Here is an author interview with Anna. I love the background
that she gives us here. It makes the book and her reasons for writing it come
alive. Enjoy!
1. If you had 3
wishes, what would they be?
Health, Love and wisdom
2. Given unlimited
resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
A tower made of glass, including the roof, in the middle of
the forest. A day bed (those like Cleopatra used.) A cozy blanket with a
fantasy theme printed on it and lots of fruit.
3. Where do you
actually write?
My office. It has a tall 6' by 10' glass window in one wall
that looks at my neighbor's house. A big desk full of books, computer, papers
and all kind of Cowboy stuff. (including John Wayne’s posters.)
4. How long does it
normally take you to write a novel?
When I started twelve years ago or so, three months for the
first draft. Now almost a year, sometimes less. Life keeps me busy.
5. What are your
inspirations?
To be able to write non-stop again.
6. How did you come
to write this particular book or series?
Different ideas and reasons. I love medieval romance and
princesses. So it was natural to come up with A Royal Romance. The first book
is Once Upon Two Kingdoms. This new book is Kingdom by the Sea.
Kingdom by the Sea was created the night after I saw the
musical AIDA, I couldn't sleep because I was disappointed with the ending.
(It's just me, the musical is great.) I spent the night thinking what I would
have done different if it was my story and by morning Kingdom by the Sea had
been born.
Aida has a ship's captain and he is the main protagonist. He
is the princess' lover and he does fall in love with a slave girl.
Kingdom by the Sea has some of these elements but the story
follows the princess and her awakening to a world she was part of but never
knew. It turns out completely different from the musical Aida and that is what
makes it awesome.
7. What was the
hardest part of writing your book, and how did you overcome it?
I wanted to get my elf series out first (seven books)
because the elf kin wouldn't let me sleep at night, so I had to wait eleven
years to publish Kingdom by the Sea.
8. What is your
writing drive? The power that keeps you going when your writing gets difficult?
Mostly the story plots per say and the character's
insistence. Some characters are so persistent that you have to give in to them
and write the book or await your doom.
Triple A
1. . How did you come up with the title?
I was born in Chile, a country that is
bathed by the sea from north to south. And we own an island "Easter
Island" with natives that I use as the slaves in my book. Kingdom by the
Sea has quite a few similarities to my country, so I make it the place for my
story, though the story is totally fictitious. It also has Spanish names in it.
"Serena," the main character's
name means "mermaid" in Spanish. Her kingdom is "Delmar"
which mean "from the sea." "Miramar" the capital's name,
means "look at the sea" or "lookout toward the sea." Both
of these names are those of real cities in Valparaiso, Chile.
This story also mentions Serena's kingdom's
great wine industry, a similarity to the real Chile which has the best wine and
grape industry in South America.
2. Name one entity that you feel
supported you outside of family member?
LTUE, Life The Universe and Everything, a
huge Writers Symposium in Provo, Utah. I have learned and developed lots of
friendships during my many years as a student and panelist there.
3. If you could travel anywhere in
the world for thirty days and just kick back and relax, where would you go,
would you take anyone with you and why would you chose this vacation spot to
go?
A cabin in the woods with a roaring fire,
two recliners and my husband. We both love the quiet, inspiring forest, winter
or summer. There is no place like nature to get my imagination and relaxation
working double-time.
4. What is your favorite late night
snack?
I try not to eat after 6 pm. But sometimes
caramels or chocolate made it to my mouth after 9 pm.
5. Where do you see yourself in
5-10 years?
Better at my writing. Have some more
awards. Published my Intergalactic Detective Series.
6. Tell
us 5 random things about yourself.
I love red hair
I'm not fan of fake nails
I don't wear short anything, but hair
I like Christmas romance movies
I like to dress people. (plays, movies,
live trailers, etc.)
7. What was the most surprising part
of writing this book?
How vividly it brought back to me the smells, memories and
sounds of the ocean. I didn't realize how greatly
Thank you so much for the post, Christy. I appreciate your help spreading the news. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this interview on the author. The book looks like a good one. Since being on our mission I probably won't get it read it; but will but it on my list of books to read. I loved her favorite place to be. I would chose a cabin without any technology and just my husband and some good books. I would take the recliner too. I loved learning about the author and the book. This was a really fun post. Blessing and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you LeAnn. My hubby and I serve at the Jordan River Temple, but they don't let me write my books there. So the best next place is the mountains. My hubby is a cowboy so it is perfect for both of us. :)
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