Interview with Nadia Scrieva

Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
The characters in this series have names relating to their character traits. Each family has a theme. For the Burnsons, the theme is fire, while for the Kalgrens, the theme is nature. (Rose, Thorn.)
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?Pax is great fun to write, because she is smart, sensitive, and strong. Even so, she makes mistakes and gets into huge messes, but it’s watching her work really hard to get out of trouble and protect her friends that I admire.
Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?
I truly believe that a good character will be strong enough to take control of his or her own destiny. Much of my planning has been futile, for the characters would end up acting in ways that surprised me, which were far better than any of my plans. It’s similar to writing a script for an actor, then having him deviate from the lines in the heat of the moment. Often, the spontaneous material is way better—way more real.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
Every crazy thing I have ever done was book-related research. =) Most of the relationship drama is pulled directly out of my real life, along with many of the dangerous situations on the road. I don’t think I can answer this question without admitting to illegal or incriminating activities!
Can you tell readers a little bit about the world building in the book/series? How does this world differ from our normal world?
The world of Thirty Minutes to Heartbreak is very similar to our world, except for the presence of demigods. While most stories involving demigods use classic Greek or Roman themes. I have decided to use Buddhist deities called devas. The characters who are descended from devas have the ability to perform supernatural feats, but without devoted practice and study of their techniques, they remain normal human beings.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
Usually, I will take a little piece of myself and insert it into every character so I can relate to them while writing about their POV. My female main characters will usually have an aggressive, take-no-prisoners attitude. My male characters will sometimes have an explosive temper.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
Writer’s block is like kryptonite. The last time I encountered a really bad writer’s block, it was when I was writing a climactic fight scene. I had to take a break for two days and play games on Facebook to relax. In my previous writer’s block, I watched every episode of The Walking Dead. I think that it’s important to step completely out of the world for a small, manageable amount of time, like a weekend.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
Oh, yes. I like to write with a lit candle for atmosphere. I also don’t go outside or pick up phone calls for weeks on end, because I don’t want to be taken “out of the world.” I become a demon, yelling at anyone who disturbs me, so everyone knows not to disturb Nadia when she’s in writing mode.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
From the time I was able to scribble a few words, I was trying to write stories. Even before that, I told them verbally.
What are your guilty pleasures in life?
Coffee, hot sauce, and dancing.


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Paramount
Thirty Minutes to Heartbreak, Book 1Nadia Scrieva                      Genre: Fantasy/Romance      
ISBN: 1477618392ASIN: B008E08AXW
Number of pages: 375Word Count: 98, 000
eBook is free on most websites  Amazon   BN   iTunes   Smashwords  Kobo

Book Description:
A goddess hell-bent on revenge...
Pax Burnson is the descendant of devas. She has vowed to live her life without practicing her powers, but recent events have overturned her entire existence. Thorn Kalgren has been the love of her life since she was fourteen -- he helped her to heal after the loss of her parents. As a close family friend, he is one of a select few who understand and share her unique heritage. His recent betrayal has released a violence within her that she cannot restrain.
While her first instinct is to escape and forget, her aimless road trip is interrupted by a childhood friend in need. An idea strikes Pax as she sees her own pain reflected in Thorn's sister, Amara Kalgren. She is suddenly filled with a new, all-consuming purpose: vengeance. She believes there is nothing else left.
Using ancient magick and enlisting Amara's help, Pax orchestrates a complex, drawn-out plan to deceive and emotionally destroy her former lover. The friendship and loyalty between the two girls becomes fortified and unshakable as they venture down a dark and twisted path together, encountering formidable roadblocks and demons.
It soon becomes clear to Pax that everything she has been led to believe about her powers and her past was shaped by blatant lies. When she discovers that Thorn's infidelity is closely linked with her mother's death, she is forced to make a life-altering decision...
About the Author:
Nadia Scrieva lives in Toronto, Canada with no husband, no kids, and no pets. She does own a very attractive houseplant which she occasionally remembers to water between her all-consuming writing marathons.

www.NadiaScrieva.com
www.facebook.com/NadiaFans
www.nadiascrieva.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/#!/NadiaScrieva
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5449630