Today I have another special treat for my readers! A special edition of Ten Questions with Author Faith Hunter!! Her Rogue Mage series is absolutely spectacular and addictive! If you like Paranormal or Urban Fantasies, you MUST check them out!
On to the interview!
Thanks for stopping by the Circular File today! Let's jump right in!
1. Where did you get the idea for Bloodring?(My favorite in the Rogue Mage series)
I have long been a reader of end-time literature and fantasy. In end-time literature I could see a vast hole left by writers – a vacant space that might incorporate the views of several major religions, an ending that might be driven by aliens or messengers bent on judgment, but without the proselytizing often seen in religion-based books. A sort of *what-if*, but with a wicked twist.In fantasy, humans are often portrayed as the top of the moral and ethical food chain, fighting evil and demons and creatures that go bump in the night. I figured that if there is light matter and dark matter, matter and antimatter, light and dark, good and evil, left and right, up and down, high and low, then where there were demons there must also be angels. But maybe not your daddy’s angels. Maybe angels who have a twist. Maybe angels who are not exactly “holy” as we understand it. Once that set of thoughts came to mind I started with the what-ifs. And I was lost in this very complex and unforgiving world of the Rogue Mage books. The books went back to press in April, BTW! Whoowhoo!
2. Which character (of yours) do you identify most with, and why?
I don’t really identify with any of my characters, which sounds weird seeing as they come from inside me. But they are all so maladjusted, socially challenged, and needy… Wait. Hmmm. Okay, maybe I identify with all of them. (laughing)
3. How/why did you start writing?
I have been writing under a variety of names since 1990. I fell in love with it in high school when my 10th grade writing teacher told me I had talent. I still thank Ms. Carol Kohler for her support and caring. She was a great teacher, and still is, somewhere!
4. What authors/books do you read?
I love urban fantasy, but I read lots of genres and authors.Thrillers: Harlan Coben, Stuart Woods, and others of their ilk. (Did I say ilk???)Fantasy: David B Coe, Misty Massey, Gail Z Martin.Urban Fantasy: Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, Rachel Caine, come to mind, but I read widely in this genre and love it all!
5. What is the most challenging/rewarding thing about being a writer?
Challenging for me is the finding the time needed to do proper promo. Just today I have been at the PC for 4 hours all for blogging and PR stuff. When will I get to the writing? Maybe not at all today. It may be later in the week. Sigh…
6. How do you find inspiration?
That is everywhere. For instance we have a bird nest under the back deck (which is 13 feet off the ground). In it are three chicks, one with normal plumage, and two who are albinos. If you want to see a pic go to www.faithhunter.net and click on Nature and Faith under the photo heading. Too cool! Anyway, the birds got me to thinking about pecking orders in families and sibling rivalry when differences are so very pronounced. I could do a book based on a winged, flighted race and what happens when two chicks are hatched with white plumage and red eyes. Woowoo moments are everywhere.
7. What was the best writing advice you ever received?
Every main character has to have (at least) one great strength and one great weakness. The weakness has to drive the plot and the character almost to destruction. The strengths (and developing strengths) have to save them both. This is what makes a hero.
8. What's the coolest thing that's happened to you since you became a writer?
Awards are nice… Oh! I know. Two things! One: When I get to meet my favorite writers! I got a hug from Harlan Coben which still stands as my all time fav celebrity hug! Two: When a fan writes and says, “Your work got me through a hard night,” or “Your work made me think,” or “Write faster!” Fan emails are the best!
9. What's your favorite quote of all time, and why?
At the moment, two, though they have changed over the years. Currently is one in Skinwalker (coming from ROC in July 09) by my character Jane Yellowrock. Jane is a skinwalker who takes gigs hunting down and killing rogue vampires. Her card says “Have Stakes, will Travel.” I didn’t write it. I like it because it came from her mind. Honest.The second is, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is stare at a piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” It reminds that writing is *not* always easy.
10. What are you working on right now?
Right now I am rewriting a Gwen Hunter suspense book for reissue. Ashes to Ashes, out this summer in trade PB.
The Rogue Mage books; BloodRing, Seraphs, and Host, are available anywhere books are sold, or you can go to her website,
http://www.faithhunter.net
and click on the links.
Skinwalker will be released by ROC in July 09! Real SOON!
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