T-roy Talks – Conversations with a Cephalopod #4

When I asked the lovely S.M. Boyce to join this incredibly silly cavalcade of author interviews, I told her that she would be a welcomed addition to clear out the man-funk that has been wafting in the air around here. Surprisingly, and despite it smelling like an armpit, she agreed to join us here on my blog! Yippee! Don’t get it twisted, though. I cleaned the place, tidied up the dirty laundry, brushed the crumbs off the maroon crush velvet couch, and slipped into my nicest smoking jacket. You see, she is a lady after all, and an accomplished lady at that! She’s the author of Lichgates: Book One of the Grimoire Trilogy, which the latest book, Treason, has just been released! I was able to sit down with Mrs. Boyce and see what else has been going on in her world!

Episode #4 - S.M. Boyce – It’s About Time We Get a Girl Up In Here!!

-Tell us about yourself

I love a good joke, and sarcasm is my favorite weapon. I also love to connect online, and frequently post questions on my Twitter page to find out what readers are thinking and how life is going for them. I also host a Friday meme called “Quick Question” that hosts discussions and share-fests about everything from books to our favorite coffee. Life is fun, and I like to focus on that when I talk to people.

-How long have you been writing?

Man…forever. I think the question is how long have I been writing well. That happened in the last five years, I’d say. Getting my Creative Writing degree helped loads.

-What brought Lichgates to life?

Persistence. I’ve been plotting and developing the series since 2006, adding new layers and characters with every year. But even with all that work, it never felt ready. After some serious pity parties, I had the pendant featured in the trilogy—the Grimoire Clover—brought to life. I wore it daily as a reminder to not give up, and it paid off. To celebrate, I even made the Grimoire Clover available to readers to inspire them in the same way.

-What is on the horizon for the SM Boyce?

I have a lot in the works. I’ve been building and developing my new writers-only site to encourage professionalism among authors and teach others from my mistakes. I frequently host guest posts, list awards for indie authors, and write how-to’s for everything from formatting to writing technique. Please stop by.

I’m also working on Heritage, of course, and the first book in a new series that I will probably release at the same time. It’s still in the developmental stage, but it’ll be big. It’s a fairytale for a new generation, and my hope is to make it even more epic that the Grimoire Trilogy. Feel free to follow my readers blog to get more updates on that book as well as my other projects.

-What’s on the long-term horizon for you?

World domination. If not, I guess I can settle for internationally bestselling author.

-What is one of your biggest goals in this writing life?

To see that my work inspires people. The best part about that is it’s a continuing goal. As long as I inspire readers to dream big and believe in themselves, I consider myself a success.

-What’s your favorite song right now?

"Gangnam Style" by Psy. I cannot get that song out of my head, and it makes me happy every time I listen to it. I think it’s because I have no idea what he’s saying and because I’ve memorized that music video. When I listen, I know which part of the video would be playing at that moment. I think I listen to it too much…but dang, it’s just a happy song!

-What line of prose are you the most proud of?

Dude, that’s like picking a favorite child. Umm…

Well, I can give you one bit out of Treason, but it’s kind of a spoiler. So…I mean, keep that in mind. I wanted to include the end of Chapter 26 (Death), but it doesn’t have the same effect if it’s read out of context. The end of Chapter 26 is, I think, my favorite part of the book. The effect the rest of the chapter has on its last line makes me smile every time I read it.

But here is my second favorite part of the chapter:

“Do you remember asking the Grimoire once if you could bring back the dead?” Death asked.

Kara’s jaw tightened. This had to be a trap. She didn’t answer.

He continued. “You must know by now that you cannot do such a thing. I will come again for you someday, just as I have come for every living creature since the dawn of time. Today is not your day to die. You may return, but use your second chance at life well. Few ever have this opportunity.”

Death offered her a giant, red hand. Kara reached for it, but hesitated to examine the crevices in his palm. There were folds, wrinkles, even fingerprints. Death looked so…mortal.

-What would you like to be remembered for?

Making people happy. I love to see people smile, and to know I put it there is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It’s one of the reasons I write—to know that my work entertains, inspires, and encourages people to be as awesome as possible.

-Are you happy?

I think we all have our roller coasters, but yes. I have a great life that’s filled with blessings in every shape & size. But I’m gooey like that.

-Where else can we find you?

Everywhere. All of my online profiles are below in the “About the Author” section, so please stop by and say hello!

And here is some more about S. M. Boyce:

Boyce writes fantasy and paranormal fiction. She’s a sarcastic twit, but she still has friends because some people seem to like that. Her Creative Writing degree qualifies her to serve you french fries, but it helps her write books, too. She’s currently working on the YA epic fantasy series the Grimoire Trilogy.


Website: http://smboyce.com/

Blog: http://blog.smboyce.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmboyce

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesmboyce

Google+: https://plus.google.com/1121754704639...

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/thesmboyce/chara...

S.M. Boyce