Author Interview: Alexis Bass

About the Author:
Alexis Bass grew up in Washington, went to college in Arizona, and spent her early twenties in Seattle. She currently lives in Northern California with Dylan McKay, her gorgeous and rambunctious golden retriever. She loves good fashion and good TV as much as a good book, and is a huge advocate of the three C’s: coffee, chocolate, and cheese. LOVE AND OTHER THEORIES is her first novel. Visit her at www.alexisbassbooks.com or on Twitter: @alexisbasswrite

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I always had stories in my head. Even before I could write, I would draw pictures and dictate the words to my mom or dad. They were nice enough to indulge me. :) I continued writing, picture books with my best friend who lived next door when I was in elementary school; screen plays with my best friend in middle school. It’s still my favorite form of self-expression, and what I like to do in my free time.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
Everywhere. Usually my stories are about dilemma’s that aren’t always easy to define, problems that aren’t necessarily black and white, but tough things in life that you just have to hurdle your way through. Those are my favorite things to explore when I write; those are what inspire me.
 
Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
Reading (haha, of course!). I also enjoy traveling, swimming, staying up late talking with my friends, going to the movies, and going for runs with my dog.
 
If you could work with another author, who would it be?
This question is so hard! There are so many authors I admire. It might be fun to work with Alain
de Botton, because of the philosophical element he brings into his work. It would also be fun to pick Bret Easton Ellis’s brain for dark humor, or Stephanie Perkin’s brain for happily-ever-after romance (something I have not yet mastered—fair warning ;)).

 What are major themes of your work?
Friendship, loyalty, love, regret. 

What do you think people look for in a book?
Above all, I think they want to be entertained. They want a story they can lose themselves in, or characters they feel like they know personally, and to chase an outcome that will be satisfying in ways they hadn’t quite imagined.

 Are there any recent works you admire?
For series, I really love The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, and also Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy which wrapped up perfectly with Ruin and Rising this spring. I loved Julie Murphy’s Side Effects May Vary, E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, and Amanda Maciel’s Tease.
Questions About the Book (Love and Other Theories):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
I can relate to all of them in a small way. Especially their apprehension about love and graduation—I definitely felt that way when I was seventeen, though I never took their extreme route to finding a solution. Aubrey’s best friend Melissa is a lot like I was when it comes to her motto, “better paranoid than sorry,” and how she’s extra cautious over things that don’t require extra caution.

 How did you come up with the character's names?
A lot of them are inside jokes with my friends from high school, who I’m still very close to, despite how far away we all live. I didn’t use any of their names, no names of any ex-boyfriends either. Shelby is named for Shelby from Steel Magnolias, a movie one of our mother’s introduced to us and we found ourselves watching a lot. Trip is a name we were all obsessed with—me in particular. (And we NEVER met boys named Trip, go figure.) But many of the names I just pulled from the top of my head or off a baby-naming website.

 What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
The quote by Marilyn Monroe, which appears at the beginning of the book, was a huge inspiration: “A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left.” I wondered what it would be like for a group of girls to apply this to their lives, treating avoiding heartbreak as a serious business, and how they were going to learn that it’s much more complex than they think. 

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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Author Interview: Krista Pakeresht

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About the Author:
Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer from the first time she opened her eyes.  Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at.  She specializes in Young Adult/New Adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.

She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.

Interview:

What made you want to become a writer?

Honestly, when I was younger, especially during the summers or on vacations I would spend 80% of my time reading. I rarely spent time with friends and instead chose to lose myself in great books and their enticing plots. I read everything from young adult romances to horror and then I would lock myself inside of my room and attempt to create my own stories with similar plots or characters, just so I could feel an ounce of what those stories made me feel. 

Eventually, my creativity grew and I didn’t need similar plots or characters to feel invested in my characters or their stories.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

Real life and the trials and tribulations we all go through on a daily basis. What I write about isn’t pretty, but it is real.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?

I love to sing, but haven’t done it in years. I also have a passion for film acting as well as theatre acting. I’m a Taurus, so I love being in the spotlight in one way or another. I also love spending time with friends and family.

If you could work with another author, who would it be?

I would love to work for Colleen Hoover. She is experiencing amazing success in our genre these days and I would love to pick her brain even just for a moment. I would love to get some tips and tricks from her and be able to absorb everything like a sponge.

What are major themes of your work?

Depression, bullying, love, grief, self-harm, suicide, addictions, disorders, etc.

What do you think people look for in a book?

They are looking for relatable characters and an enticing plot. Something that keeps them turning the pages from cover to cover.

Are there any recent works you admire?

I recently read Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover. Surprisingly, it was the first book I ever picked up of hers, but it took little to no time at all for me to fall completely in love with her characters and her writing style.

Questions About the Book (Pieces of Me):

Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?

Probably Daniel, the main character. It was as if he didn’t know there was something missing in his life until “Cinderella” walked into his life. I think that is something a lot of us experience in life.

How do you come up with your character's names?

I always like to go against the grind and use names that I find intriguing and maybe haven’t been overused. Normally you won’t find a Sarah or Ashley, Jeff or David in my books. Instead you will find Peyton, Madalynne, Parker, Jace, Brooklyn, etc. I’ve been told my characters names are definitely a selling point to my novels, and I wholeheartedly agree.

What gave you the inspiration to write Pieces of Me?

A lot of real life elements; real personalities, real appearances, real conversations, real situations, and real problems. Pieces of Me is the most realistic piece of fiction I have ever written. So many parts of myself or people I care about were weaved throughout. I think that is why people find it the easiest to relate to.


*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Perie Wolford

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About the Author:
Perie Wolford is an optioned and produced screenwriter but he enjoys writing an occasional science fiction novel too. His latest sci-fi book PRESENCE is Available right now in Paperback and Kindle formats. As of 2014 Perie started new Gay/YA series titled Turning 16 (available right now Kindle, Smashwords, Paperback)

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I never really wanted to be a writer actually. I dreamt of cinematography. But movie business is a very tough business to break into. So I thought that maybe screenwriting would be an easier start. So I started writing screenplays and this year is a 10th anniversary of that decision.

As I was writing screenplays, I also became curious about authoring books. And I thought why not? And I have discovered that I really enjoy writing books as well. It’s a different process but it’s really fascinating. And unlike screenwriting, with books you get to have control over what the final product would be like. And being a control-freak I really like that :) 

Where do you get your inspirations from?
Well, a lot of things can spark inspiration, actually. Sometimes it’s other author’s works, or other movies. Sometimes it can be a colorful dream. Or it can just come from nowhere :)

For instance, with Turning 16 my inspiration was obviously Sixteen Candles movie, and works of John Hughes in general. With Presence, my sci-fi novel, the inspiration was me waking up in the middle of the night and going to get a glass of water and looking out the window on my way... The streets outside were all empty and it was so different from a day time, almost like another world. 

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I’m what you call multi-talented, if I dare to say so myself :) I write screenplays, as I mentioned; I draw covers for my books; I write music to accompany my book trailers, and compose those trailers too; I like to work with visuals and computer graphics; I like photography; I also like to sing and dream of recording an album (but that’s a whole different story); I also programmed my own website periewolford.com (well I majored in computer science so it’s kinda my thing). To summarize, I think I’m fascinated about everything that entertainment industry has to offer and I tried myself in practically all the areas. 

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
Well, Turning 16 was co-written with another author, for starters :) But I guess you mean somebody famous... In MM genre I love Brent Hartinger, the author of Geography Club series, speaking of inspiration. In sci-fi genre, well ultimately Suzanne Collins :) Not only did she manage to write such a phenomenally interesting book as Hunger Games, but she also has a brilliant writing style. I’m so looking forward to whatever YA book she’s working on right now. I wish though that she had written more than 3 books in HG series... I think it was a little selfish of her to stop at three books, why not five or seven :) 

What are major themes of your work?
Major themes... Well, I like happy endings, I like the idea of hope, that everything can work out in the end no matter the hardships... I like to entertain people and give them a distraction from everyday life/problems. More specifically, I’m a big sci-fi nut :) Turning 16 series is like one of the few projects of mine that are not sci-fi. The majority of my projects are connected to aliens in one way or another, because I find the idea of alien life fascinating. Other than that I’m a romantic, so that’s a major element in all my works. 

What do you think people look for in a book?
I know what I’m looking for in a book. I like to be entertained and I like my attention to be grabbed to the point that you can’t put the book down and spend an entire day reading it. Another major thing about books and screenplays alike is uniqueness... The world that you’re building is fictional, but the reader has to be so fascinated (dang, I’m using that word a lot in this interview :) with it that it almost becomes real... The reader shouldn’t feel like what he’s reading was manufactured... The reader has to believe it happened, for real. Like with Hunger Games, again... When you’re reading it, you feel like it’s almost a real chronicle from some real place beyond our reach, it feels real. That’s important for me as a reader and author alike. 

Are there any recent works you admire?
I can’t say that I read a lot of new stuff, unfortunately. I rarely have time and I usually prefer to stick to works that I have already idolized. For instance, The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, Gone with the Wind, The Ninth Gate and the book it’s been based on, Hunger Games, Divergent, Geography Club, etc.

Questions About the Book (Turning 16):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
100% Sam... Because I based this character a little bit on myself. A lot of his experience is my experience and a lot of his thoughts are my thoughts. Although, of course, I’m not 16 anymore... I’m nearly 30. 

How did you come up with the character's names?
Simple... Sam is Samantha Baker, Jake is obviously Jake Ryan from 16 Candles... With other names, well I don’t know... you have to feel the name in a way... like Mitch... when you say it, it rings certain emotions... it almost describes what kind of person you are dealing with. I try to find a name that would be the most appropriate. 

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Well, it’s a big story and I have actually written a small article about it. You can check it out here http://periewolford.com/index.php/mm-books/turning-16-series/book-1-turning-16/inspiration-behind-t16
*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Juliann Rich

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About the Author:

Minnesota writer Juliann Rich spent her childhood in search of the perfect climbing tree. The taller the better! A branch thirty feet off the ground and surrounded by leaves, caterpillars, birds, and squirrels was a good perch for a young girl to find herself. Seeking truth in nature and finding a unique point of view remain crucial elements in her life as well as her writing.

Juliann is a PFLAG mom who can be found walking Pride parades with her son. She is also the daughter of evangelical Christian parents. As such she has been caught in the crossfire of the most heated topic to challenge our society and our churches today. She is drawn to stories that shed light on the conflicts that arise when sexual orientation, spirituality, family dynamics and peer relationships collide.  You can read more about her journey as an author and as an affirming mom on her website, www.juliannrich.com and her blog, www.therainbowtreeblog.com.

Juliann is the author of two affirmative young adult novels: Caught in the Crossfire and Searching for Grace. She is the 2014 recipient of the Emerging Writer Award from The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival and lives with her husband and their two dogs, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Ms. Bella Moriarty, in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. 

Look for her third book, Taking the Stand, releasing from Bold Strokes Books in 2015!
Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
Being a reader. Seriously, I devoured books as a kid and I still do. They were and remain the portals to worlds that are far more interesting and vibrant than the day-to-day reality I live. I’m quite certain my desire to write was born by reveling in other peoples’ words.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
Everywhere! I can hear a snippet of a conversation, be in an atmospheric setting, read a headline in a newspaper and find story fuel. But real inspiration? The kind that wakes me in the middle of the night and drives me toward my computer? That always comes from some deep place within myself where I’ve encountered some truth and fallen in love with it.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I work part-time at a clinic, which is great because it forces me to interact with people—REAL people—and that’s so necessary to balance the internal time I spend with my characters. Also, helping others just plain makes me happy. In my truly “free” time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, my dogs, and my friends. I also try to etch out some time each week to be alone with myself in order to be able to recognize my own voice in a very noisy world.

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
This is SUCH a hard question because I am a big fan of so many writers, but if I have to pick just one it’s going to be Neil Gaiman. I have long been a fan of his work (The Ocean at the End of the Lane – WOW!), but it’s the way Neil approaches his life and his art that I would like to observe first-hand. Neil has tremendous reverence for the creative process and I would love to learn more about how he nurtures and honors his inner artist.

What are major themes of your work?
I am fascinated by the journey toward the authentic self. We are born and grow and live in a society that has countless ways to assign value and determine success. And yet, all that is external. An individual seeking personal truth must, at some point, ask and answer the question, “Who am I?” and that is the one theme that surfaces in every book and story I write.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Entertainment, escape, inspiration? All are fine answers to your question, but I’m not sure I can speak for what “people” look for in a book. However, I do know what I look for in a book.  I look for the opportunity to ride in the sidecar with a skilled driver at the wheel and a compelling travel companion to care about. Ultimately, I always open a book with the hope that I will be embarking on a journey that will leave me spent and satisfied by the time we reach our destination.

Are there any recent works you admire?
A new favorite book of mine is Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin, which came out in 2012. It is a perfectly crafted book set in 1920 about a girl named Garnet who falls in love with a flapper. I have SO much love for this beautifully written and moving book. 

Questions About the Book (Caught in the Crossfire Trilogy):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most? 
Without a doubt, I relate to Garnet. Though my journey is different than hers, I understand her feeling like an ordinary sparrow in a world populated by exotically beautiful birds. 

How did you come up with the character's names?
Naming characters is the bane of my existence. Some come to me already named, which is lovely. Others are plucked from phone books. Seriously. I especially loathe trying to give characters last names. I feel the inside of a character long before I get to the external details of their lives. 

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Caught in the Crossfire, the first book in The Crossfire Trilogy, came to me first through my main character, Jonathan Cooper. He showed up one day in the quiet places of my life where my imagination hangs out and he was so full of love and faith and pain that I couldn’t resist finding out what happened next. That desire to discover whether he reached his destination on his journey toward authenticity has driven me every step of the way.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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Author Interview: Sandy Sinnett

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About the Author:
Sandy Sinnett is the epitome of a hopeless romantic. At a very young age, from the very first TV episode of ‘The Love Boat’, she was hooked on the idea of the ultimate love story! Her passion for reading love stories, and a quiet addiction to Hallmark movies, now fuels her passion to write. 

Sandy was born in Mt. Vernon, IL. She did some journaling in high school and college, and filled several books of poetry during that time, but never had aspirations to write anything more. She met her husband, Monty, in college and started a family. Once the first baby was born, the journaling stopped and parenting began! The couple lived in Missouri for many years prior to her husband joining the Army in 2004. During her husband’s recent deployment to Afghanistan, Sandy felt the inspiration to write a short story, which eventually turned into her first novel.

Shortly after she completed the book, Sandy and her friend Laura visited North Carolina to celebrate and even attended a Hickory Crawdad baseball game. The team was very flattered to hear of Sandy’s mention of them in her book and her book will now be stocked in their team store.

Sandy currently works as a Marketing Specialist for a local bank and volunteers as an event planner for several local non-profit organizations in Olympia, WA. She lives with her husband and four kids. This is her debut novel and she is already at work on the sequel.

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I wanted to write because I love to tell stories and use my imagination. A coworker encouraged meto write my first book after listening to one of my stories that I had made up from a dream. Writing gave me the ability to elaborate on those stories and create a world that would invite others inside.


Where do you get your inspirations from?
Most of my inspiration comes from my own life experience – places I’ve visited, jobs I’ve held, aspects of my own childhood, etc. I also like watching others around me and turning their experiences into fiction.
Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I love to read. A writer that doesn’t read would be doomed in my opinion. I also love to hang out
with my husband and kids, and I love to make coffee! I’m a barista at my church and have a significant addiction to coffee, so it works out well for me.
If you could work with another author, who would it be?
I would have to say Cassandra Clare. I love writing romance, but I love reading YA novels even
more! She did an amazing job capturing the details of a post-modern Europe in the prequel to the Mortal Instruments. The way she describes a scene is outstanding! My second choice would be Eileen Goudge – the Audrey Hepburn of writing in my book. Her writing is graceful and her personality (via Twitter) seems to match. Her writing style is clear and precise – and she manages to build a stage that draws the reader in from the very first paragraph. One day, I hope to be half as talented as these two ladies.
What are major themes of your work?
In my debut novel, ‘hope’ is the main theme. Ultimately, this theme drives home the belief that people do get second chances, both in love and in life, and to never give up on keeping hope alive.
What do you think people look for in a book?
An emotional connection – it needs to tell a story that they can get lost in and allow them to travel to a place that they would not ordinarily go. I think people want a story that reaches the innermost parts of their psyche, their soul, their heart, and transforms their ordinary into extraordinary. I know I’ve made a connection to the book when I feel sad once I’m finished reading, and I yearn for more.
Are there any recent works you admire?
I’d have to say Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices series – ‘Clockwork Prince’ being my favorite, as well as her Mortal Instruments series – my favorite was ‘City of Ashes’. I’ve also recently come to love the writings of Eileen Goudge in her first novel, Garden of Lies. It’s an intense story that has kept me glued to the pages!
Questions About the Book (Hope in the Rain):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
I would have to say Laci, the main character. Everything about her, apart from the breast cancer experience, is derived from my own life. I’m naturally a flibbertigibbet, so I tried to pass along some of that in her as well. She’s a fun character.
How did you come up with the character's names?
Most of the names are a variation of a real person that I know and whom I based that character’s profile. For example, Lena is a variation of ‘Gaylene’, Gail is a variation of ‘Abigail’, etc. It was important that the character’s name match their true personality and keep it intact. If I couldn’t achieve that with a variation, then I simply used their real name, because that was the only name that did the character justice in the end.
What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
The book was first inspired on a flight returning from my hometown, I just didn’t know it at the time. I sat next to a nice gentleman from North Carolina who shared his love of baseball and a minor league baseball team called the Hickory Crawdads. He simply lit the initial ‘spark’ that helped me write a story that was already inside, waiting for the right moment to come out. A year after I met him, I had a dream about him and decided to write a short love story using his persona as the male character.

However, not long after I started writing, I realized that the true inspiration of the book was my best friend, Laura Tinnin-Lewis, and her personal battle with breast cancer. I used Laura’s real-life experience in the story as a way to honor her. I also wanted to use this book as a way to bring awareness to the importance of annual exams to promote the early detection of breast cancer. My new phrase is now #Early Detection=HOPE!
*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Nina Rossing

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About the Author:
Nina Rossing lives in Norway, where the winters are long and the summers short. Despite the brilliant nature surrounding her, she spends more time in front of her computer, or with a book in her hands, than in the great outdoors (though you may find her out on her mountain bike if the weather is good). She works as a high school teacher, which in her opinion is probably the best job in the world.

Nina is an avid and eclectic reader whose bookshelves are bursting (and so is her e-reader). After thinking about writing for many years, she now finds time to live out her dream after her kids are in bed. She prefers creating young adult stories where obstacles are overcome and endings are hopeful. (Taken from Goodreads)

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I always loved to read, so when I wasn't reading, I made up stories in my head.  I was also painfully shy, so making up stories worked as an escape from the stressful real world.  I think I share that trait with a significant number of writers!

I loved writing stories in school, and I even came second in a YA short-story competition when I was seventeen (not a very good story, I might add - and that's not me being bashful about it either!), but I never felt I really had anything important to write about.  I think I read too many "serious" bppls. and felt I would never be able to match them with my limited life experience.  So I dreamed of writing a novel for many years, but never got around to actually doing it, until one day I decided to stop worrying about what kind of book I would write, and instead told myself to just get started on a story I would have liked to read.

So, a piece of advice to avid readers out there who think about writing: just do it.  Seriously.  If you let yourself be bogged down by what you think others will like or approve of, you'll never get a writing career.  Write what you want to write, and see where it takes you.  Sooner rather than later!

Where do you get your inspirations from? 
Maybe this sounds a bit dull – but I actually get very inspired through my job. Also, I have to say just paying attention to what is happening around the world provides tons of inspiration. I have so many ideas and not enough time!
As for my job, I’m a high school teacher, so I’m surrounded by lively people all day, and that is always good for inspiration. 
What inspires me can be really simple – for instance, a student says something in class, or writes a specific sentence that I notice in a paper, and then I start thinking and before I know it, I have something to work on that is usually completely different from what set off the idea in the first place.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I try to go out on my bike during summer months, because it’s nice exercise, and I like the forest. During winter it’s too dark and/or cold and/or snowy to ride a bike – for me at least –  so when I feel like doing something else than taking care of my kids, reading books and trying to catch up with friends and TV series, I have a spinning bike that I ride while watching Modern Family on my computer. 40 minutes of spinning = two episodes. Brilliant!

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
I had to think real hard about this one, because there are so many writers I admire, but also so many of those that I think I'm not at all compatible with when it cones to writing.  I wouldn't have minded writing a novel with a make writer where he writes chapters from a female prespective while I write from the make one, and then all sorts of crazy wonderfulness could unfold.  But who?  Maybe Matthew Quick, whose writing is very down to earth and subtly superb.

Other writers whose style I like, and who I wouldn't mind working with if I ever got the chance, are Carrie Mesrobian, Ruta Sepetvs, and Cat Clarke.  They're such good writers, and they're not afraid to tackle dark themes.

What are major themes of your work?
I think my major themes are pretty universal: Finding out who you are, and what purpose your life has. How to stand up for yourself, how to meet the expectations of others, and accepting that you are in charge of your future.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Escape, entertainment, and the opportunity to learn more about life through the eyes of others.  At least that's true of me when I read.  I vary the genres and categories I read quite a lot for this reason.  I read more YA than other books these days, since I think it's important as a YA writer to get a feel of the territory, so to speak, but I also read literary adult novels, romance novels, crime and thrillers, chick-lit, and feel-good...the list could go on and on because there are so many categories, and most novels can be put down into several.

Basically, as long as people read something, they're good.


Are there any recent works you admire?
Hundreds! But if I have to be specific, I can say that Madeline Miller’s award-winning The Song of Achilles is the best book I’ve read in many many years. There’s not a sentence in that book which doesn’t have a clear purpose. As for YA, Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was fabulous, and Carrie Mesrobian’s Sex & Violence was also brilliant.


Questions About the Book (Supermassive):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
Since my novel is told from a first person present perspective, it would have been difficult for me not to, on some level, relate to my protagonist, Ing. I had to get under his skin to know how he would react, which could be draining at times since he responds differently to how I think I would have done in similar situations. I think that Ellis, who is mostly calm and doesn’t carry a lot of drama with him, is the one I can best relate to in terms of what kind of personal traits we share (he still does a few things I would never ever, though!)

How did you come up with the character's names?
With the setting being Norway, I needed to use local names. I could have gone with a few that are pretty hard to pronounce in English, but I chose to go for names that wouldn’t be too troublesome or unfamiliar. Astrid and Kristin, for instance. Finn is also a common name many places around the world. And June, pronounced something like ‘Yun-uh’ in Norway, is no problem in English. I needed a brave name for Odin, so I gave him the name of the mightiest of the old Norse gods. As for the protagonist, Ing, his name is short for a name he doesn’t like (which relates to him not being sure of who he really is yet), and Ellis was on a bit of a whim, to be honest!

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Once upon a time, I worked in a small place pretty similar to the one in the book.  Being a city girl, I was fascinated by the way the local community worked.  I knew I wanted to write a good old love story at some point in my life, and I wanted the remote surroundings I once experienced myself, to be an important part of the story.  When writing the book, I tried to use the landscape and mature of the setting to amplify the intense emotions of the protagonist.  I knew the fact that he is in love with another boy would never be the main obstacle, though obviously it did play a vital part in my inspiration - it has never been easy, I think, to be any kind of different in small communities, and when you are young, being different in any way can control your life.  The main obstacle in the book is the universal feeling of insecurity when you're in love and don't know if the feeling is mutual.  How difficult it is to put yourself out there to find answers, was what I wanted to be central to the story, which is also why I chose to tell the story from Ing's perspective in the present.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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LGBT MONTH Author Interview: Andrew Demcak

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About the Author:
Andrew Demcak is an award-winning poet and novelist whose work has been widely published and anthologized both in print and on-line, and whose books have been featured by The American Library Association, Verse Daily, The Lambda Literary Foundation, The Best American Poetry blog, The Nervous Breakdown, and Poets/Artists. His first Young Adult (YA) novel, GHOST SONGS, was published March 13, 2014 by Harmony Ink Press. His first literary novel, If There's A Heaven Above, was published January 5, 2013 by JMS Books. His fourth book of poetry, Night Chant, was published by Lethe Press, 2011. His other poetry books are: A Single Hurt Color, GOSS 183::Casa Menendez Press, 2010, Zero Summer, BlazeVOX [Books], NY, 2009 and his first poetry book, Catching Tigers in Red Weather, three candles press, 2007, that was selected by Joan Larkin to win the Three Candles Press Open Book Award. He was a 2010 Finalist for The Crazyhorse Poetry Award. His work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Lambda Award, Thom Gunn Poetry Award, both the California and Northern California Book Awards, Best of the Web, and others. He has an M. F. A. in English/Creative Writing from St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA , where he studied with Robert Hass, Brenda Hillman, Michael Palmer, Carol Snow, Frank Bidart, Gary Snyder, Charles Wright, and Sharon Olds. Andrew is also a member of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers, where he studied with Galway Kinnell, Richard Howard, and Lucille Clifton. His poems, including Young Man With iPod (Poetry Midwest, #13), are taught at Ohio State University as part of both its English 110.02 class, "The Genius and the Madman," and in its "American Poetry Since 1945" class. At the age of 23, Andrew published his first chapbook, The Psalms (Big 23 Press), which was favorably reviewed by Dr. Clifton Snider in the Small Press Review (issue 226, vol. 23, no. 11.) When he is not hard at work as a Children's Librarian for Oakland Public Library, he can be found eating okonomiyaki at Japantown in San Francisco. Viva Wallace Stevens! Visit Andrew at: AndrewDemcak.com

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?

I never really thought about becoming a writer; I have always written since I was a kid.  I mostly wrote poetry until about 5 years ago when I wrote my first novel, If There's a Heaven Above (JMS Books).  I was a theater major as an undergrad in college.  Acting was okay, but I loved my playwriting class best.  I decided right then to become an English major with the emphasis on creative writing.  I ended up getting a Master's degree in English.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
My life and the stories of those who live around me.  It's dangerous to know a writer; you never know if you'll end up in one of his stories.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I love running, hiking, and hanging out with my husband (just got married in July, 2014!)  I collect early 20th century and mid century pottery, Grueby, van Briggle, Rookwood, Arequipa, California Faience, Grand Feu, Rose Cabat, etc. 

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
Gertrude Stein!  I love all of her linguistic experiments!

What are major themes of your work?

Abuse and recovery.  I heard a great definition of what a ghost is:  an emotion twisted beyond recognition.  It will not go away until the wrong is put right.  I think that is what Ghost Songs is all about.

What do you think people look for in a book?
Identification.  Ego loves its mirrors.  Also people want emotional release.

Are there any recent works you admire?

I loved Sharon Olds' most recent book of poetry, Stags Leap.  It is devastating in its honesty.

Questions About the Book (Ghost Songs):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
I identify with both Todd, the lead, and his mother, Eddie.  But there is a little bit of me in all the characters.  It's a bit schizophrenic to have so many people in my head at one time!

How did you come up with the character's names?
Todd came from the idea of a generic boy, an "any-boy" so that he wouldn't be seen as different.  Eddie's name came from Absolutely Fabulous.  A tip of my hat to the marvelous Jennifer Saunders.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

This book is based on the true stories of several people, including myself.  I grew up in a haunted house.  To me, haunting is a psychological state.  The idea that things will happen to you that will follow you around for the rest of your life unless you can heal and purge them.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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Author Interview: Sarah Dayan

About the Author:
Sarah Dayan is a self published author with a focus on literary fiction. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where from an early age, found herself writing stories about the people and places in her diverse hometown. Sarah is an extensive traveler, having been to dozens of cities across the country and over 25 countries around the world.​  Sarah has blended her passions for writing and traveling at Toonari Post as a lead travel journalist. Various press trips have brought her to places such as Hawaii, New Orleans, Gettysburg, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Aside from traveling the country, Sarah has also covered events and restaurant openings in her hometown of New York City.

Greater Than the Still is Sarah's debut novel, inspired by the interconnections of people in New York City. A collection of short stories, with one overlapping story stretching the course of the novel, Greater Than the Still meshes the unique voices of people throughout the course of one day on the streets of New York.

Aside from traveling the world and writing about it, Sarah enjoys playing the piano and guitar, photography, and giving in to her natural sweet tooth.

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
There wasn’t one moment that made want to become a writer, it is just something I have always done and what I feel the most comfortable doing. Writing has been a large part of my life, it was never an option to not write. I began writing full length novels when I was a teenager. During high school and college, I was involved in writing for my schools’ newspapers and magazines. It was after graduate school that I became to pursue writing more as a career than just a hobby. I spent some time doing travel journalism, which was an amazing opportunity. I was able to travel around the country to unique cities and write about my experiences. I am now more focused on writing novels and love the creative process of shaping my ideas into a full length book.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
 Music has been a huge inspiration for me. I almost always listen to music when I am writing. For Greater Than the Still, I listened to Sara Bareilles the most, her music was my main soundtrack that played while I wrote. I also find inspiration in all the bits and pieces of New York City. I try to take what I see throughout the city and use it for my personal drive to write. I think it’s so easy to find inspiration and passion in New York City, because of its pulse and its beauty.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time?
I love to travel. I hardly ever pass up an opportunity to travel and discover a new place. I also enjoy photography. There’s something about capturing moments as they happen. Music has been a large part of my life since I was young, I play piano and am teaching myself guitar.

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
 I’d love to work with J.K. Rowling, just to tap into her imagination and learn from her creative writing process.

What are major themes of your work?
I’m fascinated with the idea that people may be quick to draw assumptions about others, without actually knowing them at all. In Greater Than the Still, I wanted to explore the idea that people are constantly trying to understand others, and often times misunderstand others. I drew from many of my experiences in New York City, where millions of people cross paths daily, but many keep to themselves and don’t always take the time to understand the people around them. I also explored the idea of following one’s true passions and goals. There’s nothing more fulfilling than truly doing what makes you happy, even if there are many struggles and hurdles to get over first.

What do you think people look for in a book?
I think people look for dynamic characters, who have their own unique characteristics and flaws. I tried to incorporate a variety of characters into Greater Than the Still, to show a wide range of personalities and emotions that readers can relate to. 

Are there any recent works you admire?
It’s not a recent work necessarily, but I just recently reread The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and fell in love with it all over again.

Questions About the Book (Greater Than the Still):
Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most? 
I put pieces of my own personality and experiences in Juliette. She is torn between staying with a stable career or following what she is most passionate about. I used my own personal experiences and incorporated those struggles into Juliette’s character.

How did you come up with the character's names?
 Many of the characters’ names represent friends and family members that hold a special place in my life. I never used their real names, but many times I used middle names, last names, or nicknames. It’s just my little dedication to them.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book? 
The idea behind Greater Than the Still came around while I was reading another book, The Scenic Route by Binnie Kirshenbaum. It only took this one quote that helped shaped the whole idea for my novel:
“When you keep to yourself, when you don’t reveal who you are, often people will invent a story for you and you can let that story become the whole of it because you can’t be bothered setting the record straight, of you can’t tell the truth because it’s too late for that, to offer up facts not in evidence is to risk something, the opening of a door to an uninvited guest.”

I couldn’t help but immediately think about taking the subway in New York City. I can’t count how many times I’ve been on the train going from Brooklyn to the city where I’ve looked around at people and wondered about their lives. For as much as I’ve wondered about other people’s lives, I began to think if they wonder about mine.

The book started to take shape almost immediately. I wrote an outline for it within minutes and it was all coming together quickly. I had just finished graduate school at the time, where I studied counseling. One thing that always stuck in my head from graduate school was the idea of never knowing what other people are going through, and how sometimes their emotions can be misplaced and directed at people who just got in the way. I played with that idea while I was writing the book and thought of how many people’s lives cross during the course of one day in New York City, and how people may strongly believe they understand others, without truly knowing them.


*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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Featured Author: Sarah Dayan

About the Author:
Sarah Dayan is a self published author with a focus on literary fiction. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where from an early age, found herself writing stories about  the people and places in her diverse hometown. Sarah is an extensive traveler, having been to dozens of cities across the country and over 25 countries around the world.​

Sarah has blended her passions for writing and traveling at Toonari Post as a lead travel journalist. Various press trips have brought her to places such as Hawaii, New Orleans, Gettysburg, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Aside from traveling the country, Sarah has also covered events and restaurant openings in her hometown of New York City.

Greater Than the Still is Sarah's debut novel, inspired by the interconnections of people in New York City. A collection of short stories, with one overlapping story stretching the course of the novel, Greater Than the Still meshes the unique voices of people throughout the course of one day on the streets of New York.

Aside from traveling the world and writing about it, Sarah enjoys playing the piano and guitar, photography, and giving in to her natural sweet tooth.

Other Information:
Books Written:

• Greater Than the Still

Link to Goodreads Account: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8240800.Sarah_Dayan
Most Popular Book (by the ratings on Goodreads): Greater Than the Still
Blog: http://www.authorsarahdayan.com/ 
Link to Author Interview: Coming Soon

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Author Interview: Marissa Meyer

About the Author:

Marissa Meyer is a well known author for her series 'The Lunar Chronicles', which comprises of the books: Cinder, Scarlett and Cress. An additional two books in the series (Winter and Fairest: Levana's Story) are on the way in 2015.Like many of us nowadays, Marissa started off her writing career with fan fiction on fanfiction.net under the pen name Alicia Blade, you can still view her stories here.Cinder was her first novel which was published in 2012, since then she has published multiple books and a number of short stories that you can view on watt pad.To find out more go to her website.

 

Interview: 

What made you want to become a writer?
I can't remember ever not wanting to be a writer. I've loved books since I was a child, and as soon as I realized that there were people behind those books who got to come up with that story and those characters, and that they got PAID to do that, I knew that's what I wanted to do. I can remember sitting in front of my bookshelf, looking up at all my childhood favorites, and dreaming about a book with my name on the cover being nestled in between them. To think that something I wrote could impact readers the way that my favorite books have impacted me has always been an enticing fantasy, and I'm still surprised every day when I realize it's now come true!

What do you think people look for in a book?
I think we're all just looking for a great story. Of course there are lots of elements that make up a great story - engaging, interesting characters, unexpected plot twists, prose that is both clear and unique to that author's voice. And if you're like me - a little bit of romance! I think we all just want to be able to slide into a book and live there for a little while and let it carry us away. We want to feel and experience something that goes beyond our average lives.

Are there any recent works you admire?
I am an avid reader to this day and am constantly falling in love with new books! Some of my recent favorites include STORM SIREN by Mary Weber (which will release in this month - I was lucky to receive an early copy), VICIOUS by Victoria Shwab, and THE WINNER'S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for all of their sequels!

How did you come up with the character's names?
I try to connect the characters' names to the names in the fairy tales as much as possible. Some of them were really easy - such as Cinder (Cinderella), Scarlet (Little Red), and Winter (Snow White). The obscure one is Cress, but cress and rapunzel are both types of salad greens - though there was a time when I wanted to call her Arugula!
 
When there isn't a good connection that I can draw from the fairy tale, I'll usually hop on babynamesworld.com. It's a web site that is obviously intended for parents trying to name their children, but it's really helpful for writers, too. You can search by gender, culture, meaning, number of syllables - all sorts of different parameters. I've found it incredibly useful.

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use. If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our 'Contact Us' page and send us an e-mail.

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Author Interview: Emma Lear

About the Author:
Emma is a half Finnish/half Londoner and an almost-graduate of the English Language and Literature. Writing has been a pivotal part of her life since the age of nine when she tried to throw her cat off of the porch in the hope that it could fly, then wrote a story about it.

She currently lives on the glorious south coast of Britain near to Brighton with the rain, the pebbles and the seagull invasion and enjoys all the usual hobbies, including but not limited to pole dancing, skittles (the candy not the game) and yelling at the television when the touring cars come on.

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I’d have to attribute that first of all to kids’ books like ‘Whatever Next’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. I loved reading and my biggest aspiration was to be like Enid Blyton. Growing up I wanted to be so many things: an agony aunt in a magazine (at the age of 10) and then a journalist (for two terrifying weeks interning at a local paper at the age of 14) and finally I had to admit to myself that I only enjoyed writing fiction. Aside from writing I’ve gone through a range of potential career possibilities like florist, mechanic, singer, show jumper, dog-trainer, but writing is the only thing that always kept my interest.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
I’d love to say ‘life’ but inspiration seems to come in such random splurges that it’s hard to pinpoint. When inspiration does strike, be it from watching a mother reading to her kid on the seafront or pesky seagulls dive-bombing cafes and nicking everyone’s food with apocalyptic style vigour, I try to remember to have a notepad and pen with me. Inspiration is fleeting and so many times I’ve been running home and forgotten it by the time I get there! Inspiration comes from the world around me and being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to witness something magical or meaningful.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time? I take a pole-dancing class once a week (my nemesis as, much as I love it, I still can’t get my butt upside down!). I read as much as I can, and have mastered the art of interacting with the world one-handed so that I can hold a book in the other and multitask. I’m getting quite good at it now but I think my shins are planning to leave me and find someone who doesn’t assault them with table legs, edges of the bed, door frames etc. If the British Touring Car Championships are on I’m usually found yelling at the television, or stuck on the 2p machines in the pier arcade. 

If you could work with another author, who would it be?  
Oh lord, can I not pick several? I suppose I’d say Neil Gaiman, because his ability  to create other worlds inside this one is unbelievable. Then again, the artful creation  of Discworld would also mean I’d have to pick Terry Pratchett too. I’ll go with Enid  Blyton, as they say children’s fiction is the hardest thing to get right and I’d love to  learn to write kids’ books. 

What are major themes of your work?
Fantasy, survival and love. I actually had book 2 of The Firebird Trilogy partially written in a different form before it took the shape it’s in now. Book 2 has scaffolding and warning signs all around it as it’s nowhere near to a grand design job yet, but I’ve always loved the idea of being able to slip into other secret worlds and fantasy has been a big part of most stuff I’ve written. The love themes not only extend to romance, although that is a big part, but also the idea of family and wanting to belong somewhere and I’m guessing a lot of people could relate to that. 

What do you think people look for in a book?
In fiction, it’s often the ability to escape. I know I love a book if I finish it and I’m dying inside a little because they’re not coming back, or I have to wait a lifetime (or even several weeks, same thing really) for the next book. Everyone is different; some people need to be scared out of their seats and others need the comfort of a sweet story about beating the odds, amongst other things. But then what one person calls a good scare story, someone else will think is a bit too twisted. The one thing that seems to make a good book for everyone, is the ability to slip into that other world, if only for a half hour. That’s when I know I can call myself a writer, when someone comes up to me and says my books did that for them. 

Are there any recent works you admire?
Of all the books I’ve read lately (not counting books I’ve re-read because I just love them so much), I’d have to say I love Elizabeth Hunter’s Elemental Mysteries series. I got totally sucked into them and ended up quite depressed at the end of the fourth one because there weren’t any more. The writing is well-paced and the characters are believable and feel utterly real. I loved Hugh Howey’s Wool trilogy as well, it kept me going through our first house move and I’m guessing his fourth book will keep me going through the second move with any luck! 

About the Book (The Man):

Which character in the book do you think you can relate to the most?
Tricky question. I’d love to say Emelyn, but I think that’s wishful thinking given what she is. I’m more likely to end up like Ma Kath without the serenity, trying to fix everyone with food and annoying everyone in the house by coming home cradling a new pot plant like it’s my first baby. I’d love to relate to Gin but, in truth, I’m a bit scared of her! 

How did you come up with the character's names?
I was off sick from work when I decided on the name Gin. I love the film Swingtime with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, but that was the first time I saw it and I knew that, although Gin is as far from Ginger Rogers as you can get, the name would be for my next heroine. Niall was a bit of luck really. I discussed names with a friend of mine who talked about wanting to be name their future kids something cool, something diabolical and dark like Niall, and I thought then and there ‘I’ll be having that thank you!’ I also find A-Z Baby Name websites help. It can be brilliant to sit there and trawl through thinking of a name for your latest beloved creation and know you don’t have to go through labour at the end!

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
A huge mix of things contributed to the book, all little meaningless bits and experiences that added up to make the Firebird Trilogy as a whole. I knew I wanted to write a fantasy book and found the first idea on a night plane to Finland ten years ago. Since then I’ve been sitting on it and nurturing it until I suddenly thought ‘holy smokes, its alive!’ The fact that it’s even finished is due to a lot of support from family, who’ve tolerated the self-doubt and me hiding under the bed when I couldn’t be sure it would work, and from those that encouraged me to go for it. I’ll be honest and say the rise of the self-publishing industry has helped a lot too. Seeing other amazing authors out there take the reins into their own hands and push their book into the public eye made me realise I could do the same. Part of my inspiration to keep trying comes from the trailblazers that have gone before and proved it’s possible, so my thanks go to them!

*The questions and answers of this author interview are only for Ethereal Book Reviews to use.  If you would like to get interviewed, please visit our "Contact Us" page and send us an e-mail.

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