Interview with Sue Perkins- Author of The Sky Castles Trilogy

Scribal Love Welcomes Sue Perkins!


Sue Perkins is the Author of the Sky Castles Trilogy.  It is available now from Whiskey Creek Press.

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born in England but my husband and I now live in New Zealand with our dog. For many years we were globetrotters but eventually settled here. Our children are the world travelers now, must be in the blood I suppose.

What genres do you write?

Fantasy - speculative fiction - is my favorite genre but I also write contemporary romance and young adult fantasy. I love the alternate world style of fantasy, it gives me so much freedom to do things the way I want to.

Your trilogy is called Sky Castles - can you tell me where the idea came from?

The idea for the first book in the trilogy, Blue & Silver, came from a song which refused to get out of my head. It took a long time to develop the idea to a point where it was suitable to be published. The next two came along quite quickly after that. Russet & Gold and Ebony & Ivory were two books which just had to be written.

How did you get into writing?

From the time I mastered “joined up writing” I started to write stories. I grew up married my husband, had a family. I still scribbled, but I didn’t attempt to get published. About twenty years ago I decided it was time I sent my work out into the publishing world.

How do you get your ideas? Do you find it difficult to keep track of them?

You would really be better asking how do you choose between all the ideas in your head. Ideas pop into existence at the funniest of times. It could be a song, an unusual item, something on the news. My current work in progress began with a news article about a woman being knocked down by a truck. My method for remembering them. Hmm. I have so many ideas I don't have time to write them all down. I don't lose them though, they nag me so much I tend not to forget the ones I really want to work on.

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer?

The same piece of advice I was given many years ago. “The secret of writing is re-writing”. In other words don’t look at your first draft and think it’s a load of rubbish. Edit, re-write and polish it until you think it’s ready and then send it out in the big wide world. Try to be honest with yourself and listen to your critique partners. You don’t necessarily need to accept what they say, but it could spark off a line of thought for you.

Is there something not many people know about you that you'd feel comfortable sharing with your readers?

Ooh, secrets. One thing not many people know is what a great support my husband is. He’s not a great fan of fiction, especially the genre I write, but he’s one hundred per cent behind me with my writing.

Before you go would you like to tell us a bit about your Sky Castles Trilogy?

Certainly. The three Sky Castle books are set on Hejmen. The nobles live in castles which float high above the ground while the ordinary people live in the towns and countryside below. Each book tells the story of a woman dealing with situations beyond her experience. The spirit like Eos have been forgotten by the humans, but all three women are aided and assisted by the spirits as they struggle to survive. I've added an excerpt from "Ebony & Ivory" the third book of the trilogy. Hope you enjoy it.






Ebony & Ivory: Sky Castles Book 3 – Excerpt

The doors were flung open and Tazia took a deep breath before walking towards the group around the big table near the fire. She was pleased to see Jefor had accompanied Robard. At least there would be one friendly face at the ceremony.

Her brother turned to her with a grin, which changed to confusion when he saw what she was dressed in. He shook his head and Tazia knew he realised Halla had been making mischief again.

The tall dark man standing talking to her father turned and she recognised Duke Robard of Ardon. The welcome on his lips began to fade then turned into a fixed smile as she moved towards the group.

“There you are, my dear.” Her father came forward to take her hand. “Looking lovely as usual.”

For one small moment, Tazia wondered if her father was blind, but then realised women’s fashions held no interest for him, so he had no idea how ridiculous she looked. Taking his arm she moved forward.

“Duke Robard, may I present my daughter Tazia.”

“I am pleased to meet you again, Milady.” Robard bowed over her hand and dropped a kiss on the palm. “Especially on such a happy occasion.”

Embarrassment flooded Tazia. Quickly, she dropped her head to hide the blood rushing to her face. Robard led her towards the dignitaries who were waiting to perform the legal duties of the betrothal. The touch of his hand sent a weakness rushing through her body and she longed for this to be over so she could go and hide in her bedroom.

“Milady, if you would sign here and Duke Robard, if you would sign here.”  The dignitary pointed to the appropriate places and she wrote her name, hardly knowing what she was doing.

After the legal part of the ceremony was over, wine and finger food were served. She noticed Robard was attentive but distant and she knew he was disappointed. She’d got the better part of the bargain, while he must think he was lumbered with a half-wit woman for his Duchess.

Thanks Sue For Dropping By!


You can find Sue on the web at:  www.sueperkinsauthor.com

Author of 'Voice on the Waves,' Jessica Chambers

Scribal Love Welcomes Jessica Chambers

Jessica Chambers is an author of contemporary women’s fiction. Her debut novel Voices On The Waves is now available from Red Rose Publishing.

Thanks, Clare. It’s great to be here for my final stop on the Voices On The Waves Blog Tour. .

And it’s great to have you. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Clichéd as it sounds, I’ve harboured an ambition to be a writer ever since I was old enough to think about my future. Even when I was seven-years-old and wrote my first novel, a 30-page piece Entitled The Mystery Of The Strange Telephone Calls, I knew that was how I wanted to earn my living. So, ever since completing my education, I’ve been working towards making my dream a reality.

Tell us about Voices On The Waves.

It’s a sweet women’s fiction novel set against the stunning backdrop of rural Cornwall. The idea for the book came from my fascination with people and the ways in which they interact. What would happen, I asked myself, if you forced a group of strangers together in one place for a set length of time, and then left them to their own devices?

Well, this is precisely what happens in Voices On The Waves, where nine individuals from all walks of life win a two-week holiday in a beautiful farmhouse retreat. Having gathered such diverse personalities under one roof, all I had to do was let my imagination flow and the sparks fly! With new found love, illicit affairs and the sharing of long-buried secrets, Voices on the Waves really does have it all.

What is your writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

Very much so. When I first began Voices On The Waves, I felt I had to have every little detail planned out beforehand. Since then, though, I’ve discovered that too much planning dampens my creativity. Now, I tend to have the main plot line worked out, but let the characters and sub plots find their own way.

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

Believe me, writer’s block is the bane of my life. In the early days, this used to terrify me. What if I woke up one morning and could never write again? Now, though, I accept it as a natural part of my writing process. All I have to do is take a break, go for a walk or read another author’s novel, and I’m able to return fresh to my computer the following morning.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Study your craft. Most of us, unless we happen to be a literary genius, won’t become a best-selling writer overnight. Read every book you can lay your hands on about creating believable, unforgettable characters and how to weave page-turning plots. Join a writing critique group, whether online or face-to-face, to get feedback on your progress that will help you improve. Most of all, write the sort of novels you would enjoy reading.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just started work on a novella, which will be written as part of a series with a group of my fellow authors at Red Rose. The idea is that we each write a book based on a reality TV show, and I’m taking the inspiration for mine from talent shows such as American Idol and The X Factor. It’s shaping up to be really great fun!

I’m also in the throes of editing a novel called Painting The Summer. More of a mystery than Voices On The Waves, Painting The Summer centers around a wealthy English family whose lives are torn apart when they invite a handsome young artist into their home to paint their portraits. All is going well, I’m hoping both novels will be published some time in 2011.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Of course. In this scene, my heroine struggles with her heartache.

     After rereading the same passage for the fifth time, Leah admitted defeat.   Normally, losing herself in a novel was an unfailing means of escape, but not today.   In her present mood, the author's humorous style held no charm for her, and the budding romance between the reclusive writer and the heroine, who reminded Leah poignantly of herself, simply caused her a pang.   With a leaden heart, she continued to stare at the page until a shadow fell across it.

    “Thought I might find you here,” Anjum said, joining her in the arbor.  “Not disturbing you, am I?”

   
     Leah shook her head and laid her book aside. They sat in silence for a while, gazing out over the sun-dazzled grounds.

      “You going to tell me what’s happened between you and Will?” Anjum asked at length.

      “What makes you think anything’s happened?”

      “Hmmm, the fact that you’re both behaving as if the world’s about to end is a bit of a giveaway.”

      Leah blushed.   “Okay, say we did have a row, Will doesn’t seem too bothered about it.”

      “Are you kidding?” Anjum said. “It was a close call to say which one was more miserable yesterday, Will or the weather.”

       Leah didn’t answer.  Will may have been hurt to begin with, but he had certainly got over it by this morning.   Doubtless Tiffany was comforting him at this very moment; her stomach twisted at the thought.   She knew she should be relieved Will had been so unaffected by the quarrel.   She wasn’t vindictive, after all.  Why then did she find his indifference so hard to bear?

     Without warning, anger welled up inside her.  This was all Alan’s doing.   Everything was his fault.   It was Alan who had made her bitter and mistrustful, so different from the easy-going person she’d once been.    It was Alan whose eyes perpetually spied over her, taunting her by day and filling her dreams by night.   And it was Alan, with his ensnaring smile and silver tongue, who had tricked her into a situation from which she could see no way out.

      At a gentle touch on her arm, she raised her head to find Anjum regarding her with concern.

    “You okay?”

      Leah nodded.   As suddenly as it had arisen, her rage evaporated and she slumped against the bench, depressed and exhausted.

      Anjum continued to study her, clearly unconvinced.   Finally, he said, “Listen, I know what it must look like, Will going off with Tiffany, but it doesn’t mean anything.”

      Leah shot him a skeptical glance.   How did he expect her to believe Will wasn’t besotted with Tiffany?  What man in their right mind wouldn’t be?  No, just as in the legend the mermaid had captivated Matthew Trewhella, so Tiffany had cast Will under her spell.

      “Trust me,” Anjum urged, “there’s nothing going on there.   If you would just talk to him…”

      “No,” Leah said, and her voice rang with a stubbornness that brooked no argument.

End Excerpt...

Buy Voices On The Waves now from Red Rose Publishing

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=853

Thank you Jessica for stopping by.

Thank you again, Clare, for having me, and to all of you for stopping by. Anyone kind enough to leave a comment here, or at any point during my blog tour, will automatically be entered into the draw to win a $15 gift voucher for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble, so don’t forget to provide an email address in case I need to contact you. I’ll be announcing the five winners tomorrow over at my blog

http://www.jessicachambers.co.uk/blog so good luck and hope to see you there!

Author of Speculative Sky-- Clare Dargin

Hi everyone!  Here's a little something about me as if were interviewed by imaginary self!


Scribal Love Welcomes- Me... Clare Dargin <wink, wink>

What inspired you to write this book?
Well, ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a writer.  It was a dream of mine to be published and to write stories that everyone could enjoy.  Speculative Sky was created because I’ve always had a fascination with stories about Extra-Terrestrial Life and S.E.T.I. and I wanted to integrate such a story with a female character as a strong and intelligent lead.   


Do you have a specific writing style?  
Yes I do but I am not sure what to call it.  When people read my work I want them to feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all.  I want them to be able to hear, taste, smell and see the action as if it is happening all around them.  I also tend to write tight stories with quick pacing.  It's what I like to read and consequently how I write.  


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?
To be honest I’ve always been attracted and fascinated by the abstract and the symbolic.  I wanted the title to be symbolic of what April Mullen, the main character, has to deal with as an Astronomer and all that came with her assignment.  


What is Speculative Sky about?
It is about a woman who takes a chance and leaves for an assignment on a science colony far away from Earth.  As an astronomer it is her job to monitor the stars at night and to record her findings.  Nothing more than that.  But when she arrives, she notices that her new home is a bit odd, and that though there is evidence of life out there… they don’t want her to either acknowledge it or do anything about it.  She of course finds this troubling.


What books have most influenced your life most?
To be honest, in fiction category, it would have to be the old star wars books that came out in the eighties after Return of the Jedi.  The expanded universe books taught me more about atmospheric and expanded universe development then any book I know!  I read them over and over again and learned about non-human creature development, planetary science fiction and description of space travel and not to mention how to write a cool leading man.  I still read them!  


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Douglas Preston and/or Lincoln Child.  They write incredibly compelling books of which I generally can't put down.


What book are you reading now?  
To be honest and I am almost finished with “Book of the Dead” with Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.  I'll be going through their back list very soon in order to get caught up.


Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Last night I was thinking about the Friday House about D. K. Gaston and how it's a compelling story about assassins who have no memory of their being programmed and stuff.  I think it's cool.   And several books on the military scifi romance front that I have recently heard about.  I write in a tiny subgenre so it's nice to see what other authors are doing in it.  That way I don't get lonely!  


What are your current projects?
Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Ice and Peace” the sequel to my first novel "Cold Warriors."  As well as having another expanded universe book in the works.  Not to mention, two futuristic romances that are completely different from my military fiction.


Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Motown Creative Writers Group-- they helped get on the road to being published.  And not to mention the many groups in the Romance community.  They really pointed me in the right direction.  I'm grateful for that.


Do you see writing as a career?
Yes!  One day I hope to do it full time.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Yeah that's why I have to hurry up and get it out of my hands cause I keep changing it!


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
As a child my father use to encourage it.  I use to write stories for my family and give it to them and they would say “Maybe one day you could get this published!”  I was like five.... and then when I was in middle school I found out that S. E. Hinton had been published at sixteen-- I became truly determined then.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yea, getting through the first draft!


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Just get the first draft down on paper and don't be afraid to make stupid mistakes and have dumb lines on paper cause it's the first draft and you are allowing the characters to come alive.  Later on you can fix and micro manage but don't try to do it the first time through cause it will stifle your creativity.


Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't give up on being published!  Try every avenue!  There is away for you!



To find her on the web:


The Haven www.claredargin.host22.com
Clare's Blog- The Haven www.claredargin.bravejournal.com
And of Course here and on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo, MyBlog Log and Myspace www.myspace.com/nuncius

Clare Dargin is an author of science fiction and science fiction romance books.  Her newest work “Speculative Sky” is available from Red Rose Publishing. 

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=681

Marian Allen, Author of 'Eels Reverence'

Scribal Love Welcomes Marian Allen.  


She is an author of fantasies, mysteries, comedies and recipes.  Her newest work EEL'S REVERENCE is available from Echelon Press. 

What inspired you to write this book?


I read Matthew Arnold's poem "The Forsaken Merman" and was taken by his image of a merman on land.  I started thinking, "How would that work? How would he have to built in order to move on land? How would he breathe? How far inland could he go? Into the desert?"  A couple of scenes came to me, one of him alone and one of him with a human friend.  But the scenes never went anywhere.  Then a scene came to me of some sort of cleric surrounded by hostile wolves, and I started playing with that.  Suddenly, as often happens with me, those scenes snapped together and, from nowhere, a totally different character started telling a story from her point of view that would include those other scenes, or variations of them.  I suppose the base inspiration was an impulse to explore people out of their comfort zones--what they suffer and what they contribute because of that displacement.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Try to tell each story in the "voice" that tells it best, whether the work is in first person or third person.  The work, itself, has a voice, in addition to the main character's voice.  I try to make my own voice as transparent as possible.  If I do have a general tone, it would be what my husband calls "smart-ass".  I like wise cracks and snappy lines.  I think I watched too many '40's movies when I was growing up.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


The title is EEL'S REVERENCE.  The area of the fictional world where this takes place is called The Eel, and one of the things it's about is various kinds of reverence--for a faith, for life, for people we admire, and how we choose to express that reverence.  The book was previously e-published by another publisher under their title of EEL'S REVENGE, which I didn't like.  I'm very happy to have the "real" title back.


What is EEL'S REVERENCE about?


The plotline is: An elderly woman, a priest of Micah (a religion that preaches inclusivity, compassion and peace) leaves her parish in a huff because her parishioners prefer to go to a "reaver" priest.  Reaver priests pay lip service to Micah, but are in it for the money.  Some people prefer that.  Aunt Libby wanders into The Eel and is ordered out by a coalition of reaver priests who have hired armed guards and are running, essentially, a protection racket, with people who don't pay their tithes targeted for violence.  Against her will, she becomes a pawn in a power play between various factions, but her greatest challenge is her supporters, who are willing to instigate a bloody revolt.  What it's about is, as I said, the meaning and expression of reverence and faith.  There are also some wise cracks and snappy lines.


What books have most influenced your life most?


The King James version of the Bible, because I grew up with that poetic and powerful prose. Andrew Lang's Rainbow Fairy Books.  Walter R. Brooks' Freddy the Pig books, because his characters are so quirky but so real, even if they are animals, and they make mistakes and they have flaws that are part of the plot.


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Ursula K. LeGuin, because her imagination goes off every which way.  She can make ANYTHING work.


What books are you reading now?  


Laura Bickle's SPARKS, John Shelby Spong's RESURRECTION: MYTH OR REALITY? and Dick Francis' 10 LB. PENALTY.


What are your current projects?


Echelon is also re-issuing FORCE OF HABIT, a sf farce, and SIDESHOW IN THE CENTER RING, also science fiction.  I'll be editing and marketing those in the coming months.  I also plan to rough out a mystery during National Novel Writing Month. I blog every day.  I'm writing a short story set in the world of FORCE OF HABIT, which I'll post on Smashwords for free, as I did "Line of Descent" for EEL'S REVERENCE, and I'll do one for SIDESHOW when that one is about to be released.  I have some short stories I'd like to write for various anthologies.


Do you see writing as a career?


It's a way of life.  I write.  I just do.  I always have.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.  That book was that book.  I can think of many, many other ways the story could have gone, and I'd like to write every one of them.  The hardest part of writing, for me, is having to ignore all the possibilities you can't pursue, because you have to choose.  You have to open Shcroedinger's box and see if that cat is alive or dead.  Well, actually, if I could change anything, I would have less stop-and-describe.  I would leave out discriptions of characters' appearances, or work them in more casually.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


My mother took me to see a re-release of Bambi.  In one scene, Thumper, the rabbit, is told to recite a poem.  He does, then adds a line of his own.  When my mother told me somebody wrote the whole movie, that they weren't just Received from the Past but written by people alive today as a living, I knew that was what I wanted to do.  And I've been doing it ever since.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Plotting.  There are so many branches from each moment.  It's so hard to decide on a story arc.  Following one is relatively easy, but choosing one is hard.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


This was my first completed novel, so the main thing I learned was that I could do it!


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Read.  Write.  Repeat.  Don't give up.  Respect your work.  Listen to criticism, but respect your own talent and instinct.  If you realize a critic was right and you were wrong, correct yourself and write some more.  Love it.


Thanks Marian for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Marian Allen on the web at www.marianallen.com