What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Sword of Fate?
Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams, no matter how long it takes, or even if you have to set them aside for now. I have always enjoyed reading fantasy and loved to write, so I decided to write a fantasy novel. The first draft of Sword of Fate was written in 1986 on a typewriter! Life got very busy and it was not until very recently that I was able to return to my dream of being an author. I kept the original manuscript all of these years, until I had the opportunity to begin working on it again.
I am so excited that the book I started so many years ago is now being published! Don’t forget your dreams, even if you have to put them away for a while. They will be there waiting for you, when you are ready.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Sword of Fate, what would they be?
Bridge Over Troubled Water
You’ve Got a Friend
We are the Champions
I am Woman
When You Believe
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I am all over the map both in what I like to read and what I like to write, but fantasy has always been one of my favorites. I have one common denominator in both my reading and my writing – I enjoy clean, uplifting stories that are entertaining. I also love getting to know the characters of the stories I read and the stories I write, regardless of genre.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and The Masterharper of Pern by Anne McCaffrey.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
That’s a tough question! Getting to create Rugal’s first experience transforming into a bear was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed getting to imagine his first real challenge involving an important artifact that must be obtained in order for their mission to be successful, and how Rugal could use his magic to aid him in that quest. I had a lot of fun when writing about the different reactions everyone had upon meeting Argothal the dragon for the first time. Exploring character relationships in various scenes was very satisfying. Can you see a trend here? LOL The entire story was a lot of fun to write!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have a four-legged 90lb. writing buddy named Mark who periodically encourages me to take needed breaks and play ball in the backyard. I also frequently read out loud what I am writing – it helps me get a better sense of whether what I am writing is working or not.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I have lots of them! This one is from my novel, Sword of Fate: “Never pass up the opportunity to ride a dragon.” ~ Ancient Proverb (Unknown Origin) In other words, don’t let your fears hold you back from doing something amazing!
I think this is a profound statement and well-worth considering in every endeavor: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” —Albert Pine And finally, a verse that Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8 that I try to apply to my writing and life in general: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Relationships matter the most.
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