To find out more about <a href="https://faybecbooks.com" target="_blank">Fay Bec</a> check out her <a href="https://faybecbooks.com" target="_blank">website</a> or give her a follow on <a href="http://Instagram.com/faybecbooks" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://Instagram.com/faybecbooks" target="_blank">@faybecbooks</a>. The second edition of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Hidden Beneath the Embers</a></i> is available now in paperback, ebook and on Kindle Unlimited. From the blurb:</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Fay-Bec/e/B0BHN7DJ3N/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="1626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAxuAFBqtQMASy3vJpDtN1cCigSvWla0HjRUd288vZc2a7jxBzAW83tNek0l6G_XxTyK8ZlaOw4TXJEToWn6jmOhfw1CKgoROX-R7dWGPUrmhKpPG9AtEgxsVvDuk40YhwoU9IJXKbDFx9ffBSEF6iV_aJwFUh8TbrFK64VoqJHHH0CxUyuoP5yEuoQ/w270-h400/New%20book%20cover%20Fay%20Bec.jpg" width="270" /></a><b></b><span style="font-family: times;">Hide-and-seek was a game Davyna loved playing as a child because she always won. But after the death of her adopted father, the game became her lifeās mission to seek a blood relative to set her free from the cursed deal she made. <br /><br />When every lead turns up empty, Davyna is forced to seek help from the creatures that hide in the dark.<br /><br />And when her fairytale dream for her life goes up in flames, Davyna finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew as one secret after another is revealed. As darkness surrounds her, she wonders if there is any chance of waking from this nightmare.<br /><br />With the help of new allies, will she find her way back to the light, or fall deeper into hell?What started as a quest for her freedom quickly turns into a fight for her life as Davyna navigates loss, lust, and love. But more importantly, as she seeks answers to who- or what- she is.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #00ba96; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-62208470507431369072023-04-04T08:30:00.051+10:002023-04-04T09:09:48.503+10:00Author Interview - T. M. Ledvina<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrKsG16CgAQzPYAgXsWoLxmFTJ_AvuF_O81Y0p2XhSUS3-8DYIVsVZontd7_DSElAnkTbkkfm_UyC1gowJU_Ps8d2uHNZ_BfcpYPCwthJeXF2Xu2HHoxEd9EKI4sAKMp7F4_GwpBorF-uYtHHbNIvrljSC-AA3BJAVzaR56xECzSuqgDWUty3ybu0Og/s2240/T.%20M.%20Ledvina%20blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrKsG16CgAQzPYAgXsWoLxmFTJ_AvuF_O81Y0p2XhSUS3-8DYIVsVZontd7_DSElAnkTbkkfm_UyC1gowJU_Ps8d2uHNZ_BfcpYPCwthJeXF2Xu2HHoxEd9EKI4sAKMp7F4_GwpBorF-uYtHHbNIvrljSC-AA3BJAVzaR56xECzSuqgDWUty3ybu0Og/s16000/T.%20M.%20Ledvina%20blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" target="_blank">T.M. Ledvina</a> is an avid reader and writer, and lover of all things fantasy and romance. They live in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, Ryan. When she isnāt writing, you can find them watching anime, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or playing video games. <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank"><i>Of Blood, Bones, and Truth</i></a> is her first full-length completed novel.<br /><br /><b>Genre: LGBTQIA+ fantasy </b><br /><br /><b><i>Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what is it about? </i></b><br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk"><i>Of Blood, Bones, and Truth</i></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk">!</a> An indentured assassin named Kellan is tasked with solving a brutal string of murders in a futuristic city called Spiral City. Along the way, he meets another assassin named Cassian, and over the course of the story they slowly fall for one another. The story focuses on the power and illusion of choices, as well as the weight of guilt, and the shades of goodness and evil.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFMM4Y6EoiRSDsIWpWtSzbA5HXwaVLbC_VVMLLtU4fJA3rOAuhRftaQ2nYqJDY8bGGtpiImu6r0vBat1sAjvmJxn7_JmPFMHabyllPlEiPSEUil7msv6oEv6UdXXdza1hM-59HF_jyqEA8aGOlqOOrO2sY69Lyc8hD-CP3gosqTAS7N026HHTcTQJCw/s320/OF%20BLOOD,%20BONES,%20AND%20TRUTH%20-%20Tia%20Ledvina.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p>
<span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q2: How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process usually take? </u></b><br /><br />Honestly, it depends. I'm very much a chaotic pantser, so it could be a few months to a few years depending on how focused I am. I have noticed with each book that my process gets more and more refined. <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank"><i>Of Blood, Bones and Truth</i></a> took me almost two years to write, but it's sequel, TPF, took me about 6-7 months to write the first draft. <br /><br /><b><u>Q3: What is your favourite type of character to write? <br /></u></b><br />I have the most fun with my MC Kellan, and I think that's mostly because of his complexities. I'm a big fan of characters with snarky exteriors and soft insides - there's something about a squishy character that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please give an example from your current book release where you have done this. </u></b><br /><br />Oh absolutely! One of the main female characters, Selwyn, is inspired by two of my best friends. She even shares a birthday with my best friend since childhood! I also take a lot of inspiration for settings from travels I've been on. I recently went on a trip to the Florida Everglades and got a ton of inspiration for a setting in book three (no spoilers though!), but this is a frequent occurrence for me. I get inspired by movies and video game settings as well, since they're such a visual medium. A lot of <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank"><i>OBBT</i></a> was inspired by my favorite movies and video games, even if it's just for the vibes.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q5: What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career? </u></b><br /><br />How to accept my writing style for what it is. I spent so long wondering why I lost interest in a novel idea after trying to plot it out like everyone told me I had to. It wasn't until I finally finished <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank"><i>OBBT</i></a> that I discovered writing with the loosest plot possible works the best for me. If you're struggling writing a book (either with or without it plotted fully) I'd highly recommend looking into the different types of writing styles and what works best for your type!</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3334" data-original-width="3334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r_PwVNi-JvV7ySr52jOFJ-WzhsDuKAb178Hmy5Du7jzW24K0s1EgYAIT_DoctuHaHWzy4FsbcYoSPPeOMwjPBcnu4zdEHeum6Joyvox4EJ-YyjS-IDK-K-3gt-dhMrHiF62qXY5Su0C0Ny9m7w0X1V8xysBEqzBVWO89NMFaXmswvyIdsfy3YaAVIA/s320/logo2-black%20-%20Tia%20Ledvina.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q6: What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? </u></b><br /><br />This might be a controversial answer...but taking a break is what works best for me. If I feel like I'm forcing words, if I'm spending hours in front of my screen but nothing is coming of it, I know itās time to take a break. I don't just step away from my words though - my breaks usually consist of reading books, playing video games, watching movies, and traveling. Getting outside my own story and taking in things that inspire me always helps me to get the writing bug back and gets me excited to dive back into my stories.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q7: What is your favourite writing resource? </u></b><br /><br />This is actually a tough question for me, because I tend to rebuke most structure and writing theories. But I actually love watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BrandSanderson" target="_blank">Brandon Sanderson</a> lectures on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BrandSanderson" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. He's an incredible storyteller, and his lectures contain a lot of fantastic writing advice and techniques that can be applied in a multitude of ways, regardless of your writing style. I highly recommend checking them out if you are an epic fantasy writer or want to learn more about writing in that genre. I watched a lot of his lectures between writing <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank"><i>OBBT</i></a> and its sequel, TPF, and my writing in TPF has become MUCH stronger because of it!
<br /><br /><b><u>Q8: How would you describe your bookās ideal reader? </u></b><br /><br />Someone who wants to read modern fantasy. I personally got bored of medieval fantasy settings and couldn't find anything that was still considered fantasy but had modern technology other than <i>Crescent City.</i> My ideal readers are people who, like me, want more of the style of <i>Crescent City</i> with smoother, less confusing worldbuilding.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q9: What authors or books inspire you the most? </u></b><br /><br />C.S. Pacat is my hero and #1 inspiration. The Captive Prince trilogy is one of my favorite series of all time and I can't stress enough how much I love the story, emotion, and writing style of Pacat. Their works are vivid and had me completely enraptured. (PLEASE read trigger warnings before reading Captive Prince though, it is VERY dark!)</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q10: What are you currently reading? </u></b><br /><br />At the moment, I'm reading an ARC of The Bear & The Rose by E.K. Larson-Burnett, as well as a short story collection called Soft & Rage by Myka Silber. I absolutely love reading books by fellow indie authors! </span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about <a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" target="_blank">T. M. Ledvina</a> check out <a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" target="_blank">their website</a> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"></span><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" target="_blank">t<b>mledvina.carrd.co</b></a></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><a href="http://tmledvina.carrd.co" target="_blank"></a></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b> or give them a follow in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiamae.books/" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiamae.books/" target="_blank">tiamae.books</a>.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" target="_blank">Of Blood, Bones, and Truth</a> </i>is available on April 4th, 2023 in ebook, paperback and hardback. Here is a sneaky snippet:</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 107%;">"The enneagram before him glowed a pale
gray, the bounding edges of the circle dull in comparison. Minutes passed in
silence, but the man did not move. He knew this was a waiting game, a test to
see who would break first. He would not yield."</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/T-M-Ledvina/e/B0BTXXFQ99/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jvCr3glNfi4fVks0XOPXHdPKimj0C3EWPt0JMo17zEnvde8WU1ekrBB_K_1Q32g2Ioa27A3lMzy5B_3QMUjcLnMQtHgYGEYKqlUr-YC4DTwDBEX3BPcMiGu7ajB9uRgo8Cz3aNYhJGT1XO7ZGaF2lWjE5N-3qiotX2ajUgiy7WznOSYMV60piixYkg/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asholdfield" target="_blank">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></span></b><p></p></div>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-83257439369675708222023-03-31T08:30:00.046+11:002023-03-31T09:41:42.115+11:00Author Feature Friday - Kris Bird<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8oloqLLFYIKWoBP0FgX0PAt_cz_cYOGfHdOqcoGSwvbnvy3FUO6H5af5wimqXoCtyotX-2mNx79Mhs17PXXSNdB5Kbl-WnUpVNZRfPtqwfZvhYB6504nhJegWgih3kp6nx55_Zy9JgWUJ5Bz45VTAtBaD05_DPPKDwbbNTWGzoy7nfrNqYghVWD50Q/s2240/Kris%20Bird%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8oloqLLFYIKWoBP0FgX0PAt_cz_cYOGfHdOqcoGSwvbnvy3FUO6H5af5wimqXoCtyotX-2mNx79Mhs17PXXSNdB5Kbl-WnUpVNZRfPtqwfZvhYB6504nhJegWgih3kp6nx55_Zy9JgWUJ5Bz45VTAtBaD05_DPPKDwbbNTWGzoy7nfrNqYghVWD50Q/s16000/Kris%20Bird%20Blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=relevancerank&text=Kris+Bird&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Kris Bird</a> is an Atlanta-based SciFi Author. She started her freelance writing business in 2019 and has been working on the Time Bender Saga for over a decade. Her debut novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Talismanic-Urn-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B07X1M88Q6/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-4&text=Kris+Bird" target="_blank">The Talismanic Urn</a></i>, released in 2020 and has 5-stars on Amazon. Her newest book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" target="_blank">The Home Landing</a></i>, is a proactive, new age alien invasion story with a twist. It released March 28th.</span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Genre: Science Fiction</b><br /><br /><b><u>Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?</u></b><br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" target="_blank"><i>The Home Landing</i></a>. Unlike most alien invasion stories, our main character, Jordan, is tired of hiding and waiting to be beamed up by aliens. She's ready to take fate in her own hands and face the aliens head-on. Jordan joins a rag-tag group of militants that she believes will bring her closer to the aliens, but instead she finds the family (and love) that she has been searching for her whole life. Will she decide to stay and fight alongside her new family? Or will curiosity finally get the best of her?</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnTMCZUk1qfvOOEwgYIllVpI_N_8k0_ebBPLnb18HkljNCuMbIbKMuzw2N62zXxa5akpX1h_CKYMQylYiYGbDBSjeeYS-sdgPRVTuEW0xlQ4mMlpv0Yc5s3TC-kfwtSktF1ROJ1dEmFJVHuY-y5QE9Adu3r6btEjtOvfe5-m0pntZ-Lvpugw4cc0w6w/s320/The-Home-Landing_Cover-Art_FINAL%20(2)%20-%20Kris%20Bird.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q2: How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process usually take?</u></b><br /><br />Usually about a year. I take my time with the first draft, (about 4-6 months) and I HATE editing but after I've thrown back a Scotch (or two) that usually takes me about 1-2 months. That, with the procrastination, self-loathing, and eventual hyper productivity, the whole publishing process usually takes at least a year.<br /><br /><b><u>Q3: What is your favourite type of character to write?</u></b><br /><br />Damaged. People that you want to hate for their choices but you can relate to why they do the things they do.<br /><br /><b><u>Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please give an example from your current book release where you have done this.</u></b><br /><br />My current book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" target="_blank"><i>The Home Landing</i></a> is actually about a dream that my friend told me about an alien invasion. We always have this idea in the SciFi genre of aliens attacking, and humans running from the aliens, hiding and trying to destroy them. But it never occurred to me that maybe in that scenario, we might behave differently. Humans are curious creatures and they might be tempted to want to give up the fight just to find out: why?<br /><br /><b><u>Q5: What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?</u></b><br /><br />You are not the exception, you are the rule. The only way to be a successful writer is to work at it.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3olToFG1FmlAT3KoEHxJeoyjEr8pkBsey9k-uDOMw-5ZClDQujxCKkIVuY21a1tiqUgKjVila2KAe9bGnkEwnjBKd5pD_vI75IGQ1A6tMZP20lOi8DOPWezXfvfKrM0V2aFHyDqzbZkXiEc6Lbt7sQRlVCX4cTY8_RlX0FjqSB6hLFN1CI50jhUYbQ/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3olToFG1FmlAT3KoEHxJeoyjEr8pkBsey9k-uDOMw-5ZClDQujxCKkIVuY21a1tiqUgKjVila2KAe9bGnkEwnjBKd5pD_vI75IGQ1A6tMZP20lOi8DOPWezXfvfKrM0V2aFHyDqzbZkXiEc6Lbt7sQRlVCX4cTY8_RlX0FjqSB6hLFN1CI50jhUYbQ/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><b><u>Q6: What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? </u></b><br /><br />Lucid Dreaming<br /><br /><b><u>Q7: What is your favourite writing resource?<br /></u></b><br />Thesaurus! I'm definitely old school, but I could spend hours on there just to craft the perfect sentence. <br /><br /><b><u>Q8: How would you describe your bookās ideal reader?</u></b><br /><br />I want to get women excited about the SciFi genre. <br /><br /><b><u>Q9: What authors or books inspire you the most?</u></b><br /><br />Nova Sparks. It's hard to find decent female SciFi writers to look up to and I'm currently desperately waiting for a sequel to <i>The Dome</i>. <br /><br /><b><u>Q10: What are you currently reading?</u></b><br /><br /> Astonishing X-men Volume 2, The Witcher series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, It all depends on what I am in the mood for I guess.</span><p><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about Kris Bird check out her <a href="https://linktr.ee/krisbirdauthor?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=acc181d4-cb65-4ea1-ac7f-c634213f7540" target="_blank">Linktr.ee</a> or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/krisbirdauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/krisbirdauthor/" target="_blank">@</a></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/krisbirdauthor/" target="_blank">KrisBirdAuthor</a>. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" target="_blank">The Home Landing</a> is available now. Check out a sneaky snippet below:</i></b></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: times;">"It reminded Jordan of a storm cloud; ominous and unsettling. A cloud made up of metal and joints; twisting into each other. The air in her lungs felt stale and compressed against her chest. The ship seemed to take on a life of its own; breathing in the very oxygen she needed and converting it into something dangerous. And just like a storm cloud, there seemed to be an anticipation, a feeling of uneasiness and preparation for the storm ahead. The world around her fell silent and somehow Jordan was not surprised when cloud above her opened up."</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Home-Landing-Kris-Bird-ebook/dp/B0BX7JSHBT/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1679009312&refinements=p_27%3AKris+Bird&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Kris+Bird" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNJh4YHQGo7oBvIy-b3JyJPma72XmXlaML_NUYOvyEI9Sa-91UAOhMPVW_ZzizImS1eQ0pSUoacsYR0mmqxLUhFvuxCslDXBG3GwG4JNKz-FWS_cyaf_5iX42iZ43Qy00DASZZwT4wjwjj2QK8J6UWTSqwLPaINf6IPsf0gTv8q1CmhRQIEYnEvSF-Q/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><b style="color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #cc3154; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b><p></p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b><i></i></b></span><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-83340325339005397492023-03-28T08:30:00.055+11:002023-03-28T09:49:43.266+11:00Author Interview - Jess Alexandria<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdTglxQVfBv2WVwN9GkwNBsUBZSHGcpch1uPP-QbdNmJGI1lTPu6ZUtJQETk5P-z2FvCU32Cvk2In4t9AmE-JzSm7srM9z6lCSJ7ITh47XK4lxHoVB4qBtpULbweWxEuLZWDTjfR9HSk3Qx6Q3VBLi9mkXW8ZOtAykNKEzCUFCM0QAzpdFmffJi9Inw/s2240/Jess%20Alexandria%20blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdTglxQVfBv2WVwN9GkwNBsUBZSHGcpch1uPP-QbdNmJGI1lTPu6ZUtJQETk5P-z2FvCU32Cvk2In4t9AmE-JzSm7srM9z6lCSJ7ITh47XK4lxHoVB4qBtpULbweWxEuLZWDTjfR9HSk3Qx6Q3VBLi9mkXW8ZOtAykNKEzCUFCM0QAzpdFmffJi9Inw/s16000/Jess%20Alexandria%20blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank">Jess Alexandria</a> is half of the dynamic writing
duo <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank">J.S. Alexandria</a>, authors of <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a>. Jess loves a good story
with incredible characters, and a little spice (or a lot of spice) never hurt!
She lives in New England with her husband and cat children, and when she's not
writing, she can be found reading, playing video games, or enjoying some good
food and a TV show.</span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Genre: Fantasy Romance (adult) </b><br /><br /><b><u>Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what is it about? </u></b><br /><br />My most recent book is actually my debut novel! <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a> by <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank">J.S. Alexandria</a>. This one is coauthored with me and my best friend. It's an adult fantasy romance within a modern, contemporary setting. It follows our two main character Slate and Daniella where Slate finds himself a target of the fae and he's rescued from being kidnapped by Dani. Adventure and romance ensue. And it's more than just fae, which I know is super trendy right now, but this world includes traditional faerie lore, Asian magicks, vampires, witches, and other magical creatures. It's quite varied! Slate and Dani are supported by a diverse and fun cast of side charactersāSlate's best friends Jian and Kari, and Dani's best friends Roger, Maddie, and Sellie the griffin.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXu-HRP9TPYl7IbfQxyjRZVtLy-W4e6KJg_s-QvFZuR9r86NPwMIbIf1pDrGMDNl5f5Z7N7_PLHPmiAhe_gS4UIl94UupMdoJmhRsqQrqduE0ybB6ONOvT_VKIN9Wlp8um-L-AP9T3Yljp7lsdtj0PPpJWWlnxn-hvCSQTeFM8FPiVwar7bQnp3h-5A/s320/FROST%20AND%20SUNSHINE%20FINAL%20Ebook%20-%20Jessica%20Alexandria.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><b><u>Q2: How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process usually take? </u></b><br /><br />Well <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a> has been a labor of love for Sierra and I for over FIVE YEARS. But that's because we created the world, wrote Slate and Dani's story... then proceeded to write several more books within the world before we decided to go back and edit Slate and Dani. I would say that we draft a book within a year, usually, then another year for editing (which includes a round with our beta readers!). It's fun because it's the two of us. I will be embarking on some solo projects, and I can't say yet how long the process will take me. I'm definitely not an intense drafter and I don't see myself being able to put out more than a single book a year on my own. Sometimes the process takes time!</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q3: What is your favourite type of character to write? </u></b><br /><br />I LOVE a snarky male lead who also has a short temper. Bonus points for a little trauma baked in. Characters like Greed/Ling from Full Metal Alchemist, Zuko from ATLA, Inuyasha from, well, Inuyasha, Rhys and Cassian from ACOTAR... Slate (my male lead in<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"> <i>FAS</i></a>) is a little bit like this, and so is his best friend Jian. They are two peas in a pod, those two, though Slate has a little more temper while Jian has a little more... edge. And we really get to see Jian's character develop in rich ways over the course of the next few books. Bonus points - Sierra LOVES an angsty, stoic male. Roger is her favorite to write in <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>FAS</i></a>. Think like Sesshoumaru from Inuyasha, Itachi from Naruto... she loves a tragic stoic lead.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please give an example from your current book release where you have done this. </u></b><br /><br />YES - the martial arts parts of Frost and Sunshine are absolutely mined right from my life. I'm a 3rd degree black belt in traditional Taekwondo, and my husband is a 6th degree. It's a family affair, hahaha. A lot of Slate's interactions with his male friends were based on observations watching my favorite men in my life talk to each other as well. I also have a new WIP that works on a martial arts ranking system as well. It's such a core element in my life... it's hard to not put a little taste of it into each of my books! Bonus - Sierra lived in Japan for five years and speaks the language fluently, so the very Japanese elements of our book are absolutely well-researched and thought-out... from lived experience!</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgPHu1TiIYhBMDaC80gbG107C42V0vZq3BZ0K1HLzdeGkn2cZTR7TBURzsO3OJxzB7DS-eB8K6H4FgV-Y3cxxcrEiNe7VRRFmQjix2SF018rnw92wC9g2_Z-niTWyVYS3SPdfwgMGXFORGKozYZxqiXNADQBG7joM32dAFcN8Y-IVk80vGHP_8euybA/s1080/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgPHu1TiIYhBMDaC80gbG107C42V0vZq3BZ0K1HLzdeGkn2cZTR7TBURzsO3OJxzB7DS-eB8K6H4FgV-Y3cxxcrEiNe7VRRFmQjix2SF018rnw92wC9g2_Z-niTWyVYS3SPdfwgMGXFORGKozYZxqiXNADQBG7joM32dAFcN8Y-IVk80vGHP_8euybA/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><b><u>Q5: What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career? </u></b><br /><br />How f-ing difficult the publishing process was... yet also how easy. I'm 33 years old... it didn't cross my mind until two years ago that Sierra and I could SELF-PUBLISH and skip all the misogynistic red tape of the traditional publishing sphere. Not that it's a bad path (great for some) but those of us that write Fantasy Romance have a harder time fitting into the trad-pub sphere because our work doesn't align tightly to a single niche. You can't take out the fantasy or the romance plot of <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a> and still have it be a cohesive novel... so where does it live in the genre world? If I had known that self-publishing was as easy as a little research and a hell of a lot of ambition, I would've done it a lot sooner. I'm an Enneagram type 3... I love a good to-do list and I'm ambitious and I love to have control over everything. As stressful as it is, I have loved the self-publishing route because I get to control everything. I just wish I had known about it sooner!</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q6: What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing again? </u></b><br /><br />The beautiful thing about a well-balanced coauthorship is that if I'm in a rut, Sierra can take over and help. I can give her the barest bones of a raging dumpster fire scene and go: "FIX ME" and between the two of us, we can usually motivate each other! However... that doesn't always work, especially for my solo projects. One thing that usually works for me is driving with a music playlist. I pick a few songs that match my WIP vibe and I go out for a drive. I live in the country so the roads are winding and unpopulated and it's easy to loop around and connect the roads together, so I can just loop around in my car for an hour or two and ruminate. Other strategies include just... writing scenes and head-canons from my own works. Sometimes it flows easier than anything that happens in the story and gets me into the heads of the characters. For example, I wrote some scenes about Slate's father's backstory... does it go into the book? Absolutely not, but they are fun scenes and it keeps me sharp and motivated and in the mood. Some authors will tell you that words are 'wasted' because they don't make it into the story (especially if the author is a pantser) but I don't believe that's true. Any writing keeps you sharp and honed for your craft. Words are never ever wasted.</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q7: What is your favourite writing resource? </u></b><br /><br />Reading!!! Seriously the best thing to do to keep your mind in story-mode. Read good books. Other than that - I've been getting into craft books lately on writing. I don't yet have any to recommend because I've only just started reading them. But I also love the Author Media podcast on Spotify. The podcast creator does come from a religious background and that bias sometimes creeps into his podcast, but not always and I've learned a lot from that podcast on marketing and writing strategies. Additionally... OTHER AUTHORS. Seriously, Sierra and I have been writing together in a silo for over 20 years... but the moment I branched out into social media and met other authors and participated in critique groups and received feedback from other people... incredible. My writing chops expanded. I did go to college for Education with a minor in English so I was accustomed to feedback and critique groups, but it's one thing when you are doing it for a grade and another thing to volunteer to do it to get better. Highly recommend people connecting with other writers and authors. The power of the collective cannot be understated.</span>
<span style="font-family: times;"><br /><br /><b><u>Q8: How would you describe your bookās ideal reader? </u></b><br /><br />Demographic is 18+ due to the graphic nature of our books, but more than that, the characters are adults going through adult things. Dani owns her own house. Slate runs a business and cares for his elderly father. They go out drinking... these are adult activities that someone under 18 might not connect with. Beyond that -- if you are someone who loves the idea of fantasy but wants it to be approachable... or someone who loves romance and wants to dabble into fantasy romance... or someone who grew up reading the paranormal romance books of the early 2000s (the ones we all had to hide from our mothers)... someone who loves following incredible characters through an approachable and digestible plot... loves dialogue and banter... and you are someone who loves to go the distance with incredible characters... <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a> is your next read, for sure.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNBFLsEy-GbKzt3zVZ8FBeiVPzWJDhAzGUVy1fVzKBzY-ITasEsykQLg9l4q3KtLj1leoqX5qDS_gqBW15JQJkXC5PPE6yB9S4K-ojNtRlEry35g8B-Oo7sobqEUacsnX2aVs3FnTEScoBJueSCvckuaMXDaXQQUIhwRdJMjq0j99CqusGIHFUTe93A/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNBFLsEy-GbKzt3zVZ8FBeiVPzWJDhAzGUVy1fVzKBzY-ITasEsykQLg9l4q3KtLj1leoqX5qDS_gqBW15JQJkXC5PPE6yB9S4K-ojNtRlEry35g8B-Oo7sobqEUacsnX2aVs3FnTEScoBJueSCvckuaMXDaXQQUIhwRdJMjq0j99CqusGIHFUTe93A/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q9: What authors or books inspire you the most? </u></b><br /><br />It's super cliche of me to say SJM, but I really do love the character dynamic of her books. They are the kind of characters you want to go the distance with, and I love their banter. BUT - I love JR Ward (the Black Dagger Brotherhood series), and I've been a lifelong fan of paranormal romance. Sierra too. Those types of "stand-alone in the series" books inspired us all our lives. We loved seeing a new couple in each book with an overarching plot and revisiting our fav couples from the past in new books. Some recent authors who have become staples in my life - VE Schwab, Katee Robert, AP Walston, Amy Daws... inspired by all of them in different ways. And of course, all my indie author friends just inspire me all the time with the tenacity and creativity: Lindsay Clement, TM Ledvina, Miranda Joy, and so many others.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><b><u>Q10: What are you currently reading? </u></b><br /><br />I just finished an ARC of <i>These Wicked Truths</i> by Miranda Joy! I'm about to read <i>Of Blood, Bones, and Truth</i> by TM Ledvina... but right now I'm more focused on my own writing and I'm actually doing another play-through of <i>Zelda Breath of the Wild</i>, which is its own inspiration!</span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about <a href="http://linktr.ee/jess.alexandria.books" target="_blank">Jess Alexandria</a> check out her <a href="http://linktr.ee/jess.alexandria.books" target="_blank">Linktr.ee here</a>, or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jess.alexandria.books/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </b></span><span style="font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jess.alexandria.books/">@jess.alexandria.books</a></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><b>.</b></span><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank"><i>Frost and Sunshine</i></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" target="_blank">Book 1 in the Magic in Myth Series</a>, is available now in ebook, paperback, hardcover and Kindle Unlimited.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/J-S-Alexandria/e/B0BQ3YTWL5/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxrV6D3OsgfojVIdTxpgoBdpNVf8po1OZ76nfUl7e_woaZUP_UOVKwl7ao_yqFFg1ZbuaxYqzqL39nO-7PmQwrTsEKOC_D8ZuPYC8eUVcHwMqKyTfLurJQb7Tw6cuZJ8iUhpLD4DsW_8BQijPukPeXp2Un8VLiT2WN1bCU2zFVyOIrh5ero9HYZ7s7g/w400-h400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="color: #800180; font-family: times;"><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" target="_blank">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></b></span></div>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-56134561467517463882023-03-24T08:30:00.049+11:002023-03-24T08:30:00.186+11:00Author Feature Friday - Judith McNees<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-0MGzsghgyUOMjMzmXl36QDyzd1_eojLbmATJZpe-8TeqZfsuHBDFn1Oi9vy7qo_fK4-3S69j0Nx45rUEWf2TeV33xmkDsCCC0oUBY3kok6nQ-xDJxJSYNtxMRrsAWva_m2wlVcjqf6C5nBQPNlyHxUPkVBYZp207I8hbB3hK3ZvXvXv3klG_nsbqQ/s2240/Judith%20McNees%20blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-0MGzsghgyUOMjMzmXl36QDyzd1_eojLbmATJZpe-8TeqZfsuHBDFn1Oi9vy7qo_fK4-3S69j0Nx45rUEWf2TeV33xmkDsCCC0oUBY3kok6nQ-xDJxJSYNtxMRrsAWva_m2wlVcjqf6C5nBQPNlyHxUPkVBYZp207I8hbB3hK3ZvXvXv3klG_nsbqQ/s16000/Judith%20McNees%20blog%20Banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">Judith McNees</a> lives in Michigan, where she enjoys spending time hiking with her kids
and breaking out into random songs to annoy them. She loves to travel, and
visiting all 50 states with her husband is at the top of her bucket list. She
has a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and is a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Genre: Contemporary
Christian Romance</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My latest book is
called <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a></i>, and it is the third book in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">Tranquil Shores Sweet Christian Romance Series</a>. The series is a family saga which follows the siblings
in the Morgan family, and book 3 is about the youngest brother, Chris. This
book touches on themes of loss, trauma, family, and redemption. It is a
marriage of convenience bookā¦my favorite trope to read!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77m_9_oMVF7CnfUw2C5SH6WNL-umJgh1nUUHpv6u6SFQSkJ1b5dcoRojEnHmnds_n60n9lmxhmWRgR7QMBmG2wbdv2WxRVaGPPRoB0L-tJB82IRlsxgtFsKcT5dPe-U249OYrVeak4s-UWDnq4emVQl5EVCgUhlsT_xGmSWinVRgzfURtzBrRgJ2GaQ/s320/Book%203%20Ebook.png" width="213" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It varies.
It took me about three months to finish <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a></i>, but I wrote
my Christmas novella in two weeks. My process has gotten cleaner with each new
release, so my drafts are fairly clean when I finish them. I have my editing
fairly streamlined at this point, so the majority of my process is spent on
writing and discovering the story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I love writing my
heroes. Chris, from <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a></i>, was my most challenging character
to write due to his story arc and flaws. I actually didnāt like him very much
at the beginning of the book, but by the end, he was one of my favorites!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> is set
in the fictional town of Tranquil Shores, Michigan, which is on the shores of
Lake Michigan. I love visiting the lake, although I donāt ever swim! There are
also several childhood stories in this book that are either directly from my
own childhood or based on one of my own kids. The one where Chrisās brother fed
him a jalepeno to torture him? That was something I did to my youngest
sisterā¦lol.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Find a
mentor who understands your mission and will help you sort through all of the
writing advice. I had five beta readers for <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a></i>, and two
of them tried steering me in the direction of more of a womenās
fiction/Christian fiction type of story. I went back to my mentor, and she was
able to help me sort through that because she knows my mission and my goals as
an author, and sheās also an author and editor in my genre who understands the
conventions and expectations in a CCR story.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s8EIIdSWVROW5WGuXZMPZylgCqk7-Khip9Ewn5_3JEM32usTIpKK3RpDhN_PZn19ms5W-MUs4ip6Z2C6_WV51jxuGujTsUFxdkFCwwkeoqLHeZIPpghDm0xu46Kh5qPKhomgZsq0VtmQ4ZkvHL3-H1dfEBGEnsTsJiVue33OtAlW7Zmp0uN9fzDjJA/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I like to
brainstorm with my mentor when Iām stuck. The other thing Iāve realized is that
a lot of the time when I think Iām in a rut, Iām just procrastinating. I set a
timer for 15 minutes and write. Usually, when the 15 minutes are up, I keep
going!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: What
is your favourite writing resource?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Novelpad.
Hands down. I was blessed to discover it about two weeks after I started
writing my first novel and never looked back. It helps me keep my notes,
character profiles, and writing all in one place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My books
mainly appeal to women who enjoy romance books with a strong Christian thread
but who are looking for characters with flaws and who donāt always make the
right choices. I have readers Iāve met from 13 to 97, so almost any age would
enjoy them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What authors or books inspire you the
most?</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Holy Bible</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Spark
Brothers series by Liwen Y. Ho.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i>To find out more about <a href="https://linktr.ee/judithmcnees" target="_blank">Judith McNees</a> check out her <a href="http://linktr.ee/judithmcnees" target="_blank">linktr.ee</a> or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/judith_mcnees_author/" target="_blank">Instagram </a></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/judith_mcnees_author/" target="_blank">@judith_mcnees_author</a>.</b></i></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" target="_blank">A Heart to Redeem</a> is available now.</b></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-McNees/author/B09SW364TT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iUUsSREh1rSDh6MEbY5J6TwNZ1P_Q6k1-lOWt1Rn-L3dlN-14X787yKve7IzEdZHN0mCkJ1VkRf1dWKLTS0z8dMarzO5fn1OYLkV6RiDwW8VWHUv14cQovRij05LKteQbyKxpL_gJKprlcoHPMTUTqQ8T0fWDpcn0k4jjwpQ3p6y-cvjIO02QozPWQ/w400-h400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #cc3154; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></span><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-88256616535795061922023-03-21T08:30:00.043+11:002023-03-21T08:30:00.184+11:00Author Interview - Ana Stanojevic<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpwolga0iZwxo8x5IXnYjIW6yzqbTK29GFnifsm3KopVo9uAeLWEOn3JDRsxNIk7OKq2bdpSxaadlTa3mntmxdOcUQGtZI9bv62mL6oZ0drF2vc3Ys18Tz0DPvziM1Tz1JqSSqu0w7T1cQvIoso40__4BNOIfHU1K9ZcZlPXsZ6h7RzXrXwEDZwmt9g/s2240/Ana%20Stanojevic%20blog%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpwolga0iZwxo8x5IXnYjIW6yzqbTK29GFnifsm3KopVo9uAeLWEOn3JDRsxNIk7OKq2bdpSxaadlTa3mntmxdOcUQGtZI9bv62mL6oZ0drF2vc3Ys18Tz0DPvziM1Tz1JqSSqu0w7T1cQvIoso40__4BNOIfHU1K9ZcZlPXsZ6h7RzXrXwEDZwmt9g/s16000/Ana%20Stanojevic%20blog%20banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Ana Stanojevic</a>, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Wave Trilogy</a>, lives in
Calgary, AB with her family. Her dream was always to become an author.<br />
<br />
She got the idea of her <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Wave Trilogy</a> when she was on a vacation with
her family in Greece and from there,she started to map out the trilogy,
jotting down the ideas on paper. She also owns a blog where she fangirls about
books as well as sharing updates about her life.<br />
<br />
āAfter <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Wave Trilogy</a>, she hopes to write many more fantasy fictions
that are on her list including a reimagined Aladdin novel.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q&A</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?<br />
</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My latest book is the sequel of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Wave</a></i> which is called<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank"> <i>Fire Burns</i></a>. It is where Aiyana
continues to fight as the vigilante, Fire
Wave, against the evil that threatens the Earth. However, in doing so,
she meets another adversary, The Shadow
and soon Aiyana must fight the enemy before she loses her mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOtsZ4R5uyfzpR0J1ydi-EtR_YDWgkDibozV2nnAUzg226jFZdjXY-kPi5Qu1tAaFTY-YkZ4G7kvsIrp1X5pjUh7AvBrEawSuMmMKiPAMxZf3JKd9cLeZxontm-FuywLLDUT8FcReeUdgJRzyt-UCAaWKa5hfmvvG77QP9FPj_TeWgOGi5YTF_ePtMQ/s320/FIRE%20BURNS.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q2: How long does it take you to write a
book? How long does each stage of the process usually take?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Burns</a></i> (which is the
sequel to <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" target="_blank">Fire Wave</a></i>) took
me a few months but even after a few months, there was a lot of revising and
editing which added another few months. Writing, is usually the easiest stage for
me because I know what happens in each scene so it doesnāt take me long; I
would say about five months of writing and then another five or six months of
editing and revising.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What is your favourite type of character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I absolutely loved writing about Opsidia! I might
write a novella about herā¦who knowsā¦</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas,
settings and/or characters? If so, please give an example from your current
book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Toronto, Canada has been the main inspiration for Iron
City and I mostly used Norse Mythology for the book. There are also aliens in
the book!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q5: What is something you wish you had
known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Donāt rush! It takes time to write and edit books. If
you rush, youāll miss important details of your story and there wonāt be a nice
flow to your book. Take time with your edits. You WANT your book to be as clean
as possible. And have fun! Itās important to have fun otherwise youāll have
burn out and lack of inspiration so have fun!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkiXj8_SlcWlpz5FeE8xNGod2iE1JPksWTvFBGf0uBw4Kz7kRCKao1ZU-fRRTTgRJHQIhCmR4KCzPoQsRtO5EuWmnwyqMmW7z2nigVqlLjMxxJ9FCVoBd8kUEroP9DOIPiNsBAdwa9TvtRoVBwGnYA5g-Ta3zDr4k3r9aTv9n4SCQtzYewCORjKBx3A/s320/Fire%20Wave%20Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is
there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing
again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I normally take a break if I have a writing rut and
watch some YouTube. When Iām in a writing rut, the last thing I would want is
to force myself to write. If I force myself to write, itāll become a mess. So
instead, I just take a break, relax and once inspiration hits, I start to write
again. I also read as well; I love to read Fantasy books.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q7: What is your favourite writing
resource?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I mostly follow authors on Instagram for writing
resource. One of my favourites would be Heart Breathings on YouTube by Sarra
Cannon; I absolutely love the advice she gives out for authors. I also like
Bethany Atazadeh!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q8: How would you describe your bookās
ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My book is for anyone who likes Superheroes, Fantasy
and Sci-Fi!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q9: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What authors or books
inspire you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I love Kerri Maniscalco! I love her books. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q10: What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Iām
currently reading <i>The Song that Moves the Sun</i> by Anna Bright</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>To find out more about Ana Stanojevic, check out her <a href="https://firewavetrilogy.wixsite.com/links" target="_blank">website here</a>, or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anniekatie58/" target="_blank">Instagram @anniekatie58</a>.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>From the blurb:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAna+Stanojevic&s=relevancerank&text=Ana+Stanojevic&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72XxuLCLnfQODoZHqw9OBAQ93aGAHcwQ4YB_YixBqGMMRHRdRCss0c82DnAtw2vRwa4mAalQU9NeQK1Ux8axb9FSRFUkt6BobP3jms0dk3rrLBACjXg9emB1U6Y69YXV3chRq17BWbBbZF0YWyxEdTBqd-CGETHQLv-CXkUr7_FDdr9lzUq9k9iRqhQ/w400-h400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #00ba96;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-80679793312626508912023-03-17T08:30:00.004+11:002023-03-17T09:49:30.561+11:00Author Feature Friday - "Original Cyn" Cynthia Vespia<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwsGVd777k8B19izbcirSCAoWuhFYGMOWzBbfeBzzRuVl0cDK_TtEoDP4ey0nemXR4WrdF2YKpsfN9ZR7GNCqtYHyDrSS6Pqze_zV9B8JBZu9qm9fzjMi6uwHtdV7elIhoxdmACe3a5PfoAD-k6q9wuz55CzFb2i_UNo4DLxV4NZiUA0j8gvkTpE0Bw/s2240/Cynthia%20Vespia%20blog%20banner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwsGVd777k8B19izbcirSCAoWuhFYGMOWzBbfeBzzRuVl0cDK_TtEoDP4ey0nemXR4WrdF2YKpsfN9ZR7GNCqtYHyDrSS6Pqze_zV9B8JBZu9qm9fzjMi6uwHtdV7elIhoxdmACe3a5PfoAD-k6q9wuz55CzFb2i_UNo4DLxV4NZiUA0j8gvkTpE0Bw/s16000/Cynthia%20Vespia%20blog%20banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">"Original Cyn" Cynthia Vespia</a> writes fantasy novels with
edge including urban fantasy vigilantes and heroic adventure fantasy.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Her characters are outcasts and anti-heroes
with depth and real vulnerabilities. Every plot is designed to give heroes a
challenge and villains a purpose.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">It's
escapism entertainment at its best keeping pages turning and hearts pounding.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Genre:</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>
Heroic Fantasy and Urban Fantasy</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My latest release is titled <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">Rayna the Dragonslayer</a>.</i> It is the first novel in the exciting dragon fantasy
adventure series A Time of Dragons. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It's
a symphony of sword and sorcery, high fantasy, and a heroic quest that is like
The Mandalorian merging with Game of Thrones.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="3855" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6laFws9UWphJIVzO4xJ6dqeP4YBClvc0NyjluuuYLfjej0UU3VBiHtjE6LAMrRePFLEPGItPjfv1QBSte9cTyK3sDqzLV4gngHRElud_UGOMpNy9r0N71Xu5kNoOP_1uIeRPJz04jigkbjT3zawIU3x0eZJBwi4x930jA6U9l3wz14YaZ1Cb3EJN3xQ/s320/6_9_DS_Print_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2:
How long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the
process usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Iāve written books in as little as 3 months and as
long as 3 years. It really depends on the story Iām writing and if my Muse is
behaving! When I started my career, I was doing a lot of stand alone novels
which took less time to complete. Now, I write mostly trilogies and longer
series so the staging process is different. I like to flush out the main
components of each novel that is to come so I can make certain there is a pay
off for the reader throughout the journey. Initial outlines are usually the spark
of my idea coming to life and I whip those out in about 30-min to an hr. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I lean into writing anti-heroes and outcasts. My
characters have flaws and layers to their personalities. To me, it feels more
natural and real. No one in the world is a perfect person. It would be a
disservice to readers to write a character that they canāt relate to. Also, it
would be pretty boring. I also really enjoy delving into my villains to ensure
they have as much of a backstory and a purpose as the heroes do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4:
Do you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yes, I often draw from real life experiences or
characteristics from someone I know. My hero <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">Rayna</a> is a compilation of strong,
determined women Iāve known throughout my life. I gave her a take no BS type of
attitude which I suppose came directly from me!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5:
What is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There are a few things. I wish I had pinned down my
genre early on and stuck with it. I wish I had started a long series of books
with distinct characters that kept growing over the years. Mostly, I wish I
wouldāve known just how important marketing and networking were at the onset. I
started writing and publishing before everything went digital. So, when the
shift came and everything went online I had to re-learn everything I knew
before. It still feels like Iām behind but all I can do is write good books
that readers enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooNAMqVOVvb0aIEDgMv-86Rwyn0t54eDf_6eZsvC5NzctYHxWj0Z4K71EBwAg8nwJELr3GiKnAyoXQ1LAGscfmFK2dh75swYnpBa5ffiswbtH6ZYMIkL_31hERBoaoDsHinVTd6uRSmOJJm_QBuL05I7xbklm-FvorU_7KFCdbShS4p0NoBrsToRLHA/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooNAMqVOVvb0aIEDgMv-86Rwyn0t54eDf_6eZsvC5NzctYHxWj0Z4K71EBwAg8nwJELr3GiKnAyoXQ1LAGscfmFK2dh75swYnpBa5ffiswbtH6ZYMIkL_31hERBoaoDsHinVTd6uRSmOJJm_QBuL05I7xbklm-FvorU_7KFCdbShS4p0NoBrsToRLHA/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When Iām stuck in a rut I will do anything </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">but </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">writing to get my creative juices flowing. That could mean working out,
reading, or even watching TV. To be honest, Iāve gotten some really good
inspiration from TV shows. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7:
You mentioned you give villains a purpose. How do you balance that without
seeming like their actions should be condoned?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What I mean when I say āpurposeā is that the villain
believes in their mission, it doesnāt mean the reader has to condone their
actions. I donāt like when a villain causes chaos for no reason or the reason
doesnāt make sense. Even The Joker has his reasons for doing all the malicious
actions he does to Batman. A villain should be flushed out just as much as the
hero is or you wind up with a flat, one-dimensional character that makes
readers wonder why its taking so long for the hero to wrap this up!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8:
How would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My readers have describe themselves. Iāve heard on
multiple occasions that my books are easy to read page turners. I take readers
on a journey with the characters in an entertaining way and I donāt waste time
with non-essential filler. We hit the ground running with action, character
drama, intrigue, and a little bit of humor if the moment strikes! <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">Rayna the Dragonslayer</a></i> is for fans of pure fantasy with interesting world-building,
creative characters including monsters, magic, and of course dragons!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What authors or books inspire you the
most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I was first inspired by Dean Koontz. He was the
reason I wanted to become an author. C.S. Lewis, Piers Anthony, Robert E.
Howard, those authors began my love of fantasy. These days Iām interested in
authors that bridge the gap between fantasy and reality like Jim Butcher or
Patricia Briggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I always read a non-fiction book and a fiction title
simultaneously For my non-fiction I just finished the biography of MMA fighter
and WWE superstar Ronda Rousey. Now Iāve started <i>On Writing and Writers</i>
by C.S. Lewis. For my fiction novel I turned to some older titles from an
author named Richard Kirk. He created a series of fantasy novels that follow a
female warrior named Raven. See the correlation? I read book one in Kirkās
series years before and I remembered it well enough to want to write something
similar. Now, I tracked down the rest of the Raven series (which wasnāt easy!)
to be a little more motivated to write my own fantasy series.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">Rayna the Dragonslayer</a> </i>is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">available as ebook, paperback and hardcover</a>. Check out Chapter One at the end of this post. Find out more about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">Cynthia Vespia</a> and her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" target="_blank">books</a> by checking out her <a href="http://linktr.ee" target="_blank">linktr.ee/originalcynwrites</a>, or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/originalcynwrites/" target="_blank">Instagram @originalcynwrites</a>.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Vespia/author/B002CAWFQ8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-EF3FYyaI9BfyLpuqtpQvsD0aiXg7qxDNviSa9bbrLw7wdiDsvhxJnUerC96-EwWBIcl8BWzxP7v4n-u3ET0xK8dKHgs2ZGH9EBcr_dCpFivxpzfogHllUtoSX01mJukC907f4rXctDXOqei9W6GcUxGq6PqQbNSqGUSI-MywLuAMQrtjekb7b2Pfw/s320/Dragonslayer%20Cover.jpg" width="201" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Rayna the Dragonslayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">A Time of Dragons I <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Copyright Ā© 2022 Cynthia Vespia</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">CHAPTER ONE</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> - SEEKING the SLAYER</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">A sudden, fierce wind raked coarse sand across Captain Falkonās
cheek as he made his way through the Red Waste. He traveled with an escort of
ten warriors far into the sprawling desert where it had been said no man had
ever returned. Here they saw the remnants of a once great city now sand ridden
and half-buried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Cracked spires and fallen towers lay in ruin as they sat exposed to
the unyielding desert air. These remnants of history, now corroded by time,
marked the menās passage through the Red Waste.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">They galloped at length with the wind-gathered sand seeming to
chase them. Sometimes it met the bellies of their horses in a swarm of a
sandstorm. Still, they pressed on even as the dry sand clung to their sweat
covered faces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The collection of swordsmen at Captain Falkonās flank groaned as
the storm increased. Each one shielded their eyes and pulled up their mouth
guards so as not to taste the bitter red sand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">They were sea-faring men used to the gentle caress of an ocean
breeze. Out on the open water, exploration abounded in every direction no matter
which way the ship steered. Here the sand stretched on for miles with the
ruined city laying like a marked grave along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Captain Falkon longed to have the shifting planks of a shipās deck
beneath his feet as it routed through the pounding of high seas with full sails
billowing above. Duty called him back to Atharia, and recent orders brought him
to the red death they traveled through now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Above him, the sky stood silent. No birds took flight overhead, not
even the great bird-of-prey from which he gained his name. Nothing dared breech
the sky now that dragons had returned to the land.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">An aching spread over Falkonās skin as the shimmering sun kept pace
with their journey. He longed to strip from his armor and slick his thirst with
a mug of cold, dark beer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The desert stretched on for ages in each direction. Tales of lost
men going mad in the great Red Waste haunted Falkon. If not for his dedication
to the study of maps, they couldāve taken a wrong turn and wound up in the
desolation of Corinth at the edge of the world.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The menās morale grew low, but Falkon insisted they press on.
Stopping under a strong desert sun threatened a deep slumber they would not
soon wake from. How many bones of men were buried deep beneath the sand, lost
to the sunken city? Falkon did not want to learn the answer to that question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">None of the men at his back would refute the manner of his orders
except for one. Valerios, his right hand and special counsel, often held
Falkonās ear. Breaking formation at the back, he galloped up alongside his
captain. Matching pace with Falkonās steed, Valerios updated him with a health
report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āThe men are waning under this accursed sun.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āAs am I,ā Falkon replied, running a cloth across his dampened
brow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āAny further and I fear dehydration will set in.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Valerios was a scholarly man. He spent as much time studying
alchemy and herbs as he did honing his mastery of weapons. Falkon took his
advisement under consideration but dismissed it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āTheyāre men, not boys, and Iāve built them to survive worse than
this.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āI suppose if you can last in this Red Waste, then we have nothing
to worry about,ā Valerios replied with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The two of them had a good laugh at Falkonās expense. He allowed a
certain amount of levity with Valerios. They had been friends since they were
boys getting muddy out by the ports and dreaming of adventures. Having a laugh
with Valerios now and then kept Falkon from growing weary under the weight of
duty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āStill, I wonder if a brief rest might rally their spirits.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon examined Valeriosā face to deem his intent. Beads of sweat
filled his dark beard and his usual tan features pinked up under the scorching
sun.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">It wasnāt the soldiers who waned under the heat; Valerios wasnāt
faring well himself. Still, Falkon reminded him of the severity of their
mission no longer as his friend, but as his Captain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āKing Favian himself tasked me with this undertaking. It holds such
importance that time is of the essence. There shall be no rest until we reach
the town of Theopilous. Now fall back in line. I shouldnāt hear about the
damned heat again.ā He waved Valerios back. āTell the men to drink their own
piss if theyāre that thirsty.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Valerios gave a slight nod of his head and then rejoined the rest
of the pack. It didnāt matter that King Favian was his father; he was the ruler
of Sandhal and soon all of Atharia. That meant Falkon would carry out his
orders without question. It was an honor to be leading the charge on such an
important issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">If Falkon were to ask anything of his father, it would be why they
needed to trek so far from Sandhal to find one lone woman. Give him the ten
good men at his back and they would make quick work of any threat to the
kingdom. What could a woman warrior do that he, as captain of the guards, could
not?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Perhaps Falkon would see how this woman fared behind closed doors.
After he sated his hunger and thirst, she could satisfy his other cravings.
Although, sell swords of the female persuasion were usually too homely to
bother with. Maybe he could throw a rucksack over her head and enjoy her that
way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Thoughts of gratification gave Falkon new vigor. He pressed his
horse into a hard gallop, forcing the men behind him to do the same. The burst
of speed brought a stream of hot air over him like a slap to the face. Falkon
grimaced but continued on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">At his back, he heard a rumble. The horses jeered, and the men
sounded out in surprise. Falkon slowed his horse and angled it around to see
the disturbance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">One soldier had fallen from his horse; a victim of the blazing sun.
The others surrounded him, trying to encourage his rise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āLeave him,ā Falkon called. āBut take his horse.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The soldiers seemed surprised, but did as they were told. Falkon
returned to his gallop, content with his decision. If a man couldnāt ride, they
didnāt need him. No sense wasting time trying to get him to remount and nursing
him back to health. Soon, the soldierās pleas for mercy were nothing but a
distant memory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Powering on made all the difference. Only a short time later,
Falkon saw refuge in the distance. The harsh sands gave way to scrub grasslands
and a direct path into Theopilous.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">They never actually left the Red Waste, but rather the city seemed
to spring up around them. Falkon trotted his horse onto the leveled stone
streets with great relief. When he at last turned to look back, only a hazy
view of structures told the story of a once great civilization now swallowed
beneath the sinking sands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The city of Theoplious had been built on the remnants of that old
world. As Falkon and his men rode deeper inside the city, they found large
columns of obsidian structuring the walls. It encircled the perimeter, casting
down dark shadows which brought relief from the intense heat. Falkon wouldāve
thought the city itself a mirage if not for the unmistakable smells of spiced
meats on the air.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Theopilous was well known for their trade markets. Merchants from
all corners braved the journey to barter their wares. The town also housed all
manner of thieves and murderers, some still with a bounty on their heads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Regardless of its reputation, Theopilous remained a welcome sight
after such an arduous journey. Falkon looked back over his shoulder and called
out to his soldiers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āLook men, weāve reached our destination!ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">They cheered his words and raised their swords high. A long journey
to be sure, but the satisfaction from seeing it through made Falkon smile. Now
all he had to do was to find this woman and bring her back with him. If she
wouldnāt go willingly, they would take her. There would be no discussion about
it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">King Favian demanded an audience with the so-called dragonslayer
and the kingās orders would be carried out no matter what.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">As the lot of them rode into town, the villagers let them pass.
Those bustling around outdoors at their shops scattered from the streets as the
kingās guard came through. Some watched in awe as the royal colors of green and
gold plumed out from the banners. Others spat on the ground as they rode by.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">His father was not well liked in many parts of the land. The more
Falkon traveled among the people, the more he learned of the sense of betrayal
they felt after his father took the throne. King Favian laughed off their
complaints, but Falkon felt all of them like a tick under his skin. When he
became ruler, he would be revered by all or he would have their heads. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Theopilous was a melting pot of clans and characters. As the only
thriving town before the long ride through the desert sands, it was a popular
resting place for weary travelers. A man could get good food, drink, and
entertainment all in one night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Some enjoyed the spoils of the town so much they never continued
their journey and wound up settling there. Still, for as prosperous as
Theopilous was, Falkon couldnāt wait to return to his own feather bed safe
inside Saltwood Stronghold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">He instructed Valerios to take a few of the men to feed and water
the horses. The remaining lot would be at Falkonās back while he talked to this
dragonslayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">They headed to the tavern first. Any respectable tavern owner would
have good information, along with excellent beer. Inside the place bustled with
activity. Lively music came from a two-man band in the back. One sang while the
other strummed a lute. Dancing girls moved in rhythm to the tune, letting their
long hair and the skirt of their dresses toss about. The smell of fresh baked
bread wafted on the air, making Falkonās stomach call out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">As soon as they entered the tavern, his menās spirits had been
raised. He rewarded them for the long journey and sate his hunger as well. They
set up at a table near the back so Falkon could keep his eyes on the entire
room. A round of beer and sweet breads were brought over shortly after. He
enjoyed a few sips of the beer before seeking information.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The owner tossed out orders to his tavern wenches as they hurried
out with platters of food. Falkon wedged himself between a crowd of men
drinking at the bar top and called out to the owner. The man had a gruff face
with a shaven head, but when he spoke, his voice sounded melodic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āHow can I oblige a kingsguard today? More beer?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āThey call me Falkon, and Iām captain of the Saltwood Soldiers, my
good man,ā Falkon corrected him as he handed over his mug for a top off. After
a quick sip, he got back to business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āIām seeking a woman.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The tavern owner laughed. āBrothel is next door. They have a full
menu of choices.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āThis one is a warrior,ā Falkon replied. āHair like golden wheat.
Built like an ox. Carries a large broadsword...so Iām told.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">One man seated at the bar interjected himself into the conversation.
The smell of cheap mead wafted off his breath, forcing Falkon to turn his face
away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āAye, you seek the dragonslayer?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āI donāt know you, friend,ā Falkon told him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āNo, but I know of her.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">With a stomach that jiggled as he moved, the man hopped upon the bar.
Booze on his breath, he spun a tale like a traveling bard seeking a coin for
his cap.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āLegend has it sheās half-dragon. Breathes fire and everything!ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Hearing the start of a story, another man jumped in, stealing the
attention away from his drunk comrade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āI heard she was born of a dragon.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And then another got in on the fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āAye, her mother fucked a dragon is the way it goes.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The laughs carried back and forth. Each man tried to one-up the
other in vulgar statements. A voice at the back of the room spoke up over the
rest. It was an appealing mix of smooth wine and crushed glass. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āāTwas my father, not my mother. And he wasnāt fucked by a dragon,
he was cursed by one.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon turned around towards the speaker and saw a beauty unmatched
by any woman heād ever come across. Golden hair was tied back in fierce braids
that caressed her shoulders. Her arms were like a blacksmith, lean and strong,
with smooth, muscular legs to match. She stacked them together, worn-out boots
resting on the edge of the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">There was a roughness about her, but it did not detract from her
appearance. Her simple leather garments enhanced the curves of her femininity.
Sun-kissed skin proved she spent her time traveling, though her coloring
suggested she wandered farther than just the deep recesses of Atharia
itself. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">A pipe sat between her full lips. On each puff, she let a ringlet
of thick smoke encircle her head. Falkon approached with caution as the others
went back to their drinks and jovial conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āSo, you breathe fire after all,ā he said in jest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The woman smiled, tamped out the pipe, and set it aside. Shifting
her legs off the table, she kicked out a chair, offering him a seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon eagerly accepted and then regretted his haste. Only now, as
he came closer, did he see her face fully. The lone candle at the table
illuminated her strong cheekbones and a small metal piercing weaved through her
bottom lip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">She held youth and vigor but also an underlying hardness of battle,
usually worn by soldiers alone. But it was her eyes that concerned him the
most. The left was a calm shade of blue that a man could get lost in, while the
right was obscured by a leather patch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon saw such coverings before when he trolled the seas. Pirates
wore them to hide disfigurement. It made him wonder what else she could be
hiding. He steadied himself, trying hard not to show his discomfort, though he
already knew he failed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āYouāre the dragonslayer then?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">She nodded. āCall me Rayna.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āIām Falkon Fourspire, captain of the Saltwood Soldiers.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Whether Rayna heard of him or not she didnāt react to his title.
Her heavy stare made Falkon uncomfortable. He took a swig from his mug then
pointed to his own eye so as not to move too familiarly towards her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āPart of the curse?ā he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Rayna leaned back and put her feet back up. This time she rested
them across Falkonās lap. He didnāt know what to make of this woman. She was
brazen, to be sure, but something about her was more intoxicating than the
finest wine in the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āBuy me a drink and Iāll tell you my tale,ā she said. āOtherwise, I
have no use for you.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">With that, her feet moved from his lap and gave him a firm nudge to
get up. As Falkon stood, he continued to stare down at Rayna. She took it as a
threat and moved her hand to the hilt of a massive sword he hadnāt noticed
before.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">It rested against the wall at her side, unsheathed. The blade alone
looked to be thirty inches long and the heft of it would give a grown man
trouble, let alone a young woman. But Rayna forged her body for war. Something
told Falkon she could handle the sword with ease. He didnāt want to test his
theory, at least not tonight. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">She noticed his eyes fall on the sword and pulled it into her lap.
Sure enough, the weight of it gave her no trouble at all. She patted the blade
as though it were a child and spoke its name with the same adoration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āItās called Bhrytbyrn.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āYou named your sword?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āA gift from my father. He named it.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon studied her as she ran a cloth over the blade. Now she
seemed as enamored with her Bhrytbyrn as she would be a lover. This Rayna grew
more curious as the night drew on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āIāll see about that drink now,ā he told her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon pushed through the crowd and made his way back to the bar.
The innkeeper,Talos, awaited him there with a pitcher of mead and a platter of
assorted cheeses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āWhatās this?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āTrust me, friend. Sheās going to want a generous amount of ale,
and the cheese is her favorite. Made with goatās milk, fresh churned this
morning.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Intrigued, Falkon reached over and plucked a sampling of cheese
from the platter. It melted over his tongue in a robust mix of flavors that
delighted his refined palate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āA woman who enjoys fine delicacies. What else can you tell me
about her?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āSheās a warrior forged from flame,ā Talos told him. āLegend is she
lived through the burning of her family home. Walked out with nary a scratch on
her.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āWhat happened to her eye?ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āCurse of the dragon.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">āIndeed.ā<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Falkon gave a soft chuckle to himself and then paid his fare. Many
legends surrounded Rayna. There were only two reasons a warrior had so many
stories about them. Either they invented the tales themselves to up their
prices as a mercenary, or some parts of the tales were in fact true. When
weaved together, the tapestry of deeds done stood more impressively than a
made-up song or story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So far, Rayna appeared to be more than a mere myth. Falkon wouldnāt
be surprised if she had survived a great fire as a child. She even smelled of
smoke, her face smudged with ash. The woman had been kissed by a dragon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #cc3154; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></p><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-56505631982052416362023-03-14T08:30:00.000+11:002023-03-14T08:30:00.171+11:00Author Interview - Elisa Menz<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFS079tASITgRw6L6qg0CbUa3EeqXFVX9smoTsmLIGqi0ZrYAWNvVEW1UfUiFMu1AtmgYVeIawStNnoZeQpjjVMNa-w1OeaojbB10zLjWp9mXN412xkyCYkmX2eRPye8iIvjSRuekSRxVWScPFuDS5qoylz-UVExA_oa82gRbXpXfbkain1F9pbz41Q/s2240/Elisa%20Menz%20blog%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFS079tASITgRw6L6qg0CbUa3EeqXFVX9smoTsmLIGqi0ZrYAWNvVEW1UfUiFMu1AtmgYVeIawStNnoZeQpjjVMNa-w1OeaojbB10zLjWp9mXN412xkyCYkmX2eRPye8iIvjSRuekSRxVWScPFuDS5qoylz-UVExA_oa82gRbXpXfbkain1F9pbz41Q/s16000/Elisa%20Menz%20blog%20banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="cdt4ke" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">Elisa Menz</a> is
a self-taught writer and a fantasy literature fan. Born in Bolivia, she grew up
surrounded by mythical creatures and supernatural folklore through local
writers and storytellers. Inspired by those tales, she started writing her own
stories at a young age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="cdt4ke" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times;">Now living in
Chile, she works full time as a writer, while dawdling in video game
programming, comic design, and alternative sources of storytelling. A member of
the Chilean Tolkien Society and an avid reader of fantasy classics, her work is
heavily influenced by authors like David Eddings, Raymond E. Feist, and Robin
Hobb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="cdt4ke" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times;">Her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">stories</a>
are full of witty, sweet, and hilarious characters, always with a pinch of
magic.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre:
Fantasy/Romance<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is the name of your latest book
and what is it about?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">Easy Guide to Escape Hell</a></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> deals with the effects of growing up under strict and controlling
families, as well as overcoming troubled upbringings and generational trauma.
Dagon Gunthersson escapes Hell and his uncaring father, only to end up in the
human world, sharing a house with Josephine Gardiner, who has fled her selfish
parents. They both quickly realize thereās more to life than fulfilling their
family's expectations, and itās up to them to create the life they want to
live. This theme is found all over this story; to take responsibility for your
own happiness and break the bonds that hurt us and keep us from growing, not
only as a person but as a society as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0qqoQgnfBmqlVWXdaKiJt5BvsdG8QYuRWah8hdYY8necrE8OnInQTb5Ie5SnrfqFdL1LIdIrNwp9MKa8OSMF_bcddNBXHFv-zChgc6ER2ZLlGtDtl5-YjAqYnr6YD3vxVavft-PRqHi2jVLSygPL890-RDXYxd5s84btgwcvJJxh9yFplKkj73yljQ/s320/Banner.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It varies
with each project since it has taken me from six months to over two years to
complete some of my novels. Iām still working on establishing some sort of plan
for how I approach a new project because I waste too much time trying to make
the first draft āperfect.ā Editing is something I greatly enjoy and that
usually takes me between four to seven months to complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Misunderstood grumpy
loners who are secretly sweet and caring. I do enjoy reading morally gray and
villainous characters but thatās not the kind of people I want in my mind for
months. When I write, I try to bring to life people who are flawed; afraid,
distrustful, and selfish. I love to peel layers of their personalities and
discover kinder and braver sides to them. In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">Easy Guide</a></i>, Dagon does his
best to hide his concern for the well-being of those around him, and Josephine
surprises herself over and over with the courageous decisions she makes. They
both take their time before they accept kindness is not a weakness, and courage
isnāt exclusive to confident people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I try to
keep people I know out of my stories because they tend to read them. But
anything beyond my close circle is a source of inspiration. One of the
characters in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">Easy Guide</a></i> that gave me a lot of trouble was the villain,
Caius Ghalore. A power-crazed aristocrat who had the talent to influence the
masses and commit the most heinous crimes in the name of ājustice.ā What kind
of person does this? Who can truly believe they are above others and cause so
much suffering? I didnāt know what kind of motivations such a character could
have, and my villain felt like a cartoon. So, I turned to the real world, to
those who wield power and use it for their own gain. It wasnāt hard to find
these real-life tyrants and listen to their twisted logic, and then write about
someone who could easily justify their monstrous actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I honestly
donāt know. When I started, I knew nothing and made tons of mistakes. But each
of them brought me closer to where I am today, and I loved every step of the
journey. Perhaps knowing how difficult it was to publish and reach an audience
would have dissuaded me from trying. I am grateful for my earlier ignorance and
what it helped me achieve.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd15tqpWzj7iVqn5tTvXk0l2ElN5FVd2JMXTWesjIRlWuROUzJfu4UxQS-NyCdrc9cFZu9P1YGOVJlj03gmyTlOYfKQ3mDWuc0rFtJtruAZc9I2OoF1KVQ8GKpAR5lv9_BmhuFMhEHEWvaCUL-G8wEpXmiTmJAOOAHVYVXMuh5-PjeIp0ojwZ0b_HJLQ/s320/EGtEH%20Tropes.png" width="256" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It will depend on
whatās causing it. If Iām stuck with a scene in particular, I skip it and work
on some other section of the book. If Iām exhausted or uninspired, I leave the
draft alone for a few days and rest. Reading, watching movies, talking to other
humans, and walking around town always help. Sometimes itās good to go back and
read your draft to figure out whatās stopping you from advancing the plot.
Re-writing is risky but sometimes it helps unlock new ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: You
mentioned that you genre-hop quite a lot in your writing: High Fantasy and
Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Steampunk Adventure. Do you have any
routines, trick or habits that you use to get into the different headspace and
writing voice required to write such different genres?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām not
like those amazing writers who can juggle several projects at the same time. I
hyper-focus on one draft, and that makes it easier to set the tone and voice
for each story. I do have a weakness for Fantasy, so when I experimented with
Contemporary Romance once, it was a daily struggle not to switch the chickens
for fairies. It also helps to immerse yourself in the medium. When Iām ready to
start my Steampunk novel, I will dedicate a few days to reading and watching movies
within the genre.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Someone
whoās looking for a quick and cozy escape from reality. I <i>am</i> my ideal
reader. I write these stories because they make me happy, and while there are
pain and ugly moments in them, the final goal is to close these books with your
soul a little lighter than before you opened them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What authors or books inspire you the
most?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In my early drafts, I
always go insane when describing nature, and if not for my honest beta-readers,
I could go on and on about the way the light filters through the canopy of a
forest. I blame Tolkien entirely. He seems to be the only one allowed to get
away with endless descriptions, and I just love it. I love the humor in David
Eddings's books. If thereās one author I can confidently say influenced my
writing, that would be him. I aspire to create the spontaneous comedy he
included in his work. I always admired Isabel Allende and Laura Esquivel's
talent to depict the inner turmoil of their characters. No matter the plot, the
focus is always on the emotions and how these emotions shape the story. Their
attention to detail is mesmerizing and makes it easy to believe the characters
on the pages are real people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
I havenāt picked my next book yet. My last read was <i>A Path of Branches</i>
by Joe Luegers, the second book of a Young Adult trilogy with a magnificent mix
of Fantasy and SciFi that completely blew my mind. I love how he writes action
scenes, and his character development is superb. I mostly read indie authors
and the originality of these stories always surprises me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">Easy Guide to Escape Hell</a></i> is available in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" target="_blank">paperback, ebook and Kindle Unlimited.</a> From the blurb:</span></b><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisa-Menz/author/B08PZGCF1G" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFnNqaO_1HpzccB0gVwygF1jFvekixTApw_Kx8sN6pmcSBtc76oR4XODKFxZZA3eGFMhmAA8qgtwoznWF5Ctk6onIgbwvVPrsBIb2GVm19mV7ZfVzWjgC8k_0h0joiYrJ8YtryFJXKEM6xiKDmw7DgB1exigUwOU2cJH1yGdi0uYADWAr65v0SvdC0Q/s320/PROMO%20KU.png" width="256" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dagon Guntherssonāa powerful demon warrior and a renowned member of
Hellās nobilityāstands accused of treason by his commander. His abrupt escape
leads him to the last place he expects: the human world. Stuck in a decrepit manor
haunted by lesser demons, Dagon masterminds a plan to return to Hell and take
his revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Josephine Gardinerās sheltered life vanishes the moment she escapes her
controlling parents. When sheās offered the opportunity to claim a mysterious
manor, no heaping trash, nor the looming threat of eviction will stop her from
building the home sheās always dreamt of. But the ghastly creatures scurrying
in the shadows might.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While Heaven and Hell gamble with war, the manor inhabitants stand
against greedy lawyers, hostile angels, and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Can an arrogant demon and a strong-headed woman stop pretending they
donāt care about each other and save the only home theyāve ever loved?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>To find out more about Elisa Menz check out her <a href="http://linktr.ee" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/elisa_menz</a> or give her a follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayaseranawriter/" target="_blank">Instagram @</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayaseranawriter/" target="_blank">mayaseranawriter</a>.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #cc3154; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></p><b></b><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-65637219920640237112023-03-10T08:30:00.000+11:002023-03-10T08:30:00.170+11:00Author Feature Friday - Arianne Nicks<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgzhghzvmvE1T1te-fDQpV-kcX6-nPk4OA65Jz3yqFe6rZgICnrjH6Dj-87mgZUA4YAMIJUlqcc8_XLxLNWwfQfnDAeejIETzcKkyZsMNQFjliz09f0egh1UFu6IAXgGRHeB2ZJIK_V62jx-W9CgYvA8ncuRSPJLodUBGg6P8WRqYiA1G7CzEAUBt4Q/s2240/Arianne%20Nicks%20blog%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgzhghzvmvE1T1te-fDQpV-kcX6-nPk4OA65Jz3yqFe6rZgICnrjH6Dj-87mgZUA4YAMIJUlqcc8_XLxLNWwfQfnDAeejIETzcKkyZsMNQFjliz09f0egh1UFu6IAXgGRHeB2ZJIK_V62jx-W9CgYvA8ncuRSPJLodUBGg6P8WRqYiA1G7CzEAUBt4Q/s16000/Arianne%20Nicks%20blog%20banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Hi, Iām
Ari, a newly self-published author, and my debut novel was released in August
2022. Iām a dedicated bookworm, a passionate traveler, and a chocolate aficionado;
I often exercise so I can keep eating.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Genre:
Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, YA/NA (NA characters but no spice ā many
reviews said the book reads like YA easily)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q&A</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is the name of your latest book and
what is it about?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My latest
(and debut!) novel is called <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Soul of Light and Thunder</a></i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The novel
tells the story of Sophie, an aspiring astrophysicist starting college, whose
life is turned upside down when two Japanese fighters tell her the truth about
her beloved heirloom. The mirror she inherited from her aunt is magic, and it
can make or break the fate of a world she doesnāt know yet. Sophie falls in
love with Kane, one of the fighters, who shows her their world, and promises to
protect her from it. But thereās no time for them to dwell in new loveās bliss
ā the tournament is just around the corner, and great power awaits the fighter
who can defeat all others. Sophieās safety is endangered not only by all
fighters looking to steal the mirrorās power but also by the lethal presence of
Kaneās older brother, Raiden. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3042" data-original-width="3042" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCeT0JZxt6hIsueV9JHIc6NO0S5aRDSPBZzvIlbLPaGzoa8usPpgO0jY_Ns-Wqpm8s5y0KzHdYr0CMMEDFHHYHcE5Z81W2caWL1KAiTnysxNlqOz4mc05Zqzs4OuwU4blS2iVVGFdk48WlxjxsLSLuc7LUwRAaywCiRcJCaf_nRB7BsFUS5OcBniXdA/s320/PaperbackMock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q2: How
long does it take you to write a book? How long does each stage of the process
usually take?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">From the
first word on the page to the readers holding the book in their hands, it took
me one year and three months to write and publish my debut novel. But there are
many other steps in between.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Writing <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Soul of Light and Thunder</a> </i>took me around six months. After that, I went into two
rounds of self-editing my manuscript, which took me another month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">When I was
slightly more confident in the book I wrote, I sent it over to my beta readers,
who were also given a month to read and provide their feedback. Based on their
notes, I went into the third round of self-edits on my manuscript for another
two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The next
step was to send the book over to my editor. We went back and forth with
comments and questions from my side, rewrites where necessary, and were done in
about two months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">While I
was waiting for the cover design to be done, I planned some social media
strategies for my launch. Once the cover was done and I could set up the
pre-orders, I gathered an ARC team and sent them free copies of my book in
exchange for honest reviews. They also had about a month to read and review the
book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">And for
the remaining time before the release, I focused on promoting the book!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is your favourite type of
character to write?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">So far, my
favorite character to write has been the villain. I find it fascinating to make
cruel, vicious characters come alive between the pages, and love them either
way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q4: Do
you mine your own life for ideas, settings and/or characters? If so, please
give an example from your current book release where you have done this.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I have
very few ideas or character traits in my book that are based on my own life,
one of the most present being Sophieās love for chocolate, which indeed is
inspired by my own.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q5: What
is something you wish you had known earlier on in your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">āYouāll
make it if you keep going.ā It took me many, many years to realize that I can
only follow my dream of sharing my stories with the world if I donāt give up
writing. Even when itās the hardest, longest writerās block ā donāt give up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD-tNszpeMhJZaVKAuQe5oddVFKv48ipxIwJ7sOUDIaTZe9dVhvp-ZhymN2dOtWiYSfoZPeqB4dTjh4_PuVIL-PuTT9xIm39R0J4y4uLsgV4WpSSlMldV1HjwEuD5n-Xice5Fq-G3LKh74CHRYGZoDfNWP-77yu82wcTBxX8TQ2K30dEV9GtT1OCkJA/s1080/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD-tNszpeMhJZaVKAuQe5oddVFKv48ipxIwJ7sOUDIaTZe9dVhvp-ZhymN2dOtWiYSfoZPeqB4dTjh4_PuVIL-PuTT9xIm39R0J4y4uLsgV4WpSSlMldV1HjwEuD5n-Xice5Fq-G3LKh74CHRYGZoDfNWP-77yu82wcTBxX8TQ2K30dEV9GtT1OCkJA/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you do when you find yourself
in a bit of a writing rut? Is there any strategy you find works for you to help
the words start flowing again? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">What works
for me in those situations is accepting my writerās block. I acknowledge it and
allow it to live within me, while Iām focusing on anything else at all ā
reading other books, exercising, taking walks, or meeting with my family and
friends. I found that once I remove the focus from the block, it melts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q7: You
mentioned that you really like writing cliff hangers. How do you make sure you
get the balance right between giving the reader a satisfying conclusion and
making the reader desperate to know what happens next?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">For <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Soul of Light and Thunder</a></i> (and the second book in the series too, but this is a
secret between us!) the last chapter of the novel ends leaving room for the
story to develop further and the reader to be curious. Iām concluding the
scene, the event that has been built up during the entire book, so the readers have
closure on that. But thereās a twist at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q8: How
would you describe your bookās ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The ideal
reader is anyone with a passion for stories, anyone who loves to read about
magic and romance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What authors or books inspire you the
most?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām loving
the fantasy works of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas. For romance, I found both
inspiration and a fun time in the works of Sarah Adams and Taylor Reid Jenkins.
And the idea and will to write <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Soul of Light and Thunder</a></i> came to me
about 15 years ago, when I first read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, and I was
also watching my all-time favorite anime, Naruto.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Q10:
What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Iām
currently reading <i>Queen of Shadows</i> by Sarah J. Maas, <i>Friend Shipped</i>
by Savannah Scott, and <i>The Guidal</i> by Roxy Eloise. I always read at least
two books at a time, mixing self-published authors with traditionally published
works.<o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Soul of Light and Thunder</a> </i>is available in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">paperback and ebook</a>. From the blurb:</span></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="5000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmRMIC3oIjKcU_9uYa2dGJrR9u7aT3iLNJgUpgJeEqO1pReztdnNGO8cs_lPyqgCca-ILjWFMRzxGHKWKQWqbJ-qP91gLZoIxc2UOgnYZPLOUYX3OGrw70UDMDcuQwpkVdn2BZUFD0_sv1-1OSiVXK0u85WCbrajakURiNXLql4puA-1lHf7ju-_F_Q/s320/IMG_8778.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Sophieās
mission is to hold on to a beloved heirloom. For her, itās just a simple
mirror. But for others, itās a key to tremendous power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">When a
whole new world full of magic is revealed, Sophie learns that her amulet can
bring peace or chaos to it. She thought college was going to be the most exciting
time of her life, yet the lurking danger and an all-consuming love make
studying seem insignificant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Will she
risk the collapse of a world she barely knows to save her life, or hold on to
the mirror to keep her promise?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To find out more about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianne-Nicks/author/B0B5FBFWKG" target="_blank">Arianne Nicks</a>, check out her <a href="https://linktr.ee/arianne.nicks" target="_blank">linktr.ee</a> or give her a follow on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorariannenicks/" target="_blank">@</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorariannenicks/" target="_blank">authorariannenicks/</a></b></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #800180; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" style="color: #cc3154; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</span></a></b></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5708821570509726914.post-6082840475400428312023-03-07T08:30:00.074+11:002023-03-07T08:30:00.182+11:00Author Interview - Jason Wiley<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54t8VF5aSBsRydzk9Er3Y3GDgXxOZtJbt44Hl90UPyOczaD4GQGrGeVWgCoQ4hRUe1VXWsvhSXQrcglM2b-3sTpZTI93WfHit2HVy2nsFt847jMuUAo2ibgYn1zyrdcg2bSAVFOz9W7mdZ1N7JiT1An9ZjBy4WYvzwBFoWkaiE3IUW4ctoWXRDJiMKg/s2240/Jason%20Wiley%20Blog%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54t8VF5aSBsRydzk9Er3Y3GDgXxOZtJbt44Hl90UPyOczaD4GQGrGeVWgCoQ4hRUe1VXWsvhSXQrcglM2b-3sTpZTI93WfHit2HVy2nsFt847jMuUAo2ibgYn1zyrdcg2bSAVFOz9W7mdZ1N7JiT1An9ZjBy4WYvzwBFoWkaiE3IUW4ctoWXRDJiMKg/s16000/Jason%20Wiley%20Blog%20banner.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">Jason Wylie</a> is an
Australian author who lives in the semi-rural town of Dayboro in Queensland,
Australia. Jason is a qualified process and project engineer whose hobbies
include writing, reading, fabrication and working on cars in the shed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Jason has a beautiful
wife, Abbi, and two gorgeous children named Aria and Noah.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Genre: Fantasy</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q&A</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q1: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the name of your latest book and what is it about? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> is a Fantasy novel that
follows the adventure of a young man āchosenā to be an apprentice of sorts to
the Order-Master of Death. You join him as he explores the world of Azarth,
learns about the four clandestine orders which secretly impose their will upon
the world, and makes an unlikely companionship with an acid-spraying dragon!
His journey also involves a little bit of well-intentioned necromancy, which
might cause a bit of a headache for him. The book is set in a new world with
fantastic beasts and more than a few species of poisonous flora.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="1320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVAtHyA2DVfcWY-0ilNgJrn6e15s2TRZ2uiNk-BcLulIyZEbdd0ziPzUEdGYhej5_U4ZSWixcYZxl5UqA-PaJoNLN4fT6lp2tA0B23zAMQn58aWT9qr9FWVrZuxiBChsTnL6Gva5W3k2MF3jYC6pAdIDDpK8E4uhQJsAAWv7NedIqss3VXAQgoZ7a2g/s320/Book%20cover%202.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q2: How long does it take you to write a
book? How long does each stage of the process usually take?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> is my
debut novel, but I do have others completed/in the works. This one took me
about three months to write the first draft (125k words), and then almost three
years to get it completed. Part of the delay was waiting for a development edit
to be completed. After my experience with getting this book to the printers, I
think I can bring it down closer to a 12 month cycle for writing and
publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q3: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What is your favourite type of character to write?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Being a reasonably
sarcastic person myself, I find great pleasure in writing a smart arse. The
problem with writing a character like that is they tend to get themselves into
trouble, and then it is up to me to work out how to get them out of their
situation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q4: Do you mine your own life for ideas,
settings and/or characters?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have an example of
this in <a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank"><i>The Oracle of Malcontent</i> </a>where my character arrives in a new
location and finds a vendor selling a very simple meal, the equivalent of chicken
and rice. The main character, Pthorn, believes he may have just stumbled upon
the greatest meal of all time and thinks he could make a career out of selling
it back home. I had a similar experience when I visited Turkey many years ago
at a market stall in Kalkan. While I had certainly had chicken, rice and salad
before many times, there was something amazing about whatever they had done to
prepare it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q5: What is something you wish you had
known earlier on it your writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been writing
for a long time, but this is my first published book. I wish that I had known
earlier that I could do it and not to give up on that first draft. Whenever you
get an idea for a book, write it down; do not delete it! <i><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></i> was started, with just three random chapters written, while I
was on leave when my daughter was born, and it was months later that I picked
it back up and kept writing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="1082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXguFpWi4gzYkJpqBM7oJHACOeFixPItkTfGhc0TZ9k3oHPLoctuZQfOnK26hXuTwRUbLkcIamiopW1cftPIgL8oUhq44zkjLeHzidd03MaS2rYSlPxWgdviWdSCSF3wBvdVYKEriwMf2SOJKZxvrVRowNoMrQ6FXf4AKcY8FVm9rlpSBsr0PUnVyhw/s320/Book%20cover.png" width="205" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q6: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you do when you find yourself in a bit of a writing rut? Is
there any strategy you find works for you to help the words start flowing
again? </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have recently
joined a writing group where we are set a homework task. I intentionally try to
write something different to my usual genre or perspective. I write in the
third person, past tense in <i><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></i>, but to give my
most recent writing task a more personal feel, I switched to first person and
set it in a contemporary, real-world situation. This change in thinking helped
me get out of the rut and keep writing, even if it wasnāt on my main project
(Book 2 of the series).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q7: It looked like you had a really
successful pre-order campaign for <i><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></i>. Do you have
any tips for anyone wanting to organise a pre-order campaign for their own
books?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I created three
versions of my book to appeal to a variety of readers. Most people who donāt
know me from a bar of soap would probably go for my e-book. I ran an ad that marketed
the e-book front and centre, with Kobo and Amazon prominently displayed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I also created a
paperback and a hardcover edition, each with a different cover and the
hardcover features art from a local artist, Riss Gibson. These were marketed
through my own channels, for sale through my website, and at local bookshops (<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.blacklabelbooks">www.blacklabelbooks</a></span>
and available to Australia). I purchased 36 paperbacks and 32 hardcovers and it
looks like I am up for another order very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q8: How would you describe your bookās
ideal reader?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The ideal reader for <i><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a></i> is probably someone like me. Someone who loves the
creativity and lack of real-world boundaries that comes with a fantasy world. They
would also be someone with a sense of humour who doesnāt take themselves too
seriously; you may find some relatable characters in this sense. Someone who
also has an interest in science, as a process (chemical) engineer, I couldnāt
help but throw in some scientific world-building just for fun ā Donāt worry, I
donāt write novels the same way that I write technical reports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q9: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What authors or books inspire you the most?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I am an avid
Sanderson fan, and I love the world-building from his Cosmere. I was undoubtedly
inspired by the elegant prose of Patrick Rothfuss, although I write in a far
more clear-view fashion than he does. Of all the books I have read, <a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank"><i>The</i> <i>Oracle
of Malcontent</i></a> is probably most similar to the Lightbringer series by Brent
Weeks, although I must admit that the last two books of that series are still
awaiting patiently for their turn in my TBR. In the last few years, I have
turned my attention to indie authors; I have really enjoyed the works of Logan
Leshane with her Into Ebanmoor series and I have recently discovered JA Andrewsā
Keeper Chronicles. These are just two examples of the many great indie authors
out there inspiring both myself and many others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Q10: What are you currently reading?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I am on the final few chapters of Book 3 of the
Keeper Chronicles by JA Andrews and will be returning to my Kindle momentarily
to continue.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent</a> </i>is now available in ebook, paperback and hardback.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2xgYm4ST0mD86OreUclpOCQcKUts9aDmnuw7Wiej5zvFR3YV23_v8VrweiFhNRlanD7yRm51j0Yf2znKzsHYZF6COzF7jPqwS3MW_waye_O3058WFh_l-RpqWYgxXyzusFomt_XVlmnRzc4tgEW3jxnJgtd_zpgxoRL1AbCIr_Jbz_Ao5mjeqyRO9Q/s320/Book%20covers%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie " target="_blank">The Oracle of Malcontent ā Book 1 of the Athenaeum of Assierium series</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;"><strong>"You
will be the balance to life, the bringer of difficult times to those who
require strengthening, the final word in relieving the world of the pain of
life and failure"</strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ļ»æļ»æļ»æ</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;">It's
been forty years since the last Choosing in the world of Azarth. After years
living as a poor farmer's son, Pthorn leaves his home, destined to be one of
Assier's Chosen Four to cross the seas and discover the truth known only to a
select few.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;">The
truth is far different than that believed by the rest of Azarth and, under the
guidance of the Oracle of Malcontent, Pthorn leaves as a boy and becomes an
unlikely scholar. He emerges as one of the most powerful figures in Azarth with
abilities and knowledge beyond his wildest imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0cm; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: times;">Will he
use this power for good when he ventures out into the world, or will good
intentions and poor decisions lead to devastating consequences?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>To find out more about Jason Wiley, check out the social media links below:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/people/Jason-Wylie-Author/100076171002345/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/athenaeum_of_assierium/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/78463776-the-oracle-of-malcontent" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/jasonwylie" target="_blank">Amazon Author Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.blacklabelbooks.com/jasonwylie" target="_blank">Website</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@athenaeumofassierium" target="_blank">TikTok</a></span></p><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" target="_blank"><br /></a><b><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AshOldfield" target="_blank">Like this interview? Please consider Buying Me a Coffee to keep them coming :)</a></b></span><b></b><p></p>Ash Oldfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08573254372236531107noreply@blogger.com0