In
2013, I received an honorable mention in Writer’s Digest’s Self Published book
awards for MG/YA. I guess I am learning something!
Ideas from dreams follow me into warm sunny days or the
quiet of falling snow. “What ifs” feed a vivid imagination. Even mistyped
phrases may lead to an "aha" moment. Brain storming sessions standing
in windy, dark parking lots with fellow writers release thoughts that pry at
the corners of my mind, grasping for purchase. Sometimes the ideas pursue me,
with persistence.
For More Information
- Visit Robynn E. Sheahan’s website.
- Connect with Robynn on Facebook and Twitter.
- Find out more about Robynn at Goodreads.
About the Book:
A
brutal alien society invades Korin and Arranon, intent on destroying the two
worlds that make up Cadet Erynn Yager's home. Forced to expose her strange abilities
and reveal her forbidden birth, a guarded web of secrets unravels.
Stranded
on an unfamiliar planet of eternal winter and predatory wildlife, the
mysterious living consciousness of Arranon intervenes, leading Erynn on a
mystical journey.
Aware
of Erynn's potential, the alien enemy pursues her. She struggles to gain
control of her growing powers while in a constant race to elude the invaders,
and join the forces preparing to fight a mounting occupation.
Erynn’s
secret may be her worlds' only hope, but at the cost of her life. Swept up
in a chain reaction of events, Erynn's dedication extends far beyond
service and duty. She learns the true meaning of sacrifice.
Along
with courage and hope, Erynn finds something unexpected on her journey of
awareness and growth.
Love.
For More Information
Thanks for this interview, Robynn. Can we begin by having
you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?
Just from looking at this question, I can tell you I’m an
introvert and I tend to over analyze questions, (really had trouble taking
tests in high school and college), so I’ll do my best.
I’m an avid reader. I love words. How they work together to
show a story. How certain expressions create deep emotion, and other phrases
generate a vivid picture when they’re crafted together just right. After
reading a book that left me shaking my head at the poor grammar and just plain
silly plot, (and from a popular author), I decided to try writing. Several
years, lots of writer’s conferences, writer’s workshops, and critique groups
later, I had a book. I’m still learning and improving my writing. At least I
hope I am.
When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation
and/or fun?
Well, reading is at top of my list. I usually have two or
three books, or eBooks, open at the same time. Just finished Party, Bones, and Patience, Princess
Catherine, currently reading Crazy
Love, Bag of Bones, and And the Band
Played On,- this one is taking me a while. It’s interesting, just a lot of
data to slog through. I like movies. Some of my recent favorites are Star Trek
Beyond and God’s Not Dead 2. I enjoy taking classes and teaching.
Congratulations on your new book! Can you give us the
very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
THE
BEST PART IS WATCHING the eyes. The moment life leaves them. Death is such a
fleeting climax. Pity.
Major Birk pressed Colonel Rennek against
the thick wall inside the deserted parking garage. Birk’s head tilted and he
smiled, quivering in anticipation, savoring Rennek’s plunge into panic.
Rennek thrashed and jerked under Birk’s
powerful, unyielding hold. His struggle brief, Rennek shuddered, then stilled.
A low, guttural moan escaped his twisted mouth. In the white glare from
overhead lights, Rennek’s eyes widened beneath raised bushy eyebrows. His black
pupils dilated, eclipsing blue irises.
Birk’s nostrils flared, drawing in the
invigorating scent of Rennek’s fear as life slipped away. A tingle of pleasure
shot through Birk and he released a breath in a long sigh, a smile stretching
his lips. He drew his hand back, removing the needle from Rennek’s neck in a
smooth fluid motion. A tiny drop of blood oozed from the minuscule hole at the
base of Rennek’s skull, a red speck barely visible under short gray hair. “Your
cooperation is appreciated, Colonel.” Birk straightened and released his grip
on Rennek’s uniform jacket.
Rennek’s knees buckled and he slid down the
smooth wall. His body toppled over, skull striking the hard surface of the
tarmac with a resounding thud.
Sweat burned Birk’s eyes but he ignored
the sting and stared at the dead man. He thumbed the tiny slide on the
otherwise smooth cylinder, shutting down the laser and retracting the needle.
Birk tugged off dark gloves, stuffing them and the cylinder into the pocket of
his black jacket. “Tomorrow morning, thanks to your information Colonel, I will
assassinate General Cale Athru of Arranon, removing this final obstruction to
our invasion.”
Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards
to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?
My actual writing usually goes well, even revisions. I start
with a first draft in NaNoWriMo and go from there. Sometimes I may be a little
stubborn, (Me? Stubborn?) to suggestions made by my critique groups and editor,
but once I think about it, I usually agree with them. It’s just a matter of
getting the words down in a way the reader can connect with the characters,
their world, and their story. How tough can that be? I’m rolling my eyes here.
Definitely been a journey and a learning experience, with several detours, but
one I wouldn’t change.
As for publishing, I did opt for self-publishing after a
year of rejection letters. I didn’t stop searching for a publisher though, and
this year I signed with a small press.
If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what
would that be?
Against erratic weather and fierce wildlife, a young woman
overcomes fear and confronts an alien force to save her worlds, learning that
acceptance starts by recognizing her own power.
What makes your book stand out from the rest?
Hmmm. Stand out? There are so many good books out there. And
a few, uh, not so good. Sometimes that’s just a matter of what you like. As far
as standing out, my book goes through critique groups, often many times, it’s
edited, and proof read, then goes to the beta readers. The story is a fast
paced adventure in worlds with creatures that are unique and characters that
have depth, baggage and all.
If your book was put in the holiday section of the store,
what holiday would that be and why?
Fun question. I gotta say Halloween. With magic, strange
creatures, and a malevolent lord of the underworld, Valentine’s Day won’t work,
even though there is a love story.
Would you consider turning your book into a series or has
that already been done?
Yes. Storm of Arranon
is a series. Books one, two, and three are published, book four is close, and
book five, well, NaNoWriMo starts in November!
What’s next for you?
Literally, Surrey International Writer’s Conference the end
of October. Yippee! And NaNoWriMo begins November 1st.
I plan to keep writing. After the Storm of Arranon series is finished, (finished?), I have other
ideas waiting their opportunity in the queue of computer files. Between book
three and book four, I tried to start a new project, but the characters from Storm of Arranon demanded I continue
their story.
Giveaway
R. E. Sheahan is giving away a paperback copy of Book Two (Storm of Arranon Fire) and Book Three (Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies)!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive both books
- This giveaway ends midnight October 28.
- Winner will be contacted via email on October 29.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
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