Monday, January 20, 2014

Author Interview with author Maureen Willett, author of The Soul Stealer

The Soul Stealer Banner 450 x 169

Today on the blog we have author Maureen Willett, author of The Soul Stealer, todays book blitz. We would like to thank Maureen for stopping by and sharing with us. So sit back and relax.

 

authorinterview

 

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Yes, from the time I was in about third grade I knew what I was. I managed to deny it for many years, though. It took me until I was an adult to start writing fiction, after I had some life experience and perspective.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

About 20 minutes ago. Actually, I’ve been writing all my life, including time spent as a journalist for newspapers and magazines, but only in the last year have I defined myself as a writer out loud and to others. Prior to that, it was my dark secret, but I finally came out of the closet when my book was published.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

I’d written four novels before I felt one was worthy to be published, so it’s been ten years of writing, rewriting, and perfecting my craft.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

Yes, I’ve always worked full-time in the writing field. I’ve been a reporter for a newspaper, a features editor for a magazine, a public relations consultant, and even a media sales person for television and radio. Right now, I’m a yearbook publishing representative in Hawaii, where I’ve lived for twenty years.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

THE SOUL STEALER

Romeo and Juliet meets True Blood, set in Hawaii with supernatural beings other than vampires

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

It is self-published by Publish Green

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

About a year, because I do work full-time. I write mostly at night and on the weekends.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I’m putting the finishing touches on a historical paranormal novel that is about an Irish family who immigrates to Kansas in the 1800s because they are believed to be leprechauns. They have some very real adventures in the Old West, mixed with a little magic. Their tale is based on stories of my own ancestors who immigrated from Ireland that I discovered while researching my family tree.

What genre would you place your books into?

Paranormal fiction

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

It’s just what I’m drawn to, both as a reader and writer. I grew up in a family where levitating tables for entertainment was a normal occurrence. Now, it’s called table tipping.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

I love Andrew Le Fey, my bisexual faery masquerading as a rock star. He’s not what he seems to be and very mischevious without being a dark character. I had so much fun with him.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing all my life, since I was in grade school. No one person inspired me to do it. It’s just who I am, and what I have to do to feel whole.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I sit in my home office and always in the same chair. I don’t want any noise or interruptions, so I have to wait until my son is in bed, or out of the house.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

I do, but I don’t let them influence me too much. I don’t write to receive compliments but to make people think and to entertain, so I’m glad when I accomplish that.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

Definitely write and then choose a title. Often, my titles change a few times before I settle on one.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

I don’t, really. They are their own creations. I’m just the vessel that puts them on paper.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

None of the above. They appear in my imagination. Then as I start writing the story, they characters and plot evolve on their own accord. It’s like watching a movie unfold before my eyes, not knowing how it will all end. On rewrite, though, I take a bit more control so it fits together tightly and there are no loose ends.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

As I go along, and as the story evolves. I set out to write one story, and another appears as I’m writing it. Sometimes character traits completely change on rewrite. I adjust as necessary to create more tension or excitement.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

I believe there much more to our world than we recognize in terms of magic and things we can’t define or see, so I try to stretch that concept in my stories. I also have tried to include everyday situations with supernatural beings to make it more relatable for my readers. For example, in THE SOUL STEALER, the two main characters meet, fall for each other, get into a relationship, and then the girl finds out who her guy really is. She’s so in love with him at that point, she’s willing to take the bad with the good. Haven’t we all been there? Of course, he’s from a different reality and is only half human, so it’s sort of a big pill for her to swallow.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I only read eBooks now. I travel a lot, so the ease of downloading a book in my tablet is essential.

What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?

It’s difficult to say. There are so many great novels in all sorts of genres. I love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

It really depends on the filmmaker. My favorite is the Harry Potter movie series. They did a great job bringing complicated novels to life. I wasn’t disappointed, although I enjoyed the books more than the movies.

Your favorite food is?

Is wine considered a food?

Your favorite singer/group is?

It changes with the wind, but right now it’s Adele. Her voice has a scratchy edge to it that’s unbeatable.

Your favorite color is?

Lavendar, because it’s so soothing.

Your favorite Author is?

I can’t narrow it down to just one.

If you would like to find out more about Maureen check out today’s book blitz.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for featuring this interview with me. I hope your followers liked it. The can enter my book tour giveway of a $50 Amazon GC by liking my Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/KL9FaD

    --Maureen Willett

    --Maureen Willett

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