Sarah Ettritch is an author of fantasy and science fiction. Her newest work THE SALBINE SISTERS is available from Norn Publishing.
What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?
The Salbine Sisters is my latest book. See my next answer for where the title came from. :)
What is this book about? And what genre is this book in?
The Salbine Sisters is a fantasy novel about a religious order of female mages who worship the goddess Salbine. The sisters believe that Salbine bestows upon them the gift of magic. When Maddy, the main character, discovers that she can't do magic, her faith is severely tested. The book is about her struggle to reconcile her inability to do magic with her faith in Salbine.
Who is/are the main characters? And why did you choose them?
Maddy, an initiate in the Salbine Order, is the main character. I didn't choose her; my characters choose me.
What is the coolest or best part about your book? (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc..
There's a lot of fun character interaction, but I'd say the coolest thing is that it's a fantasy novel about an order of mages with a main character who can't do magic.
Do you have a favorite character in the book? If so, why?
No, I don't have a favorite character.
Is this book part of a series? If so? What can we expect in future books?
It isn't a series, but readers have asked for another Salbine book. Since I have a story in mind, I'll probably write it, but I don't know when.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I wouldn't change anything significant, but since I'm always improving as a writer, I'd want to tweak the writing. That will apply to everything I write! Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned about how a specific medical procedure was performed in the 16th century and the advances that have been made since then. I needed the information to write a particular scene in the book. I can't go into detail without spoiling a plot point in the story.
What do you like to read?
I like to read speculative fiction, mysteries, thrillers, lesbian fiction, biographies, history, and theology. I also read books about writing and publishing. What books are you reading now?
I'm reading Changing My Mind by Margaret Trudeau, the ex-wife of a Canadian prime minister. The book is about how her bipolar disorder affected her life and those around her.
What are the current writing projects that you are working on?
I'm currently working on my ongoing science fiction series. Rymellan 2, the second book in the series, will be available in February.
Do you write full time? If not, do you hope to do so one day?
I don't write full time. I'm trying to figure out if I'd like to write full time. To be determined.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I wish I remembered what made me write my first story, but I don't.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The first draft is always the toughest for me. I prefer the editing stage.
Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?
Rie McGaha is an author of romance in various sub-genres. Her newest work Cross The Line is available from Solstice Publishing.
What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?
Cross The Line is a historical interracial romance set just after the American Civil War when mixed race relationships were not socially acceptable. The title came naturally from this concept because many lines are crossed in this one.
What is this book about? And what genre is this book in? This is the story of the daughter of a former plantation owner and a former slave. It's a historical romance but also a family saga.
Who are the main characters? And why did you choose them?
Carrie Ann Robertson is the daughter of a former plantation owner who finds herself alone in Indian Territory, fending for herself. Noah Mosely is a former slave who ran away from the plantation and was taken in by an Indian tribe and taught how to live in the wilderness.
I love American history, especially the 1800's. This country was undergoing tremendous change during that time, had fought numerous wars, and following the Civil War came a period of time known as the Indian Wars. Knowing that many slave owners had relations with female slaves, I wondered how many other relationships between the races went on in secret. The logical place to go was between a slave owner's daughter and a slave.
What is the coolest or best part about your book? (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc.. I spent about five years writing this book and it's my own personal favorite, so I think the whole thing is the best part! I actually have two favorite parts. The first is when Carrie and Noah finally acknowledge their feelings for one another and give in to them, and the second comes at the end of the book between two other characters.
Do you have a favorite character in the book? If so, why?
I have a number of favorite characters in this story. It's chock full of actual people who lived then with my characters inserted into their lives, and some of their lives altered to fit my story, so I like them all. I suppose Carrie would be my single favorite because she is so strong and determined.
Is this book part of a series? If so? What can we expect in future books?
No, this one is complete within itself, so no sequel.
If not? Are you considering expanding it?
No, I'm not. I don't particularly like writing sequels. I like my stories to all be wrapped up by the end.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in this book? I don't think so. Of course, I could go over every book I've written and continue to edit them forever because I am never really satisfied with the finished product. I always think I could do better. But there comes a point when the story is told and that's that.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
As far as American history goes, I did. I got to dig into a lot of areas I hadn't researched in quite some time, like Chief Quanah Parker, and a few other chiefs I wasn't really familiar with before. In fact, I kind of got lost in the research on some days and just read as much as I could get my hands on about the Civil War and Indian Wars.
Do you have a publisher? And if so, why did you choose them? I am published by several different publishers. I try to choose publishers based on who they've published in the past, what genres they publish, their flexibility and their editing staff. I love being edited, and I love killer editors—the ones who will get in there and just rip a new in the story. It makes me a better writer and I enjoy that process.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Ann Rice and James Patterson.
What books are you reading now?
I rarely get the chance to read anymore because I have so many other things going on but whenever James Patterson has a new Alex Cross book out, all things stop so I can read.
What are the current writing projects that you are working on?
I have a book coming out in March with eXcessica publishing called One Good Man. This is a contemporary romance set in Biloxi, Mississippi. It's about a woman named Allison, who is a big girl who thinks men only admire her brains and no one is interested in her body. When a hot and handsome playboy, who just happens to be the boss's son, begins flirting with her, she thinks he pities her and is just playing around. Allison and Stephen have the same self-image problem, just at opposite ends of the spectrum.
I'm also co-writing a paranormal/time travel with author Gracen Miller.
Do you write full time? If not, do you hope to do so one day?
Well, I'm on the computer full time! :)
I am a full time writer but that sounds like I'm pounding away on a new story all day long and I'm really not. I do spend a good portion of my time with promotions, like this interview. But I also write two monthly articles for The Pagan & The Pen; one is called The Eggshell Effect, about domestic violence, and the other is What Women Want/What Men Need, about relationships between the genders. I also have three blogs that I interview other authors on, and I'm the review coordinator/editor for The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews. I'm also a freelance editor, and I'm currently editing a historical ten book series by Amanda A. Brooks.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I've always written stories since I was old enough to make my letters. I was born a writer and have always wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Besides the discipline to sit down and write?
Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time? Research the publishers, make sure you follow their guidelines to the letter, and polish, polish, polish that manuscript.
Thank You Rie For Dropping by!
You can find her on the web at:
Author Website: http://www.riemcgaha.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Rie_McGaha
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RieMcGaha
My Space: www.myspace.com/novelsbyrie
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/novelsbyriemcgaha
Hi Clare, and thanks so much for having me as a guest.
When did you know you wanted to write books and when did you actually start?
I didn't really aspire to be a writer for years like some have. I've been writing professionally for about five years. I think it's the greatest job in the world and wish I'd started earlier. I have, however, always been very interested in books and have read tons during my life.
Where did the idea for your book, "Where the Rain Is Made," come from?
There's usually a story behind the books we write, and there's also one behind Where the Rain Is Made. I think that's why this one is the book of my heart.
When my youngest son, Dylan, was twelve, he developed a sudden and voracious interest in history, specifically American West history. We spent hours at the library poring through books, and believe me, our arms were full when we left.
His focus eventually centered on the Native American tribes. For some reason, the legend and lore surrounding their fascinating, yet often tragic lives, held his interest for hours on end. I remember the day I first heard the word Dog Soldier from his lips. I recalled watching a Tom Berenger movie once featuring the legendary warriors of the Cheyenne Nation, but by the time my son finished educating me, I knew who Black Kettle's second cousin was three times removed. I'm kidding, of course.
Like Dylan, I immersed myself in the books, and found it difficult to stop thinking about the Dog Soldiers -- the most revered and feared tribe of the plains. The history books paint them as fearless fighters who often staked themselves to the ground with a long rope during battle. This symbolized a sign of no retreat.
Like most Native American tribes of the time, their ending was indeed tragic, but I like to remember all the mystical wonder of the Cheyenne, particularly the Dog Soldiers.
I hope you enjoy reading about Meko and Cesca as much as I loved writing about them. Where The Rain Is Made represents a wonderful time in my life. What could be better than sharing stories and knowledge with your children?
So here's to you, Dylan, and to you, readers. May you come to love the mystery and magic in life that keeps us all searching for that next wonderful read.
Where The Rain Is Made has been nominated for Best e-novel of the year (2010). How does it feel when your work is recognized in such a way?
Wonderful! I was very surprised. I found out through a Google alert and had no idea anyone from Authors After Dark (a great organization) knew anything about me or my books. I feel very honored.
Your new book is soon to be published. How nervous does that make you?
I don't get nervous anymore. I try to write the best possible book I can write and the rest is up to the readers and reviewers. You never know what someone will think of your book. I've received twenty five-star reviews for Where The Rain Is Made from all over the Internet. Most of the people who reviewed I don't know. But there was one review from a man. He said he couldn't get in to the book and gave it a DNF (did not finish). As authors, we have to take the bad with the good and mostly clamp our lips together. Everyone's taste is different and people have very strong opinions about their reading material.
Were you yourself a fan of the paranormal genre when you grew up or did it come to you while writing?
I have always loved the paranormal. When I was three years old we lived in a very old house. At night I cried and wanted my mom to sit with me until I fell asleep. I kept telling her about the men who lived up by ceiling in my room and couldn’t understand why she didn't see them. Mom still talks about that today. I think children and animals see ghosts because they don't know what they are. To them, they’re just people. I don't recall much from that age, but I recall seeing the little people in my room. And . . . I was terrified.
How do you approach writing?
My writing schedule varies. In fact, we could say, 'what writing schedule'? I do most of my writing late afternoon until late night. I am not a morning person so I don't write before noon. I don't have outlines, note cards or sticky notes to refer to. I do, however, plan the book in my head for weeks, sometimes months. I go over every conversation, know what my hero and heroine likes, wears and talks before I start writing. I've tried the other methods of making an outline, and I feel this really crimps creativity. I like to write from my head not from notes. And sometimes I don't know where the story will take me. They have been known to veer off the plan in my head.
You have written a number of books. Do you have a favorite?
I have to say Where the Rain Is Made (see above), The book has done quite well in the market. Authors are partial to all their books; some even think of them as their babies or children. It's very hard to choose favorites when you put so much time and angst into every book. I hear many people say, 'I'm going to write a book,' and I say under my breath, "Good luck with that." Writing is hard, very hard. Don't let anyone tell you it's a matter of just sitting down and putting words on paper. There is so much more to it than that.
What was your favorite book growing up?
Oh, good, an easy question. I love To Kill A Mockingbird and still do. I read it at least once a year. The first time I read TKAM I was in 5th grade. A teacher placed a copy and my desk and said, "Keta, read this book. I think you'll love it." Several days passed before I picked up the book, but then I couldn't put it down. TKAM opened an entire world for me. I could feel the sultry heat of that town, taste the horrid prejudice. I fell in love with Gem and Scout and realized for the first time I could go anywhere in the world with books. I haven't stopped reading. My only regret: I wish I had more time to read. There are so many wonderful writers and books out there calling to me, but time is my biggest enemy.
Thanks so much again for hosting me. I loved your questions and really enjoyed my time with you,
Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keta-Diablo/88641942024?v=wall
Keta’s next paranormal/historical Sojourn With A Stranger, will be released in March.
You can read several chapters here at:
http://freefantasticalfiction.blogspot.com/
Blurb for "Where The Rain Is Made"
After a decadent-looking savage captures her and her brother, Francesca DuVall spends every waking moment planning an escape for Marsh. She never counted on the powerful draw of desire interfering with her scheme in the camp of the brutal Cheyenne dog soldiers.
Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum . . . most of the time, but when he travels through time to help his beloved People he’s Meko, the leader of the most revered and feared tribes of the plains.
Although their worlds are decades apart Meko can’t resist the dark beauty he kidnaps during a raid. He has many battles to fight, but none he wants to win more than the one that will capture Cesca’s heart forever.
Watch the video trailer for Where The Rain Is Made:
Maureen O. Betita is an author of The Kraken’s Mirror. This debut book will be available from Decadent Publishing in early 2011.
How did you come up with the title? Well, the kraken is an integral part of my book. In fact, the kraken in question is the Great Albino Kraken, who plays matchmaker for the two main characters. The mirror is the device he uses to transport Emily Pawes to the pirate’s paradise of Tortuga and into the arms of Captain Alan Silvestri. What is this book about? And what genre is this book in? The book is about a woman’s search for a life once she’s past the point the modern world considers prime. Emily is a widow at 53 who learns there is still fire down below when there is silver on the top. And the man who teaches her this is a pirate in a topsy turvy Tortuga, where pirates have ipods and every tavern has a blender, even if it is 1690. Alan Silvestri is cursed, with good luck, and Emily holds the key to not only unlocking that curse but also his heart. Genre is a tough one! There is steamy sex and romance. So, we’re going with erotic romance. But I like to think of my book as the first of its kind. Piratepunk. Who are the main characters? And why did you choose them? Emily Pawes is a modern woman, widowed a year. She is pragmatic, has experience as a bartender and curses like a sailor when aroused. ;-) Alan Silvestri is a very successful pirate who calls Tortuga his home. He has decades of experience with women, though Emily challenges him in ways he never thought possible. I wanted to write a book with a couple older than the average romance novel couple. It’s important to me that not every story be about the perfect 20 or 30 something, but how about a couple for the babyboomers? I tend create characters near the 40 mark, generally. I like pushing the envelope. What is the coolest or best part about your book? Hee, hee. I loved tossing in the elements from the modern world into the historical Tortuga. I also adored throwing the conventions to the wind. My book totally disregards accuracy and remakes the Caribbean. My Tortuga encompasses a great deal of Cuba. Also, adding blenders, rubix cubes and ice makers was amusing, and tossing in the assorted paranormal characters was fun. Such as waltzing vampires, a forest full of werewolves and a swamp full of zombies. All done with love and appreciation! Do you have a favorite character in the book? If so, why? I am in serious lust with Captain Silvestri. A man of infinite experience and patience who will not let Emily give up on herself…sigh. What else could a woman ask for? Is this book part of a series? If so? What can we expect in future books? I’ve written a sequel, featuring another couple from The Kraken’s Mirror, Captain Jezebel and Mick March. I again toyed with convention and slipped some steampunk elements into my piratepunk. Call me the mad chef! I hope to entice Decadent into looking at this sequel and perhaps, just maybe, a third book. Featuring the pirate circus.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Good question! Wow. Well, I might make my zombie magic woman a man. No particular reason, but it did cross my mind.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Break rules often and with aplomb! If someone says no one will buy this, prove them wrong. Do you have a publisher? And if so, why did you choose them? Decadent Publishing and they chose me, but once the offer was made and I looked into them, I don’t think there could be a better marriage. The support for a debut author has been wonderful and I adore my cover.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Well, I aspire to be the next Edgar Rice Burroughs… Not sure he’d be a mentor, but he’d be top of the list of who inspires me.
What books are you reading now?
An erotic collection put together by Allison Tyler.
What are the current writing projects that you are working on?
I have a short little erotic piece I’m polishing up, along with the sequel to The Kraken’s Mirror. I usually work on more than one project at a time.
Do you write full time?
I’m a woman of leisure and write whenever the fancy takes me. Full time? Well, between that and blogging, websurfing, e-mailing, walking the dog and avoiding housework, life is full!
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I think when I began imagining myself swinging in the trees next to Tarzan. Or fighting alongside Fahfrd and the Gray Mouser from Fritz Leiber’s books. Or was it debating the vagaries of alternate universes with Elric of Melnibone from Michael Moorcocks’s series…? So many choices!
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Untangling plot lines. I’m murder on myself with side stories. I am the consummate pantser and so get myself in trouble, often.
Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?
There are worse things than rejection, so hang tough and believe. (I nearly died in 2007. Trust me, there are so many scarier things than rejection.)
