Category: Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Gabby Skeldon

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Gabby Skledon! Her debut, Found: Merlin’s Heir released on November 18th 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Gabby (obviously) and I’m celebrating the release of my debut novel (and my 30th Birthday!). I love anything fantasy, reading allll the books, exploring the outdoors and hanging out with my friends and family. I still work full time at a university, and my job is to deliver employability skills and training to students.

Congrats on your new release! How has the new release been going for you?

Thank you! Found only came out on Friday, but I managed to get quite a few pre-orders of e-books and signed copies. My family, friends and colleagues are really supportive and are always telling people about my book, which is amazing. I’ve also made some great friends on BookTok which has definitely helped me gain lots of visibility. I’ve been excited for the release for months and gave myself lots of time to make sure I could get everything ready, really it couldn’t have been better.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember (I used to copy out books that were already written when I was about 5 so I could pretend I was an author). As I started to get older I moved over into writing like, novels of dialogue, kind of like a play I guess? And when I was about 13 I had a go at my first novel. From then I’ve just written all the time! Between 13-16 I hand wrote everything and still have stacks of ancient notebooks full of those old stories. I decided to get serious about trying to publish something in 2019 and that’s when I came up with the idea for Found.

Describe a typical writing day.

Because I work, I usually have to divide my time between that and writing so I don’t have a ‘typical’ day. But when I sit down to write I normally make sure I have lots of coffee on hand. I write in my bedroom and usually have music or TV on. I do lots of daydreaming when I’m plotting so I like to have background noise on. I usually try to write in chronological order, but will skip to more fun bits if I get stuck. I’m a Puzzler in terms of plotting (a new term I found out about recently which means I like a basic outline but also like to problem solve along the way), but I do use a plot grid for main points and to help me stay motivated.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Found is inspired by a lot of Arthurian legend and Merlin stories. I’ve always found it really interesting, ever since me and my sisters saw the film Merlin (1998, Sam Neil). It was such a great story with so many themes and characters. I just wanted to see what I could do with the legends myself and bring some of the more obscure stories back onto the public’s radar.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I honestly just hope they enjoy it. It’s supposed to be a lighthearted easy read (with lots of twists and turns) to introduce you to the beginning of an epic fantasy adventure. I hope that people can connect to the diverse cast of characters and maybe see themselves represented in the world of British Myth and Legend that has previously (wrongly) excluded them.

What is the significance of the title?

Hahaha honestly, I’m not great at thinking up cool titles. All the books in the series (5 in total) will have 1-word titles all relating to the theme of the book. As this book is the start of Merle and the gang’s journey and all about self-discovery, Found seemed like an appropriate way to go!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Positive. Helpful. Thoughtful.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

I loved editing it a lot more than I should have! But I really enjoyed that process. I liked getting to know my characters better and figuring out the plot. I also learnt a lot of important lessons about writing craft that I’m going to be able to use throughout my career.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I’m currently working on book 2 of the Merlin’s Heir series which I’m hoping to release in Spring/Summer of 2023!

What advice would you give to other authors?

That Indie Publishing is a lot more doable than you think, and that you are a lot more capable, adaptable, and resilient than you think! A lot of people get put off from indie publishing because it is a lot of work (especially for one person!) but it is absolutely doable! You also don’t need to break the bank. Practice your craft! Learn how to edit and format and design. There are so many resources and a whole community of indie’s out there to help you! If you’re thinking about writing a book, give it a go. You’ll truly be amazed at what you can accomplish with a YouTube tutorial and a positive mindset!

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I’d like them to know that Found is dedicated to my dad who sadly passed away in 2021 after a short battle with Stage 4 Liver and Bone cancer. He was a wonderful man and a great dad. We miss him every day, but I hope he’d be proud of my work and above all, enjoy the story!

 

Thank you Gabby Skeldon for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Found today!

~Synopsis~

Mysterious Shadows. Arthurian legend. Dangerous magic.

Ten years after her father’s disappearance, Merle Wilde has lost hope she’ll ever find answers. Her Mum is convinced he was taken by the Shadows she sees, and that they’re coming back for Merle. In a last ditch attempt to save herself, Merle makes a blood wish. Will she find the answers she seeks?

The Knights Templar faces extinction. For hundreds of years the knights have protected the true heirs to Camelot from evil, but faery Queen Morgwese is determined to claim the throne for herself . As her power threatens to overwhelm them, the knights must start the search for Merlin’s Heir, the only sorcerer who can banish her for good.

When the mysterious Ren enters Merle’s life, claiming she’s the lost heir of the great wizard Merlin, and that the Shadows are not what they seem, Merle is catapulted into a world of magic, adventure, and legend. Tasked with protecting the Pendragon’s and with time running out, Merle must convince the Knights of the Round Table that she can claim Merlin’s magic and defeat Morgwese, before the fae bring ruin to them all.

Gabby is a YA Fantasy author based in Yorkshire. Gabby has grown up reading adventure stories and heading out into the woods, daydreaming about one day creating her own magical worlds and sharing this passion with others. When she’s not writing, Gabby works at the University of Huddersfield as a Global professional Award Trainer, delivering employability and skills training to young people. She spends most of her free time reading, cooking, going to the gym and spending time with her loved ones.

Website: www.authorgabskeldon.com

Email: gab@authorgabskeldon.com

IG/TikTok: @authorgabskeldon

Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7P2CNYY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ET777FXPXALJ&keywords=found+gabby+skeldon&qid=1658848898&s=digital-text&sprefix=found+gabby+skeldon%2Cdigital-text%2C44&sr=1-1

Etsy (signed copies): https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AuthorGabSkeldon

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22723773.Gabby_Skeldon

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Ericka Shanniak

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Ericka Shanniak! Her book, Opening Danger: Dangerous Ties Book 1 – Paranormal Romance released on October 31st 2021.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a junior in high-school back in 2008, haha. After I had both my kiddos, I decided to take the leap of faith and write my first ever book Piercing Jordie (formerly Jordie In Charge) and sent it to a small press publisher. She accepted me, the book (it needed a lot of work) and invested in me. If it wasn’t for her, for Teresa, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I owe her everything. I’ve since paid her back for the series and got my publishing rights back. We stay in touch.

Describe a typical writing day.

Oh goodness, I write when I have a moment. I will write on the toilet taking a poop, feeding the chickens, out fishing, I will even wake from a dead sleep and write about a scene that came to me. But usually, since I work in 911 dispatch, I will write when things are uneventful and I can squeeze it in. Writing at home with kids is hard.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From everyday living like from an encounter with someone at the grocery store, messages or emails, or phone calls I take in dispatch. For example, back in June of this year, I got a call from a guy looking for his booty call who was a no show. I said sorry I’m not it, but please feel free to use protection and call back when you have an emergency since we’re here to assist. The guy called back 15 minutes later and asked if I wanted to be his booty call… I’m damn serious… So, things like that give me inspiration for characters then I just add in whatever like magic or sexy wolves and voila, I pulled a book outta my butt because I literally pants the entire thing.

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

My former small press publisher, Teresa, said I was a dang good writer and she believed in me. Her believing in me, gave me the confidence I never had. And it means everything to me. So, her taking me under her wing and guiding me gave me the courage to just go for it. Teresa is an amazing woman.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

Well… If it’s a sex scene, I go to my husband for a quickie just to make sure what I wanna do works bahaha! And if it’s something else, I just tap into that part of my memories I repressed as a kid (I had a hard childhood) and just go into what I felt during that moment and write it. It takes me a few days after writing a scene that’s so draining to get back into the groove and feel like myself again. My husband has to help me come down from those emotions because I will spiral like I did in Uplifting Irie. I went too far deep and he had to pull me out. I later deleted a lot of what I wrote because I went too dark. My husband is an amazing man.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Direct, humorous, and unapologetic.

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

First, I shake off the nerves. Then I take a shot and shake off the rest of the nerves. I pump myself up and tell myself that I got this and whatever I am writing is not real (if it deals with my trauma because I got to remind myself that I’m okay and safe). Then I just plunge right in, get it written then tell my editor Tiffany what page and what chapter might need some TLC if I go too far deep into that.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I just wrapped up my second book to my Alien RH series. It’s the 30th book I’ve written. I just sent it to my amazing editor Tiffany Purdon. Next I will be working on a contemporary mafia romance set in my small town of Coldwater Kansas. (I changed the name to Coldriver) but I kept the people and their jobs the same, just changed a few vowels of their names. And at the same time, I will be working on a new fantasy romance series. I have no idea where I’m going with that one yet. I am a pantser.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t read reviews. Just work on putting the next book out there and make it better than the last. Don’t get discouraged, easier said than done, I get it, but keep grinding. If you’re going to spend money on an edit, do developmental because with your friends and writing tools, you can do a pretty good line edit yourself but you’re too close to the story to figure out if there’s a plot hole. And get yourself a funny, honest, sarcastic friend to read your book, their advice is helpful whereas everyone else will just be like “it’s good.”

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Golly… I want people to know that I try my best. I do my best to put out fun, entertaining and unique books with diverse characters. If you pick up one of my books and like it, badass, and if you read it and are like eww, then badass. But I want ya to know that I did my best and stayed true to myself. I have no reeegurtz lol.

 

Thank you Ericka Shanniak for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Opening Danger today!

~Synopsis~

I wanted the quiet life – coffee on the front porch reading a good book – kind of life. And when it came to danger, or any type of confrontation, whether from former boyfriends or nasty pink faeries, I tried to avoid it. This time though? I couldn’t escape it. I’m being dragged toward danger by a handsome, jerk of a werewolf who calls himself Evander.

It doesn’t matter what I say to Evander, what I have or haven’t done, it only matters what I have in my possession – a key. And because this stupid hunk of metal, my death awaits me.

In order to bring an end to this bullshit, I must convince Evander to help me. With his help, I can absolve my name. If not, then death for me is certain.

Opening Danger is an enemy to lovers slow burn paranormal romance where descsex is guaranteed in books 2 & 3.
*** WARNING – this book contains scenes and language that some readers may find disturbing and or triggering. ***

E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak is the author of several successful series – A Castre World Novel – Whitman Series Western Romance – Dangerous Ties Series. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Ariat boots, not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets to get all the snacks. When not in her fox den for a few hours (writing cave), Ericka loves to spend time with her family – outside having campfires, fishing, camping, or zooming in a car to another midwest adventure. Ericka loves all the animals her kids bring home including numerous barn cats and their newfound bantam chicken named Strip.

Ericka is an emergency 911 dispatcher (used to do medical billing) residing in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her supportive, wonderful husband, two amazingly loving kids, and whatever animals her kids bring home this week. So far, it has been her husband who decided she needed ducks. You’re welcome to follow her on her Kansas adventures with these social media platforms listed below.

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

INSTAGRAM

TIK-TOK

or at her Facebook group – Shanniak Shenanigans

Website: http://www.eashanniak.com/

email: erickashanniak@gmail.com

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Billie Jade Kermack

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Billie Jade Kermack! Her debut book, Awoken: A Paranormal Romance Murder Mystery Book One release on January 3rd 2016.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Some of my earliest memories are of reading, devouring anything and everything that I could get my hands on. I created poems and stories of my own over the years but it wasn’t until I was about 13 when I realised I could actually do what all the authors I loved had done. I had a fantastic teacher at school who encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

What about the genre you currently write in, interests you most?

So my first completed trilogy are paranormal romances with a murder mystery twist. I am a massive horror fan and have always been fascinated with the supernatural. It gave me the opportunity to explore a world that has far more questions than answers, it offered me a freedom of sorts to create a fictional world based on my ideas without too much intrusion from real life. My current book for release is friends-lovers romance with a non-traditional HEA, I’ve loved lending my own brand of humour to the story with this one, as it is intended for a more adult audience than my first series I have been able to play with the characters a little more freely.

Haunted house or corn maze?

Haunted house every day of the week.

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

When I say all the time it is an understatement. For me my imagination plans out an idea as though it is fluid. I have no idea where it is going until I get there, which is part of the fun. I do have an off switch, that little voice in my head that screams at me if I go too far down the wrong current with an idea that maybe isn’t right for my audience or maybe it’s a decision that doesn’t fit the characters personality. Life has a tendency to bleed into fiction so my writing can change with my mood.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so who? And what makes them so special.

My favourite character that I have created is the villain in my paranormal romance series. I am a sucker for true crime so putting pen to paper and creating Glen Havers; the serial killer spirit who haunts our protagonist was a dream. The intricacies of building a character I couldn’t possibly relate to on any level meant definitely kept the process interesting.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

I try to research as much as possible but usually it is for an existing idea. Thankfully I’m not yet short of ideas, some that will probably never see the light of day but are there if I ever want to change it up. The smallest of details can help to make the story more enjoyable for the reader, that really bring it to life and make it relatable.

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies?

I definitely think I insert a part of myself into everything I write. My paranormal romance series was a cathartic expression of loss that I feel like I needed to write in order to heal from a childhood experience that is at the core of the protagonists story, it allowed me to relate with my character and I think my writing benefited from that first hand experience. I always have a notebook and pen beside my bed, my dreams and nightmares are very vivid, sometimes too vivid, so I will always note it down when I wake up if I find it interesting enough. The male lead characters, as I predominantly write MF romances, has qualities I would like in a partner, I think that is relatively normal for an author though.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

Fun Halloween stories, where to start. My birthday falls on the day before Halloween so every year we have a costume party, they are always fun experiences. Another one of my jobs is as a makeup and SFX artist so I get to play with all things bloody and gory all year round but especially closer to Halloween. It is for sure my favourite time of year.

What advice would you give to other authors?

What advice would I give to other authors? Firstly, there is comfort in numbers, I have some amazing author buddies and we share what we have learnt with each other and offer support to one another if it is needed. It can be lonely being an author so reach out and build your author circle with likeminded people. Secondly – Marketing is not easy, but it is necessary. There are so many great tools online to give you ideas on what, when and where to share your work. And lastly it doesn’t matter if you’ve written the next worldwide phenomenon, not everyone is going to like your book and that’s okay. Side note – Try to shake off the bad reviews because you will get them, your book is for the people that love it, just remember that.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

One thing I would like people to know about my books is that I have loved creating worlds that people have fallen in love with and I adore getting to know my readers.

 

Thank you Billie Jade Kermack for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her paranormal romance murder mystery series today!

~Synopsis~

Awoken is book one in this paranormal romance, murder mystery series.It’s a modern-day love story that’s more Grimm than Disney; if singing mice and dancing crabs are what you were looking for, this is not the book for you. Seances, time travel, and torture, however – if that’s your thing, you just might fit right in.
Twilight vibes with a splash of horror and some ghost hunting. Perfect for your next young adult read.

Grace didn’t believe in ghosts or demons, she thought magic was something that only lived in the pages of fairy tales.

How very wrong she was.

Hidden away most of his life, Beau had successfully managed to mask his gift from the world. Having the ability to commune with the dead wasn’t exactly the best conversation starter, and that was okay, he didn’t much like people anyway, until he walked back into Gallows Wood and into Grace’s life.

Struggling with the incessant onslaught of nightmares about her father’s untimely death, Grace had accepted that maybe she just wasn’t destined for a happily ever after.

Fate however had a skewed sense of humor. The deeper Grace delves into Beau’s world, the further she wanders from the safety of her own. Plagued by the spirit of a sadistic serial killer long dead, Grace must harness what power she can to defeat him and stay alive. Awakening family secrets that Grace could never have imagined to be true begs the question: Had she been surrounded by magic longer than she had thought?

How far into a world plagued by evil would you go to save the soul of the one you love?

Billie Jade Kermack is an author who lives in London with her family and their crazy dog Gus. As well as being an author Billie Jade is a makeup & SFX artist for TV and film and runs her doll company SIDS DOLL EMPORIUM. She is currently working on a contemporary romance series & has a completed paranormal romance series already published.

https://linktr.ee/billiejadekermack

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Nia Rose

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Nia Rose! Her book, Horns and Halos released on March 1st 2022.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was very young. I didn’t even know what an author was. I just wanted to tell stories and have them reach people. Later, when I was around seven, I started to make attempts at writing small tales. I would staple together pieces of paper and give them to my dad to read. My harshest critique, but I’m the most thankful for it.

What about the genre you currently write in, interests you most?

The versatility of it. I’m not bound to any real formula or expectations. Young Adult and New Adult gives me the ability to grow with the characters and the world that they live in. It feels so freeing to sit down and let the story flow out of me.

Haunted house or corn maze?

I suppose—if I had to choose—I’d go with a haunted house. It is just a nod to my youth.

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

Yes. All the time. Mostly, from my villains. Because I had to be in their head, understand them, and write them flawlessly and not let my own moral compass guide me. So, when I write a villain and they are done well, it scares me a little bit. A great example of this is Draki from Horns and Halos. For a fleeting moment, those thoughts and words he had were mine. They came from me. That should be disturbing in every sense.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so who? And what makes them so special.

Oh my, yes! Many. But my favorite character is, hands down, Botobolbillian (aka Bobo) from my Coven Chronicles series. Who doesn’t love a smart, well-dressed, sophisticated, coffee-loving, book-reading ogre that is both slow to anger, but has enough muscle to obliterate anything standing between him and those that he loves? Bobo will always be my favorite. I’m sure I have many that agree with me on that, too.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

All the time. No matter how small the detail, I try to do enough research to make it sound believable. It might be flawed in a place or two, but I hope to do my best with every tidbit that I research. Pottery making, whether or not something existed historically during a certain time period, what farm animals can eat … I’ve done it all. I’ve researched for hours to ensure a fact that I write into a single sentence of my novel is as accurate as I can make it. I’m sure this is why I’m a fountain of knowledge that I’m not sure what to do with outside of putting it in a book.

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies?

All of the above. I could write a book about it, but I’m sure that we don’t have that kind of time. But this isn’t about the things in my life that almost crushed me, fractured me, or tore me wide open … this is about how I use those experiences in my books to show that we can sew ourselves back together. Everything that I’ve been through helps my writing. That’s how I heal. That’s how I cope. We all suffer in one way or another, and I want to write books that don’t just feel real, but help people realize that they aren’t alone. Sometimes that can be the greatest light in the dark. You aren’t alone.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

Recently, my family has swapped up the way we celebrate this time of year. Now, we buy candy and hide it and have a full day filled with hiding and searching for candy, making smores, a big feast, a Halloween-ish movie, and just lots of family fun. We even play games. One of the games I created myself. It’s a large printed out picture of a headless Zombie from the game Plants vs. Zombies and we printed out a picture of its head separately. Pin the head on the zombie!

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t give up. Some days can be hard. Some years can be hard, but don’t stop. Shoot for a 0% day. One word, one thought, one part of your outline written down, a new thing learned … it all adds up in the end, so don’t stop. Don’t give up. I believe in you. Also, keep a notebook and pen close by. You’re going to need it.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Life isn’t easy. It will try to break you in more ways than you can count. That’s why I use my writing to fight my demons and help me win my battles. With every book written, I conquer another negative aspect that has plagued my heart, mind, and soul. May they aid you in your life too. May they be an escape that you need I hope that you find a lesson within its pages.

 

Thank you Nia Rose for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her latest release, Horns and Halos today!

~Synopsis~

My World is Built on Debts and Deals.

Beneath them all, you’ll find horrific secrets that we all hide. It’s lives. It’s souls. Scattered and countless, the dead have built towns, cities, and nations. They are forever damned in the afterlife because they wanted to live without fear. But did they really live without fear, or was it all an illusion?

A pact between devils is the only thing that keeps villages out in the desert-like land untouched by the scourge of this planet. The world we once knew is destroyed and what remains are those left behind trying to build homes to escape the reality that the end has already come. But are we any better than the creatures that loom, roam, tear, and destroy? Are we really worth saving?

At the age of nineteen, I was chosen and cast out of my village as a sacrifice. Now, I have no choice but to make a deal of my own or die out in the endless stretch of the Wastes.

Nia Rose is the author of 3 books in the Coven Chronicles serial, a dual trilogy written along with author Octavia J. Riley. Nia wrote books 1, 3, and 5 in the epic fantasy adventure while her co-author wrote books 2, 4, and 6. The original idea for the novels was birthed from excessive amounts of coffee, no sleep, and Polish accented hand puppets.

In 2021, Nia Rose started to outline 3 stories that would be published in the years to follow after the end of the beloved Coven Chronicles series. She and Octavia built an entire planet and plan to release future books within the world of Raen but on different continents of the globe. Each just as unique and mystical as the series that started it all. But there are countless stories that she still has to tell between those tales.

A mother of 4 children, Nia Rose is surrounded by endless creativity and wild imaginations that feed her craft. She is forever telling in-the-moment-spun fairy tales for her bright, beautiful babies. Almost every moment is an inspiration for a new story.

Nia Rose is fueled by her faith in God and by the love of her family. Oftentimes, she finds herself battling her demons on paper and ever constantly discovering herself through the adventures that she writes. Creating vast worlds and countless stories is her therapy and joy.

Her wish is that her work inspires people to be happy, magical beings that never lose hope and always strive for a better tomorrow.

Website: https://www.poisonedapplepublishing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiaRoseauthor

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/poisonedapplepub

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoisonedapples

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring K.D. Miller

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is K.D. Miller! Her book, Dark Burning: A Veracity of the Gods Novel released on November 23rd 2021.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed writing (English was always my favorite subject in school for as long as I can remember), but never ever thought I could ever write my own stories. About three years ago, a story popped in my head and just would not leave (like I was literally hearing dialogue in my head while I was trying to sleep every night), so I figured maybe if I wrote it down, that would be that and I could get a break from the constant nagging of these characters in my head. But then, I made the mistake of telling a couple of friends I was sort-of-kind-of writing a book—or something that might pass as an excuse for one—and they demanded to see it. They convinced me that it wasn’t complete garbage and that maybe other people would want to read it too and then it just snowballed from there.

What about the genre you currently write in, interests you most?

One of my (way too many) WIPs that has its hooks in me right now is an adult fantasy – think a bit like Harry Potter but for the grown-ups who like…ahem…grown up things. Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres, no matter what type or what age. I think just the ability to completely escape the real world for a while and be fully immersed in something completely new and unknown and magical really draws me to fantasy over and over again. Writing wise, fantasy is so fun and interesting because there are no rules. Anything can happen, anything goes. There is so much freedom in it and you can really let your imagination run wild.

Haunted house or corn maze?

Haunted house!

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

Oh yeah! In one of my series, the MC has an insane number of powers. Coming up with the variety of ways she could destroy people with said powers and actually writing the scenes down had me questioning the amount of horror movies and true crime shows I watch lol My best friend even commented on a particularly gruesome scene: “How in the hell did your brain come up with this? No, really, I’m concerned…JK (sort of…)”

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so who? And what makes them so special.

Ahhh this is so hard! I love them all in so many different ways, but one of my favorites is actually a side character from my first trilogy named Bryce. He is definitely not one of the good guys when we first meet him, but something about him just stuck with me and I ended up finding a place for him as the story went on and writing him became so fun. He is such a complicated character and I love exploring his history and seeing how things are never black and white. Things are messy and people are never just good or bad. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good redemption arc.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

Definitely! I’m always looking into legends and myths for inspiration. I like to put my own spin on things, but I definitely go there for ideas and starting points, especially when I get stuck on the same old creatures you’ve read about a million times (looking at you, fae and vampires…though I do still love them dearly of course).

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies?

There is always a lot of myself in everything I write (which I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not? lol), but I definitely transfer a lot of my own fears, experiences, etc. into my characters and they are jumping off points of story ideas for sure. Sometimes it’s a big thing, like a fundamental fear of not being good enough (did I mention that I have INSANELY BAD imposter syndrome? Send help…) that becomes a core element to a story and character, and sometimes it’s smaller things, like my fear of snakes or Mr. Clean (Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s dumb. Yes, it made it into one of my books).

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

For my baby shower we actually did a Halloween costume party (my daughter was born in November, so we had the shower just before Halloween). I went as Juno and my husband was Bleeker from the movie Juno. We have a picture where we recreated the movie cover and, not to toot my own horn, but it’s pretty awesome!

What advice would you give to other authors?

I have no idea what I’m doing and am by no means anything close to an expert, but my biggest advice is just to write. There are so many extra things that go along with having a story to tell these days, but remember that telling the story is the most important part! You can’t do any of the other stuff until you do that, so focus on that first and foremost. Get that word vomit first draft down and then go back and start fine tuning and tweaking to make it something spectacular. After that, start thinking about all the other stuff. 

Also: grow thick skin, don’t take things personally, try to be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, and lastly, hydrate.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I act goofy and tough most of the time, but every time anyone reaches out to tell me they read and enjoyed one of my books my little black heart grows three sizes. It’s just like the Grinch over here, y’all. Seriously, it makes me so happy to hear from readers. So, if you ever read one of my books and are thinking about reaching out DO IT! Please! I love chatting with readers about books…or dogs…or tacos. Just about anything actually. So, come say hi!

Thank you K.D. Miller for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Dark Burning today!

~Synopsis~

You know the story of Hades and Persephone…or do you?

Happily ever after had not been in the cards for Hades and his bride. Persephone, resentful of being trapped in the Underworld, betrayed Hades to his greatest enemy…and wound up murdered in the process. But an ancient prophecy foretold her return, and only then could Hades hope to finally win the war for the Underworld. He’s been patiently waiting for thousands of years, biding his time until her return, dying for the chance to defeat his foes at last…and get a little revenge on his former wife while he’s at it…

Now, he’s finally found her reincarnate in the stunning and deadly Skylar Pembroke. Highly trained, exceptionally stubborn, and oblivious to her past life, Skylar does not take well to being kidnapped by a God…no matter how brutally handsome he may be or how often she’s dreamt of him in the past. Determined to fight fate, Skylar will make life anything but easy for the God of the Underworld.

Now Hades must push aside thousands of years’ worth of anger, forget past wrongs, convince the femme fatale to marry him once more…and stop himself from falling for her all over again in the process…

What could possibly go wrong?

K.D. Miller is a paralegal from South Carolina who finally decided to put all the stories in her head down on paper. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, loves the beach, and truly believes most problems can be made better with tacos. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, daughter, and two crazy rescue dogs. 

https://linktr.ee/kdmillerauthor

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Interview with an Author featuring Magaidh Dunbroch

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Magaidh Dunbroch! Her debut book, A Voice like Shadow and Brimstone (The Vermilion Witches Series Book 1) released on March 23rd 2022.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have always wanted to be an author. I would write stories from a young age that my parents would plaster all over the fridge haha

What about the genre you write in interests you most?

I love the world building. I write Fantasy and having a fantastical world is crucial to the story so that you feel transported to that place and can immerse yourself into it.

What was the first fantasy/story you remember reading?

I really remember my mum every night would read us Harry Potter. We would wait all year long for each new book release and every night she would read us 1 or 2 chapters before bed. She would also make us read 1 chapter outlaid to help us with our reading skills and that is my favorite memory.

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

My favorite thing about being a fantasy author is that I get to create creatures that most people have never heard of. An upcoming creature from my second book of A Voice like Shadow and Brimstone is a Slitherbeast. Its kinda like a snake, but comes from the Underworld. So yes, I write myself scared frequently!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character is Gaelyn. He is everything I wished my true love to be. He’s the perfect mix of brooding bad ass and love addled romantic. He is the God of the Underworld and has a petty cool job he takes very seriously.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

My books are based on Greek myths. They are re-imaginings but I twist them. They end up featuring women who have been wronged and become stronger for it.

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies? 

I think every writer at one point or another writes from experiences they know. I have put quite a few of my experiences into my books that range from sexual assault, to confidence issues, body dysmorphia, things that most readers can identify with in one way or another.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

So we’re from Scotland and when we were younger my mum would take us all over to different graveyards and we would play and take spooky pics. We would always play a game of who could find the oldest headstone and that person would win. Not really a Halloween story since everyday is spooky for us hahaha

What advice would you give to other authors?

Just write. Write one sentence that is in the genre you want to write and build off of that. Sometimes we get so scared, or over-research ideas that we get lost on those things. While they’re important, actually writing is the only thing that is going to get you going. Set a timer or calendar reminder and write for one or two minutes. That is great progress and from there you will probably write even more than you were hoping.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

My debut novel, A Voice like Shadow and Brimstone features a twisted reimagining of Hades and Persephone. All of the future books I will publish feature characters in this novel and every book after it is a little piece of a bigger puzzle. There are Easter eggs in each book that give an overall bigger picture to the world I built, The Faedoroth. If you like strong women, handsome men. Capricious Gods, adventure and spicy interactions then books by Magaidh Dunbroch will not disappoint!

Thank you Magaidh Dunbroch for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her debut release, A Voice like Shadows and Brimstone today!

~Synopsis~

Andraste has always been content to wander the Faedoroth in loneliness, helping her fellow Mortals. One thing she has never had is companionship, no matter how hard she tries to form bonds. Being the only known Mortal to harness magick has set her apart and created a dangerous reputation for her in the eyes of the Fae Gods.
When the Fae Gods descend on her home, she is thrust unwillingly into a world of intrigue and danger that she has never experienced or had to navigate through before. She must find out how to overcome the shackles of her past to save their future before the Fae Gods use her as a pawn in their deadly games.

Magaidh Dunbroch is an amazingly well aged witch of 536 years. It’s surprising she looks as youthful as she does considering she lives on sarcasm and pop tarts and since bathing in the blood of enemies is frowned upon. There is speculation that she indeed invented the weave of magic but for now she is immensely content being a fantasy author. She lives with her handsome devil and wee beasties in Alaska, haunting the woods with her shadowborn creatures and scaring polite society.


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e3FWN9

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-voice-like-shadow-and-brimstone-magaidh-dunbroch/1141401034?ean=9798201167974

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/books/search/term/a+voice+like+shadow+and+brimstone

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring M.D. Butler

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is M.D. Butler! Author of the Elemental Wolves series.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I try to squeeze a few sentences in during the day, but I really start zooming when that supernatural moon rises!

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

So much! I have to figure out the areas that will work with the demographics of my characters and how they all work together. When I can’t find a location that fits the story that I’m trying to write, I dig deep into my childhood imagination and create one. I think my best work is done in a world that has no limits!

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

I have to say it’s the newest series, The Fire Within. I really like how I can flip between the different moods of the characters. I can start off with a deep friendship between the main characters and add in love interests along the way. The best part is the fact that it’s on Kindle Vella. The ability to release it chapter by chapter is an exciting way to gauge readers’ interest and build the book based off their responses. I’m the end, I’m able to either break hearts or bloom smiles with the finished product.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

The need to finally fulfill a goal in life. I said that I would put out a book that had everything I was craving at the time. I never put myself out their like that, afraid of people’s opinions of something that I worked so hard on. I had to do this for my own confidence  I must say, it was well worth it!

Do you hear from your readers much?

I do, and I love their praise and critiques. Even the negative ones can be a learning experience. I get the biggest smile when a reader takes the time to reach out to me. It really keeps me going.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

Has to be Where the Red Fern Grows. My school did these accelerated reader points that you earned from taking tests on the books you read. I was previously skimming through books just enough to get the gist of story. My home room teacher on 4th grade, Mrs. Sikes, started reading this book out loud to us during…homeroom, I think. For the first time, I was ENGROSSED in the story written on the pages. Now, I will never read the story again because I was traumatized by what happened. I will literally square up with a raccoon, not lying. I can, however, tell you everything about the book. Since then, I’ve been reading books left and right. My grandmother would bring boxes of discarded books for me from the nursing home she worked at. That book instilled a love for stories that has grown to the point where I want to write my own  It also steered me towards romance because I can’t handle that type of trauma without some love!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Silly, introverted, and open-minded.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Just do it. Go for that out of this world storyline. Take a dive into that genre. If you have a desire to write it, there’s someone out there who wants to read it.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

That we’re going to keep coming at you you with the goods, just give us time to get everything together for you!

Thank you M.D. Butler for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out book one in her Elemental Wolves series today!

~Synopsis~

I am nothing and no one.

Such a Debbie Downer attitude, I know. My entire existence is one of mere survival within a pack that sees me as worthless. The alpha is ruthless, but he hasn’t killed me yet. Small mercies, right? I’ve never known kindness, so what do I do when four guys show up with smiles and soft touches? Hide… for all of five minutes.

They’re kind of insistent on getting to know me, and everything in me rebels at the thought of running from them. You see, there’s this pull. A connection that snapped into place when we made eye contact. They’re apparently my freaking mates. All four of them!

Krix, the unappointed leader.
Cashel, the jokester.
Denahi, the protector.
Mavrin, the peacemaker.

I’ve never heard of someone having four mates, but I don’t want to deny myself this one good thing when all I’ve ever had was misery. I’m a shiftless wolf, so I wasn’t supposed to have a mate at all!

My old pack isn’t having it, though. The alpha doesn’t want to release me, and the she-wolves are all in a tizzy over my sudden popularity with the male gender. Too bad because I refuse to stay when I’ve been given the answer to my prayers. The Mother of all must have finally opened her ears to me. She didn’t make it easy, though. There are a few trials and tribulations headed our way.

Oh, and there’s also this thing about a prophecy…

 

This is a full-length reverse harem novel with a cliffhanger ending. It has a male from every caliber, and a heroine that many can relate to. There are steamy scenes, and references to abuse that may not be suitable for some readers. It has been re-edited thanks to reader reviews, but feel free to comment if you notice any errors to help improve the book. This is book one in a trilogy.

M.D. Butler is a military spouse who also serves in the United States Navy Reserves. She has four wolf daughters who each have a piece of her crazy personality and attitude. Yikes! Living in a house with four little girls inspired her to write books with strong female characters who have the sass and strength of her own girls, despite whatever has happened to them in life. She writes stories that she dreams up when she can’t find a book that has the characteristics that she’s craving at that moment. Being in the military has given her a bit of a sailor’s mouth and a dry humor, so don’t pick up her books if you’re opposed to cursing and mildly offense dialogue! She’s also a realist who understands that sex and passion are normal aspects of a relationship. Might have to look out for that, too!

Author links:
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Interview with an Author featuring Rinna Ford

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Rinna Ford! Her book, Malicious (The Whitethorn Society Book 1) release on June 15th 2021.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved reading and making up stories of my own, even at an early age. I wrote a lot of stories for myself but then got away from it when life got more complicated. I picked it back up after my breast cancer diagnosis as a way to escape reality and haven’t wanted to stop since.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I usually like to write when my kids go off to school. It’s so much easier to get lost in my fantasy world without the (good) distractions. I love having my kids around, but they are definitely distracting! 

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I do a lot of world building! It’s important to me to understand the people, places, animals, magic, etc. of a story before I plot the details. I spend a lot of time just getting to know the characters too, even the “minor” ones. 

Which of your books was the most enjoyable to write?

Malicious was so much fun! I loved getting into the mind of the main character, Viv. She’s who I want to be when I grow up! This was a story that I played around with for a few years before I actually sat down to write it, and when I was finally able to do that it practically wrote itself. I love the way it turned out.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and I read. A lot. It was how I escaped the reality of it all. Then one day I woke up with an idea for a story (Queen of the Fireflies). I pulled out a notebook and played around with the story for almost 10 months before I got the courage to write it. I met an indie author and asked if she could help with finding Beta readers. I gave them only one request- tell me if it’s crap or if I should keep going! They told me the story was great and I should publish it, so I did!

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I do! The people who love my books are amazing! They want to know more about the characters and where they came from. I’ve had questions about spin-offs (a few of which I’ve considered) and where I came up with my ideas. I try to be unique with my ideas because who wants to read the same story over and over again?

Favorite book when you were a kid?

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (picture book) 

Any of the Babysitters Club books (chapter books)

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Oh man. Tough question! 

Caring, resilient, upbeat.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Write what you love. If you don’t love it, readers won’t love it. And, get a great editor and gather wonderful people around you who will give you good, constructive feedback. 

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I love to write stories that no one has written before. I want my readers to feel as though they are transported into worlds that they never imagined, and want to stay there. I love what I do!

Thank you Rinna Ford for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Malicious today!

~Synopsis~

The Whitethorn Society doesn’t exist. At least, that’s what they want you to believe.

On the outside, people see Viv as a spoiled little rich girl who lives for designer clothing and wild parties, not the strong, capable woman she tries so hard to be. But money and power don’t buy love and acceptance, and Viv has definitely learned that the hard way.

College was a taste of freedom from that life, but then, that freedom ends up being stripped away when Viv is expected to go back to the family she hates to embrace a destiny she doesn’t want. Only, she believes that her destiny is to slave away for her family business, not join an ancient society of magical beings that shouldn’t even be real. Secrets and danger lie around every corner, but so do answers and love that she so desperately craves.

With old friends and new, one seriously annoying brother, and an ex that won’t go away, not that she really wants him to, Viv has to face new challenges and become the Whitethorn she was born to be.

She is the key. Whatever that means.

Malicious is the first book in The Whitethorn Society two-book series. This book is intended for 18+ due to sexual situations (including sexual assault) and explicit language.

Rinna Ford is a Southern girl that lives in the Midwestern USA. She lives with her amazingly sexy husband, two adorable daughters, a lazy dog, and two cats. She loves music, sushi, Star Wars, MCU, and getting packages in the mail (much to her husband’s dismay). Rinna Ford is the pen name the author uses to write the stories that float around in her head.

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/rinnafordauthor/

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/rinnaford

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rinna-ford

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FordRinna

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorrinnaford/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18245826.Rinna_Ford

Amazon US: www.amazon.com/author/rinnaford

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dLPKnM

Website: https://www.rinnaford.com

Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author · Pre-Order

Interview with an Author featuring S.A. Mackenzie

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is S.A. Mackenzie! Her upcoming release, Possessing Greed: A Sons of Satan Novel releases September 13th 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

 I am an avid video game player and reader. I spend most of my time inside, hiding away from the world because it’s my happy place. My son is my favourite person in the world next to my husband and I would spend all of my time with them if I could. My favourite activity with friends is playing board and card games. I love to laugh, I cry way too easily, and I’m very apologetically me (it’s the Canadian in me, we apologize for everything!)

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No, actually. I’ve always been an avid reader, but sitting down and writing out stories was never something that interested me until I had my son. After my son was born, I was desperate to find a purpose for me, especially as a stay at home mom. For almost a year, I spent so much time daydreaming while idly rocking my baby and those daydreams turned into full stories in my head. So, I just picked up my laptop and started writing one day. I’ve never looked back since then.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I fit it in when I can! As the needs of my child change, so does my writing schedule. Right now, it’s mostly the morning and early afternoon, though I do write in the evenings when I have a deadline coming up.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I’m a pantser for the most part. From the time an idea sprouts, I normally do a lot of vague large world building. Once writing actually starts, I try to have a basic outline of point a to point b, but I give my characters and creativity the reigns. Sometimes we get off track, but it all comes together in the end. The journey is a lot of fun when all you have is the destination in mind. 

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Hmm, that’s a hard one. The most enjoyable was probably the one releasing mid-September, Possessing Greed. It’s a shared world so the world building was so much fun and then the main character was an absolute blast to give the reins to.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

My husband and my alpha reader team. Both my husband and those beautiful women are my rock. They’ve given me the drive, confidence, and support to publish my first and every other book since. 

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

 I do! It’s normally around a release that I hear from them the most. It’s always the sweetest compliments and encouragement from all of them. I’m a very awkward person, but hearing from them puts a smile on my face every time. 

Favorite book when you were a kid?

A kid kid? Probably the Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen mystery books. As a teen it would have been Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Chaotic, clumsy, silly.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, it will never look the same. You need to add in time for yourself and work within your limits or you’ll hit your burn out and after that it can be hard to find your love for writing again.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Each one is a part of me, yet none of them are the same. Some are the darker parts that I mostly keep hidden, others are the sweet, surface level stuff I show the world. The dark and light, the sweet and the sad, these books tell a story of me and who I was, who I am, and who I want to be.

 

Thank you S.A. Mackenzie for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, Possessing Greed today!

~Synopsis~

Nothing in this world is free. The sooner you realize that, the better.

As a woman in a man’s world, I have to work twice as hard to bring home half as much as my male counterparts. Time is money, and apparently having tits makes my time worth less.

Being a woman doesn’t stop me from out performing and destroying them all as the top corporate lawyer in my city. I’ve worked my ass off to be the best, so I can afford every luxury my heart desires. Diamonds? Check. Emeralds? Check. The sweet smell of a new leather purse dripping in 24-karat gold? Drool, and double check!

That is until a gorgeous man in a stunning suit rips it all away from me with a one-way ticket to Hell. As in, actual Hell. And that one-way ticket? A knife through my heart.

This demon is going to regret making me the Queen of Greed. Possessing Greed may have been my greatest sin, but it’s also going to be my strongest asset in the sparkling, frozen tundra of Hell’s first Circle.

Possessing Greed is a novel in the multi-author shared world, Sons of Satan. Be sure to read all seven books for a hellish good time! This book is for audiences 18 and over due to mature language and content. Possessing Greed is a reverse harem romantic stand-alone with an HEA.

S.A. Mackenzie is a Canadian why choose author that writes everything from contemporary to paranormal romance. S.A. loves all things spicy, from food to books. She spends her days chasing around her child as a stay at home mom and writing. Her evenings are spent with her big, bearded husband watching movies and playing video games.

Author Links: https://linktr.ee/samackenzieauthor

Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author · New Release · Pre-Order

Interview with an Author featuring Angelina J. Steffort

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Welcoming back, Angelina J. Steffort! Her upcoming release, The Quarter Mage is set to release August 31st 2022.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Honestly, I rarely run into writer’s block. Usually my characters are quite chatty throughout the writing process. My life is determined by family life, so I have natural breaks during writing that allow me to come up with the next plot point or the next book idea. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by a team of wonderful creatives to bounce ideas off if needed. That helps in some of the cases when I reach a fork in the road and need to decide which way to go with a story.

What inspired you to write The Quarter Mage?

The idea for The Quarter Mage has been brewing for over 3 years. I commissioned the covers for the entire series in 2020, the map in 2021, and have been anxiously waiting to fill the world with life.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

I sincerely believe that there is no one right answer to this question. While craft is important, craft is nothing without the ability to create intriguing worlds and settings. Adorable characters are nothing without proper plot and clean prose. From a writing perspective, I can only say what I find most enjoyable, and that highly depends on the day and the mood. Sometimes I will obsess about grammar and sentence structures, on other days I will question every plot point and story line, and there will be days where I simply hang out with my characters and let them chat. So what is important depends on the phase in the process of creating a book. 

From a reader’s perspective, the characters are what hooks me first.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

In my books, usually the book title, then a premise. Once I have those, the characters spring to life on their own.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

In a lot of cases, I don’t have the characters ready when I write the first sentence. They simply awaken word by word. The same is true for the plot. As a pantser I write into the dark and follow where the characters lead. The Quarter Mage was the first book I had thoroughly plotted before starting. But it pantsed me from the first line—and the outcome is so much better than the intended version. I guess, I learned my lesson.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

The book titles are usually what comes first, long before I ever think up a character or a potential plot. Usually, they just pop up in my head while I’m trying to focus on finishing a book. I have a list of over forty titles that are waiting to be written.

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?

Over the past six years I’ve written twenty-three books in five different series, and I still can’t tell you what terrifies me more, a first in a series, the sequels, or finishing up the last in a series. Each has its perks and its daunting properties. The Quarter Mage as a first in a series was difficult for me, since it pantsed me from line one. Now I’m dreading what The Hour Mage and the other two in the series have in store for me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

There’s so much I’m learning on a daily basis. What surprised me was that this is something I can see myself doing when I’m 92.

Describe your perfect book hero or heroine.

The best heroes or heroines are unexpected ones.

What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?

Know your genre and what readers love. Don’t worry about a perfect first draft. You can do revisions later, and that’s why authors work with experienced editors. If you want to write a book—really write one and not just dream about it—sit down and write. It’s not going to write itself.

 

Thank you Angelina J. Steffort for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, The Quarter Mage today!

~Synopsis~

Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

WHEN DESTINY FAILS YOU, WHO WILL YOU BECOME?

A forgotten princess. A cruel realm. A Mage who might be her salvation.

Sanja is a princess on the run. And when she flees her father’s court to escape an arranged marriage to a tyrant, the one thing she doesn’t expect, is to be killed for her throne.

But magic that shouldn’t exist in her kingdom saves her, and Sanja is thrust into the daunting fairylands where, as a human, she’s prey…

Fighting to survive, Sanja signs herself into the service of the most powerful Mages in the fairylands, determined to master the magic to save her kingdom—and finds herself stuck with a brooding Mage with a knack for keeping secrets.

As Sanja’s feelings for Tristan turn from dread to attraction, she learns that she isn’t the only thing the fairies are after. And Sanja must risk her life and her heart, or she will lose both him and her kingdom forever.

Dive into Angelina J. Steffort’s latest heart-wrenching upper YA fantasy romance and find out what makes the world of The Quarter Mage so special.

“Chocolate fanatic, milk-foam enthusiast and huge friend of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career-path for me.”

Angelina J. Steffort is an Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series, a young adult paranormal romance series about the impossible love between a girl and an angel. The bestselling Wings series has been ranked among calibers such as the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, and Lauren Kate’s Fallen, and has been top listed among angel books for teens by bloggers and readers. Her young adult epic fantasy series Shattered Kingdom is already being compared to Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series by readers and fans. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting, and lives in Vienna, Austria with her husband and her son.