Interview with author J.A. Saare

Happy Monday, peeps!

Song of the day- Uprising by Muse

I'm beyond excited to welcome the fabulous and oh-so-talented author, J.A. Saare to Cali Cheer Mom. I'd like to give her a big shout of thanks for taking time out of her busy schedule to participate in an author interview with me.

1.    You’ve had two books release in the last month, Crimson Moon over at The Wild Rose Press, and Eternity and a Day at Loose ID.  Can you tell us a little about them?

Aside from they are very different? ;-)

Crimson Moon was the first story I ever completed.  During college, I considered writing something but always stopped short (The hero, Caleb, was envisioned during this time).  It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I took the plunge.  It started out as a YA but became something else when The Wild Rose Press took an interest in my submission and asked me to spice it up.  I can say that it was always supposed to be a trilogy, but I’ve been considering trimming it down to two books.

Eternity and a Day is dark, fantasy/paranormal romance.  It has elements of Greek mythology (The Underworld, The Moirae, etc), as well as a few things I created on my own, namely the Draigen who are half-men, half-dragon shifters who were created after one of the great immortal wars.  It was a lot of fun to write but a lot of work as well.  Before my stories were all about pantsing.  With this series (it involves reappearing characters) I had to plot extensively for the first time.

2.     Eternity and a Day is next up on my TBR pile, but I have had the absolute pleasure of reading Crimson Moon. Loved it! What was your inspiration for the novel, and how long did it take you to write?

Crimson Moon will always be a story I recall fondly.  I started writing it in June of 2008.  I was tired of the screaming children in the house and wanted an escape.  I sat down one night and just started.  There was no plot, just an idea, and it went from there.  What I didn’t know is that I would become addicted to writing as soon as I finished a couple of months later. 

3.     Have you always wanted to be an author?

Oddly enough, no.  I mean, I always idolized Stephen King and wondered what it would be like to write stories and have people want to read them, but I was always too terrified to share what I’d created in my teens (poetry and songs) to ever conceive of writing things with the sole purpose of sharing them with the world.

4.     What is your writing process like?

Usually it starts with a scene.  In the case of Crimson Moon, I was driving down the street, listening to Nine Inch Nails, and the scene inside Haven’s Pit hit.  Just like that.  I could see Emma, terrified and alone, and Caleb stepping in to save her.

For the most part, I still fly by the seat of my pants when I write.  However, I’ve noticed that has changed as I start creating new stories, and I’m forced to write things down in my composition pads to keep things straight.

5.     What is the easiest/hardest part of weaving a story for you?

The ending.  I always have the hardest time wrapping things up.  I’m not sure why, but it’s been the same for every story I’ve written.

6.     Who have you been reading lately?

I’ve been on a historical romance kick lately.  I love, love a Scot!  I’ve also been returning to my love of horror, which has always been a favorite.

I should say that I do have my e-reader once again, and Eve of Samhain is the first story I intend to read. ;-)  I have to finish up a story for my CP, and I’ll be able to dive in!

7.     Do you have any other books in the works?

I cringe at that question because I have too many.  I have the second in the Rhiannon’s Law series, The Renfield Syndrome.  The second in the Desires of the Otherworld series (under the Aline Hunter pen) Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon.  My new urban fantasy series, The Company of Wolves.  And if things go well, the second in my yet to be titled shifter series (Omega Mine is the first, which I’ve just finished).

8.     If you could give one piece of advice to newbie authors, what would it be?

Keep writing, don’t give up, and don’t let the bad outweigh the good.  Opinions vary, and the market and tastes of those you submit to are incredibly subjective.  Just because someone doesn’t get or like your voice it doesn’t mean someone else will feel the same way. I saw this on Twitter, but it’s true -- Stephanie Meyer’s success is NOT the norm.

And because I’m sure everyone wants to know:

1.     What’s your favorite snack food?

Pull and peel cherry Twizzlers.

2.     Favorite movie?

Oh God, I can never answer this one!  Because it changes.  Today I’ll say it’s Final Fantasy: Advent Children.

3.     Favorite quote from a movie?

Speaking of Advent Children…

Sephiroth: Tell me what you cherish most.  Give me the pleasure of taking it away.

4.     Do you prefer your toilet paper rolls to feed over or under?

You know what? I never pay attention! *laughs*

5.     Favorite slang word?

Jive.

 I'd like to give another hearty round of thanks to Ms. Saare for gracing us with her wonderful presence. 

You can find more information about J.A. Saare  at:

J.A. Saare.com

Her blog:  Random Musings

Her Goodreads profile

You can purchase Crimson Moon at The Wild Rose Press.

Eternity and a Day can be purchased at Loose ID.