Monday, January 22, 2018

Author Spotlight - Sarah Glenn Marsh


1.      What was your inspiration to write "Reign of the Fallen?"

The idea for Reign of the Fallen was inspired by my grandmother’s stay in the hospital; thankfully, she’s fine now, but the situation got me thinking: how far would someone be willing to go to bring a loved one back from the dead? What sort of sacrifices would someone make in order to bring an important person back into their lives, and what consequences might that decision have? Those questions led me to the Greek mythical hero Orpheus, who attempts to rescue his wife from the underworld and is told by Hades that he can take her back to the living world as long as he doesn’t look at her until they’re both out of his realm.
Spoiler alert: he takes a peek and loses her forever. Drawing from that mythology and others, as well as researching various rituals surrounding death from all over the world, helped me to start building the world of Reign of the Fallen, where the Dead must wear shrouds in the living world or else become monsters; where change of even the smallest sort is outlawed because the Dead fear it; where entering the spirit world demands a painful sacrifice of any living person who dares to go there.
2. What was your influence for the characters in the book?
I tried not to let any real people influence the characters in Reign! However, I did draw from some of my own life experience and others’ to fill in certain details: one example of this is that at one point, Odessa recalls some injuries that her boyfriend Evander got from being a daredevil, like running down a hill with a sign that read “Danger: Do  Not Run.” That was inspired by my husband doing exactly that- running down a steep sand dune with a “don’t run” sign and breaking his arm.
3. What should readers expect from you and the book?
From me? Well, if they follow me on social media, they should expect kindness, emojis, and lots of animal photos (I have many pets!). I don’t tolerate meanness.
From the book, they should expect that the shiny pink cover does *not* match the dark contents within; Reign is a dark story of grief and addiction and loss. It doesn’t shy away from any topic. It has many uncomfortable moments, because it’s a book that deals with gray areas; within people, and within situations. You’ll find yourself perhaps agreeing with the villain’s motives at some point, even. But, while it isn’t a happy story, Reign’s message is ultimately one of hope. Readers can also expect some fun things within its pages, like found family, silliness, parties, and a kickass grizzly bear!
4. What influenced you to be a writer?
My husband. I’d been writing for fun (especially on Elendor, a Lord of the Rings written roleplaying game in real time) since I was a kid, but it was my husband who gave me the push to pursue publication, who really believed in me, and who wouldn’t let me give up (and there were plenty of times when that sounded appealing, trust me!). I’m lucky to have someone by my side who sees my dreams and who firmly believes I can make them a reality.
5. How do you feel knowing a lot of readers will be reading your book shortly?
Nervous, but also grateful. I’m excited that the story’s concept or cover will appeal to readers, and nervous to hear the inevitable mix of reactions—however, it’s all worth it in the end to reach even a few people with this story, and (as you’ll see in question #9!), I’ve been so fortunate in having already heard from some readers who connected with Odessa and her friends in Reign.
6. Can we expect a sequel to the book? Also, what are you hoping to include in it?
There is a sequel, and it has a title, although I can’t share that quite yet! It’s so hard to say much without spoilers, but here’s a little bit about it: You’ll see more of the world beyond Karthia; old faces along with new; struggles created from some of the choices and actions in book one; Kasmira using her power; more character growth from Odessa.
7. What authors or writers have influence you, your writing and your book? I tried not to let anyone else’s work influence Reign of the Fallen, but one of my favorite authors is Garth Nix, who writes some really amazing books about necromancy; therefore, I took extra care to make sure my system and mythology for raising the dead were very different from his.
I also grew up reading a lot of Patricia McKillip’s work, so I’ve no doubt she’s had an influence on my writing style; if you haven’t read her yet, I recommend starting with The Forgotten Beasts of Eld or Winter Rose to get a feel for the magic that is her writing.
8. If you had the opportunity to collaborate with another author, who would it be and why?
I’d say Kerri Maniscalco, author of Stalking Jack the Ripper, because she also writes things that tend toward the dark and dangerous. Plus, she’s a friend. I think we’d have a blast writing something spooky together.
9. What has been the best experience you've had as an author so far?
Hearing from readers who have connected with my books, definitely! Especially Reign of the Fallen, which is so close to my heart. I knew when I wrote it that there would be strong reactions- a love or hate type of situation- and I’m really pleased that some people have enjoyed the story + reached out to let me know that!
10. What is your usual writing process?
I tend to carry an idea around in my head for several months before developing it- just letting it stew, thinking about it from different angles, and that sort of thing. Then I write a query to make sure I have a basic, solid plot structure in place, and after that, I start my world building and outlining- the length of that process can vary, but I won’t actually start drafting until I know the beginning and ending of a story, plus a few major plot points from the middle.



Reign of the Fallen will be released on Jan 23, be sure to grab a copy!

Thursday, January 18, 2018

"Here I Stay" by Dominique Laura


"As many times as that one sentence floated around, I knew I needed to change it. I needed to escape it. And so, I made sure that a new phrase took its place. It was the same phrase with one less word and a whole lot of meaning - one stronger than the one before it. And there's another reason why you should stay."

I found myself connected to the main character Daysie as I understand why she is guarded towards bringing new people in her life. Due to her abusive father, absentee mother and her school bully, she has kept a closer relationship with her childhood friends but is hesitant to include and open herself to Bren when he decides to express himself to her.

She wants to take a chance but she is afraid of how having her in her life will affect her since she has already been negatively affected by her father's actions. Her friends have encouraged her to take the opportunity and experience something new and exciting and also a new relationship.

Bren's approach scares Daysie at first but she learns that he just wants the opportunity to know her. Bren and her friends also help her escape her abusive father and realize she deserves more than what she is getting in life. Bren loves her and also wants to help her deal with her life situation. After Daysie has been able to leave her parents behind, she leaves town wanting to experience life instead of what she has been through so far. In the new town, she finds a job at a local book store and learns about life from the owner as well as expressing herself through writing. The bookstore's owner assists Bren to reconnect with Daysie, making her realize her love for her and how he wants to be a part of life even when Daysie feels broken inside due to her past. Daysie realizes she does not need to escape any longer as Bren and her friends have helped her find joy and positive even through her past and experience.

"It was moments like these that made me happy that I stayed. It sucked sometimes, this life of mine, but it was worth everything I had gone through. I was stronger because of it, and I had people in my life who would always be there. That was a gift. Life was a gift, and I had a whole lot more of it to live. I had wasted enough time worrying about stuff that wouldn't matter days, weeks, months, or years from now, and I was learning to take each day as a it came - one day a time."

I could relate to Daysie as I went through situations that made me question life but just like that I decided to stay thinking of a better future and better, new experiences that I find memorable and have had a great effect on my life. Dominique's writing was so smooth, the characters were so raw and real. I recommend it to anyone reflecting on past experiences and wanting a better future for themselves so they can realize how having a great support system such as Daysie's friends and Bren as well.