Interview with Author S.M. Boyce

Author S.M. Boyce

I am excited to have the opportunity to interview an author I have come to respect and admire for her energy, enthusiasm, vast knowledge, and wonderful sense of humor.  S.M. Boyce and I met on Twitter and I quickly found her to be someone from whom I could learn a great deal.  She has offered me incredible insight in the short time I have known her and her wit often causes a "lol."  It is always a pleasure to tweet or email her.  So without further ado, let's speak to S.M. Boyce.

Okay, so I refer to you as Boyce.  What do you go by in real life?

There's a real life? Ha! I'm kidding…mostly. The "S" stands for Sarah, and I've been writing with the pen name "S. M. Boyce" since I was in middle school. I answer to most anything, though, so feel free to continue calling me "Boyce" or "hey, you."

So, Boyce, give us a little introduction to your book.  What is the title and what is it about?

My debut novel is called Lichgates, and it's the first in my young adult fantasy adventure series called the Grimoire Trilogy. I've spent about seven years now writing and developing the world, characters, and plot, so I'm pretty tickled that it's finally out.

Lichgates is about a young woman named Kara who finds a book—the Grimoire—while hiking a hidden trail in the Rocky Mountains. It pulls her into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that all want the Grimoire's secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control the new-found power the book bestows upon her. Though a native soldier named Braeden swears to keep her safe, it isn't long before she uncovers the hidden intentions that unravel his charming persona.

Tell us a little about the main characters.

The novel is told from two perspectives: Kara Magari and Braeden Drakonin. (Those links will take you to the official Grimoire Books website, which has encyclopedia entries on several of the characters, races, and creatures. There's more being added all the time, so stop by or subscribe for more.)

Kara is young and unsure of what she wants from life. Though she's never had to want for anything, she's kind and fiercely loyal to her friends and family. The Grimoire takes her on the ride of her life, pushing her comfortable boundaries of safety, trust in others, and faith in herself.

Braeden is the opposite: he was born to be a warrior and has trained his entire life to hunt and kill. He has, for the past twelve years, been forced to lie about who he truly is, and the Grimoire is his last chance at redemption. He's not letting Kara out of his sight until the book answers his pressing question that could change his and millions of others' lives.

What kind of research did you have to do for this book?

Does staring off into space, daydreaming about character conflict and plot development count? No? Darn.

My research was largely political and social, actually. I always write to entertain, but I like to offer a level of depth for those interested in diving deeper into the motifs, symbolism, and themes of a novel. Lichgates is a look at what it means to be isolated in a culture foreign to your own. It also raises questions about leaving power in the hands of few. I never preach in my work; if anything, I raise more questions than I answer. However, it was interesting to see how the power struggles played out.

Is your book available in print or ebook?  Where can it be found?

Both, and everywhere online! The most common places where you can find Lichgates are: Amazon , Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Goodreads.

Lichgates is a trilogy, are books two and three written or are you still in the process?

Book 2 (Treason) and Book 3 (Origins) are outlined, but not yet written. I have a fair chunk of the first draft done for Treason, and I should be able to publish that before the currently projected release in Fall 2012. Knock on wood!

Are you an independent author?  If so, do you prefer being independent or are you hoping a large publisher will scoop you up?

I am an indie, and I chose to go indie before ever querying a single agent. Some people raised their eyebrows at that. Self-publishing has become a solid option for writers, though: one that gives us control, autonomy, and—if you're courteous and professional—a paycheck to boot.

I have to say that it's been fun to be indie. I have complete control over my marketing, website design, and book. That said, I'd love for a publisher to come in and say, "Here's a few million dollars. Go write another series." It's definitely a challenge to market my own book, but it's also rewarding. If you'd like to read about how I came to choose self-publishing, you can read my thesis/blog post about it.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?  Why?

Yeah. I know it's nothing new, but I wrote my first book when I was five (a terrible novella about a lonely pickle), and I've been hooked ever since. If I'm not writing, I get all grumpy and fussy. My poor husband usually shoves my laptop under my nose when I get like that.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks, or hardcover books for your own reading?  If ebooks, what kind of book reader do you use?

I have a Nook, and I love it! It's amazing to have hundreds of books at my fingertips, and even cooler that I can get them for just a couple of bucks each. I feel slighted, now, when I spend more than $5 on a book. It's spoiled me mad.

What kind of reading captures Boyce's attention?

Anything that's well written, with a voice that's fluid, solid, and honest. I love it when a voice draws me in and keeps me turning page after page. Or, well, dragging my finger across the screen, I guess. eReader analogies aren't as fun, are they?

Do you ever read a book and wish you had written it?  Which one was the last one that made you feel that way?

Gosh, don't we all? I can name a certain billionaire author of whom I'm envious (seriously, she owns a freaking castle).

I know you are an educated gal.  Tell us more about your educational background.

D'aw, shucks. I have a Creative Writing degree, with a dual Bachelors of Science in Marketing. It just means I'm qualified to serve you French fries, really.

Okay, now for some fun stuff.

Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla! I'm dull.

Coffee or tea?

Tea! I've never gotten into coffee, even though I was a barista for a little while. It always tastes so bitter unless I load it with sugar and cream, and then, what's the point? Just drink the half & half. Ew, never mind.

To dress up or dress down?

Jeans are my home boys. Yes, I said, 'home boys.'

Heels (how high?) or flats?

Flats. I was afraid to wear heels at my wedding because I just knew I'd fall over. And I would have.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Love all, trust few, harm none." – Shakespeare. That's gotten me out of many a scrape.

Okay, Boyce, we're almost done making you squirm.  If readers want to hunt you down and find out more about Lichgates, where do they look?

Everything you could ever need to know about Lichgates is available on the book's page: http://www.thegrimoirebooks.com/book-one-lichgates/. You can read the first chapter for free, watch the book trailer, and pick your favorite link to buy the novel.

If you want to skip that, you can snag your own Grimoire at any of these sites: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Goodreads.

It has been a pleasure talking with you today.  I am so glad to have had this opportunity.  Thank you for stopping by my blog and sharing a glimpse of your world with us.  This is a blog tour, so where is your next stop?

Thanks for having me! It's been my pleasure.

Today on the tour, I also stopped off at Rebecca Hamilton's blog for a scavenger hunt, and tomorrow I'm going to chill with J. Scott Sharp at his blog and the lovely Aeicha over at her blog, Word Spelunking.

Oh, and before I forget! Fun news for everyone who likes free things: I'm hosting a grand prize giveaway for the blog tour. You can win signed copies of the book, book swag, and even a $25 or $50 Amazon gift card! Neat, huh? Click here to head to my site, see the full schedule, and find out how to enter.

You can find out more about S.M. Boyce and her book Lichgates by visiting her website or following her on her blog tour.  You can also take a look at the Lichgates book trailer.

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