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Hi Laura,Happy New Year!
I'd be happy to do an interview for you. I also have a book for you to review, though not sure that it is quite up your street, but who knows. However, one thing at a time.
I couldn't find an email address for you to respond to this interview, however I did see you're on Twitter so I'll DM you there. Trust this is OK? My Twitter address is https://twitter.com/LeslieWPGarland.
Thanks for the offer, I'll be in touch.
laura8759 wrote: "Hi my name is Laura. I'm also known as LAURA8759 I'm a beta reader/book reviewer and for the new year. I wanted to start doing author interviews and Q and A's again. It's a great way to promote yo..."Hi Laura,
Before we start; you are asking people to contact you re Q & As, yet your Goodreads message is set to 'not accepting messages' and your Twitter account has no DM facility. I suggest you ought to change these if you want people to contact you.
OK. on with your questions:-
Write a little bit about you like what genre of books you write and what your up to .
Genre of books; I’ll let s reviewer talk for me, “Move over Aesop...Modern Fables Do Exist” - Whitney Reinhart , though several reviewers of my Red Grouse Tales have suggested that they are fables. I think the pigeon hole that people try and push many of us into is ‘speculative fiction’ which unfortunately covers a huge spectrum of writing and so is not of much help. Possibly a categorisation that might be of more use is that of ‘philosophical paranormal’ which sounds wonderfully heavy, doesn’t it? Yes, I think I’ll go for that! If you’re curious I suggest a visit to my website http://www.lesliegarland.com or have a read of some of the reviews on Leslie Garland
Right now I am working on a trilogy. I’m well on the way with the first two stories and have just made a start on the third. I have no idea when they’ll be finished.
Congrats on the book now to the questions
(Questions)
Is there a special reason behind the title of your book/series?
Yes, but I’m not giving the answer because I want you to visit my website.
Was there any inspiration behind your story/series?
Yes.
Will there be any more books in your series?
Yes, though see below.
How many books have you written?
Seven
How many books are in your series?
Although all my books to date are all ‘Red Grouse Tales’, they are not a series as such as each is a stand-alone tale.
What are your other hobbies when not writing?
Mountain walking, swimming, used to be travelling, but I’m not sure what will happen after Covid.
Favorite cd or artist to listen to while writing?
I need silence when writing.
What is one of the most important things your readers should take away from your books?
The Norwegian philosopher Arne Ness said, “The best aspect of a book is not the thoughts it contains, but the thoughts it unleashes.” So I don’t care - too much! - whether my readers agree with me or not - though obviously it’s nice if they do! - as long as my tales make them think. That is the most important aspect.
If you could, would you make any changes to your book or series? No
Why do you think more people should read books?
I honestly don’t feel that people think enough these days. There is too much of taking things at face value, without question. We only have to look at the way our politicians lie to us, yet people vote for them! Or look at the claims made by the advertising boys about the latest gizmo and then folks dsh out and buy one when actually it is no better than the previous one. People need to learn to think. Whereas, I certainly won’t suggest that my books give any answers, I do hope they stir ‘the little grey cells’.
How would you make the movie as good as the book?
‘Number one’ would be; don’t change the ending! A lesson Holywood still has not learnt.
How do you feel about beta readers? Are they necessary?
Yes, without a doubt.
What is your thought on outlines for stories/books?
Absolutely essential. Writing is like any other task in life; you need to know where you are going and how you’re going to get there. If you’re not worried about coming seriously unstuck on the way, OK, don’t plan; but if you want to get there then planning (drafting outlines) is necessary.
Paper, computer or typewriter what do you write your story on? Computer
What was the last book you read?
Eyeless in Gaza by Aldous Huxley.
Which one of your books would you want turned into a movie?
Oh come on! All of them!
Do you snack while you write?
No.
(Finale question)
Current book you're reading?
Ovid’s Metamophoses
Any social media pages our very few readers can find you at and were they can buy your books
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=red+grouse...
https://twitter.com/LeslieWPGarland
(Website and Goodreads at the top of the page)
sorry I had no idea I figured people could reply in the comments also I'm beta reading a book right now so I won't be able to review your book.
laura8759 wrote: "sorry I had no idea I figured people could reply in the comments also I'm beta reading a book right now so I won't be able to review your book."No problem about the review. Hope the interview gets the ball rolling.
laura8759 wrote: "Hi my name is Laura. I'm also known as LAURA8759 I'm a beta reader/book reviewer and for the new year. I wanted to start doing author interviews and Q and A's again. It's a great way to promote yo..."Hi Laura!
Thank you for this Q&A. It is much appreciated!
Write a little bit about you like what genre of books you write and what you're up to.
I usually write fantasy, with a heavy focus on fairytale retellings. I'm about to release my first book, "Into the Underwood: Maiden" this spring, and I'm currently working on the second book in the series.
Is there a special reason behind the title of your book/series?
Yes. The "Underwood" part of "Into the Underwood" is a play upon the word "underworld" which is appropriate given certain aspects of the plot and the Persephone/Hades dynamic between the protagonist and antagonist. Likewise, the subtitle of the book, "Maiden," is a reference to the three phases of Hecate: maiden, matron, and crone.
Was there any inspiration behind your story/series?
I drew inspiration from a number of sources, especially old fairytales, Greek mythology, Norse mythology, Druidism, Gnosticism, and classic literature.
Will there be any more books in your series?
Yes, there will be two more: Matron and Crone.
How many books have you written?
Two so far. I am currently editing the second book in the series.
How many books are in your series?
Three
What can your readers expect from your next book?
A deeper look into the villain, Der Erlkönig's perspective. I give my readers a glimpse into his psyche near the end of the first book, but only from the perspective of the protagonist. In the second book, he becomes a POV character in his own right and readers will get to see how and why he turned out the way he did.
How does your next book fit in with your series?
It follows Sylvia and Sasha as they try to process their trauma, and contend with the physical and psychological consequences of their time in Der Erlkönig's castle.
What made you want to write?
I've been writing since I was a kid in middle school. I loved stories and was always coming up with my own.
For people who have not read your books or series, what are they about?
"Into the Underwood" is the story of Sylvia, a WWII-era English seamstress with the uncanny ability to bring her embroidery to life. After a Nazi attack on London, she is forced to flee to the countryside, where she is promptly abducted by Der Erlkönig: the mythological king of German legend. He takes her away to the Underwood—a woodland kingdom of spirits and monsters—where she must work off a mysterious inherited debt. There, she meets Sasha, a famine survivor from the Soviet Union, with whom she forms a deep and complicated bond. But when her unusual embroidery comes to the attention of the king, he offers her an opportunity to settle her debt once and for all.
Do you have any pets so what are their names?
Yes. I have a dog named Spencer and a flock of chickens. My rooster's name is Wyatt and the hens include Regina and Blanca, plus four Olive Eggers and three Buff Orpingtons that I can't tell apart.
What are your other hobbies when not writing?
Sewing, spinning, weaving, gardening, hiking, cycling, and cooking.
What is your favorite part of your book or series?
There is a scene in the first book where the protagonist has dinner with the antagonist and has to manipulate him into doing something for her. There's a bit of banter between them, and I don't know why, but I just love it.
Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks?
Paperbacks 100%
Softcover or hardcover books?
Hardcovers are nice, but I'm perfectly happy with a softcover. Sometimes they're easier to carry around.
Do you have a favorite book or series from when you were a child?
I loved this book called "Changeling" (I can't remember the author's name). When I was a teenager, I loved books by Francesca Lia Block.
Favorite cd or artist to listen to while writing?
I usually can't listen to music while I write, but I always find the music of Florence + the Machine, Aurora, and Joanna Newsom inspiring.
What is one of the most important things your readers should take away from your books?
Pain is a part of life, but it does not negate life's meaningfulness
If you could, would you make any changes to your book or series?
Probably. Every time I look at my book, I find one or two things I want to tweak, but at some point, you just have to put the red pen down and say "Good enough is good enough."
Why do you think more people should read books?
Storytelling is an integral part of being human.
If your book got turned into a movie, who would you want to star in it?
I would definitely want Jessica Brown Findlay to play Sylvia. I'm not sure about the other characters
How would you make the movie as good as the book?
Hire good actors, that's the most important thing. There would also need to be a top-notch costume designer, since clothing plays such an important role in the story.
How do you feel about beta readers? Are they necessary?
I definitely think so. I hired a couple for my first book. I think it's important to get a perspective from people who will give their honest opinion and who won't just blow smoke up your ass to be nice.
What is your thought on outlines for stories/books?
I usually have an outline, but I also give myself the liberty to divert from the outline at any time. It's more of a guideline or rough idea of the plot than anything else.
Do you have a favorite quote by an author?
I have several. Too many to include here.
Paper, computer or typewriter what do you write your story on?
Computer, because it allows me to write and make corrections quickly.
What was the last book you read?
"The Vorrh" by Brian Catling. It was incredibly weird and beautifully-written, which is why I loved it, though it had a bit of a meandering plot, which made other people hate it.
Which one of your books would you want turned into a movie?
"Nights at the Circus" or "The Passion of New Eve" by Angela Carter. Both are among my favorite books of all time.
Do you snack while you write?
Not really. I usually just drink coffee
What book meant the most to you?
"The Universal Christ" by Father Richard Rohr. I was raised Catholic and struggled with the faith quite a lot, especially after coming out as gay. That book reinterpreted Christian theology in such a way that it actually made sense to me, though most traditional Christians would probably find it heretical.
(Finale question)
Current book you're reading?
"Notes from Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. 10/10 would recommend.
Any social media pages our very few readers can find you at and where they can buy your books.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MPSM948
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...#
https://www.facebook.com/J.L.Robertso...
Instagram: @j.l._robertson
J.L. Robertson yours will be posted January 11th at 4pm
laura8759 wrote: "J.L. Robertson yours will be posted January 11th at 4pm"Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks for doing this. I won’t limit myself to 10, if you don’t mind, but I won’t answer them all.Is there a special reason behind the title of your book/series?
Some books are easier to title than others. Shifting Stars was one of the easier ones, because it involved the main character’s quest for a book called Shifting Stars. A book that is rare, and relatively unknown, but is worth it in the end. I hadn’t consciously thought of it in meta terms at the time, but now I feel sure it must have been in my head somewhere.
The series title, The Salvation of Tempestria was just me trying to give it to my audience straight. These are the stakes: save the world.
I also like to give my titles have a double meaning, if I can.
Was there any inspiration behind your story/series?
The main inspiration for my series was to write fantasy with sci-fi time travel shenanigans at the heart of it because I’ve never read anything like that before.
Will there be any more books in your series?
Oh yes, there are plenty more to come. The first 3 books cover a lot of ground, but in many ways, book 3 is only the end of the beginning.
How many books have you written?
Written and published, Six total.
How many books are in your series?
In my current series, three so far. Book 4 to be released end of March.
What can your readers expect from your next book?
How does your next book fit in with your series?
I’m going to answer these two together. If Book 3 was the end of the beginning, Book 4 is the beginning of the middle. It’s the beginning of the Age of the Original Three Guardians of Time and Magic. Their first day on the job, a job no-one has ever done before, facing threats old and new. No rulebook, no backup, no-one to rely on except each other and a few friends.
What made you want to write?
Same reason as people who climb a mountain: because it’s there. Switching metaphors, I’m like an explorer. I’ve discovered a new land, a new world, and it’s up to me to tell people about it.
For people who have not read your books or series, what are they about?
First, in case anyone hasn’t guessed by now, the genre is fantasy with a blend of sci-fi elements for extra flavour. The overarching story concerns a young/old immortal girl who is trying to save her world through Time magic that is both illegal and dangerous. In each book (so far) she serves as an in-story narrator, presenting the major events in her world’s history that have led to the current crisis, all intended provide context and justification for her actions.
What are your other hobbies when not writing?
Aside from reading, I’m a PC gamer. Sports-wise, I enjoy tennis and netball, although I don’t play either because I couldn’t hit the broadside of a rhinoceros.
What is your favorite part of your book or series?
The parts I haven’t written yet. Since my books involve playing with Time, I feel a kind of future nostalgia about my writing. What I’ve already written is great, but – oh! – wait until you read what happens next. And even then, what happened after that – that’s my absolute favourite part…apart from the next part…
Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks?
Paperbacks wherever possible.
Softcover or hardcover books?
Softcover, mostly.
Do you have a favorite book or series from when you were a child?
Far too many to list.
Favorite cd or artist to listen to while writing?
Silence is Golden…
I don’t mean the song; I mean I don’t listen to music while writing. While editing, on the other hand, I might have some background music. Classical/instrumental, nothing with lyrics. Other people's words would interfere with crafting my own.
What is one of the most important things your readers should take away from your books?
Thematically, I’d say this series is an exploration of following the rules versus doing the right thing, and what happens when those are not the same.
If you could, would you make any changes to your book or series?
There are always improvements, always things I look back on and feel I could have done a bit better, but there’s nothing major I would change.
What is your thought on outlines for stories/books?
Case-by-case basis, for me. I had very little for my Majaos Trilogy. When the characters put it all together at the climax of Book 3, that was me putting together. I simply trusted that I had all the pieces and completed the jigsaw puzzle on the spot.
Can’t imagine doing that for my Tempestria series, especially as I get closer to the end. But still, plenty of things happen that I don’t plan. Sometimes characters have lives of their own. Two of them decided to have a relationship together that was never in my plan, but who am I to deny them?
Paper, computer or typewriter what do you write your story on?
Given my illegible handwriting and appalling typing, using anything other than a computer is not going to end well.
What was the last book you read?
I’m going to be cheeky and mention the last two:
Sea of Shadows by Aino Lahteva
and
Duplicity of Power by S. Lynn Helton
Both fantasy novels by fellow indie authors, and 2 of my favourite books of 2021.
Which one of your books would you want turned into a movie?
The first one, Shifting Stars. The rest of the franchise would naturally follow! ;)
Do you snack while you write?
Never.
(Finale question)
Current book you're reading?
Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind, one of my all-time favourite authors. It’s a re-read, and it’s every bit as good as I remember.
Any social media pages our very few readers can find you at and where they can buy your books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Instagram: @tempestrian
Gary Stringer yours Q and A will be post Tuesday January 25th at 4pm.
https://takeeachdayonebookatatime.tum... The questions will be posted down below you pick the ten you want to answer.
Write a little bit about you like what genre of books you write and what your up to .
Congrats on the book now to the questions
(Questions)
Is there a special reason behind the title of your book/series?
Was there any inspiration behind your story/series?
Will there be any more books in your series?
How many books have you written?
How many books are in your series?
What can your readers expect from your next book?
How does your next book fit in with your series?
What made you want to write?
For people who have not read your books or series, what are they about?
Do you have any pets so what are their names?
What are your other hobbies when not writing?
What is your favorite part of your book or series?
Do you prefer paperbacks or ebooks?
Softcover or hardcover books?
Do you have a favorite book or series from when you were a child?
Favorite cd or artist to listen to while writing?
What is one of the most important things your readers should take away from your books?
If you could, would you make any changes to your book or series?
Why do you think more people should read books?
If your book got turned into a movie, who would you want to star in it?
How would you make the movie as good as the book?
How do you feel about beta readers? Are they necessary?
What is your thought on outlines for stories/books?
Do you have a favorite quote by an author?
Paper, computer or typewriter what do you write your story on?
What was the last book you read?
Which one of your books would you want turned into a movie?
Do you snack while you write?
What book meant the most to you?
(Finale question)
Current book you're reading?
Any social media pages our very few readers can find you at and were they can buy your books