Thursday, October 13, 2016

Interview with 'Storm of Arranon' Robynn E. Sheahan & Giveaway!



I have always been a reader. I love books. When I’m not able to read, I listen to audio books. I started writing while working as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Northern California. Trust me, it’s not like it appears on TV. There was plenty of time for books, mostly reading them. I didn't seriously start writing until I moved to my ranch in Oregon. While waiting for lambs to be born in the middle of the night, I would head back to the house for an hour or two and sit down at the computer. Before I knew it, I had a manuscript. Not a good one, but a start.I joined critique groups and attended writer's conferences. I was on the fast track to learning.

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
About the Book:


A forbidden birth. A remarkable young woman. A marauding alien society. The battle begins.
 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

  • Storm of Arranon is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

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!

ENTER TO WIN!


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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