Interview with a Debut Fantasy Author

We have a special guest today. Please help me welcome one of my dear writer friends, E.E. Rawls, author of Strayborn, a just-out-this-week fantasy meets steampunk tale with characters who face the terrors of coming of age while also learning to use powers of elemental manipulation. You will fall for her two main characters, Cyrus and Aken, just like I have! 

I got to ask her a few questions about her book and writing process, and we’re sharing those with you! Read all the way down for a chance to win a special gift! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this GIVEAWAY!

JER: First, tell us a little about the birth of  Strayborn. How did the idea come to you? What was the first aspect of the story that came to you? 

EER: Funny thing is, I was drafting and playing around with a completely different story idea, when two interesting characters popped into my head: Cyrus and Aken. I was intrigued and kept expanding their story and trying to figure out who they were, until I realized that they needed their own book series and no longer fit in with the little story I had been working on. 

JER: Isn’t it fun when our stories take over the plans we thought we had?! Will you share with us some of your favorite moments while writing or revising? 

EER: I laughed a lot while writing this book! Aken is quite a character and gets himself into trouble a lot. One LOL moment is when he’s trying to hide from Cyrus because he got disciplined by his master and doesn’t want her to find out about it. Then there are touching moments and sad moments. I felt tears every time I revised a certain scene where a particular companion dies… 

JER: Oh no!! I feel the waterworks coming on!! What has been the hardest part of this book’s journey for you? 

EER: Every part of the journey has brought its own trials and learning experiences. But I’d say this stage, of getting the book print ready and venturing into book marketing, has been the toughest. There was so much to learn, and now there’s still so much to do, especially concerning marketing. But in the end, all I really care about is that people enjoy the stories I write.