JC: Episode 7: Bound by Fate, the latest chapter in the Shadow Stalker Series, has just been released. How did you give birth to this amazing series?
RS: Originally I intended to write it as a series of novels (which is still in the plans). I came up with the idea for it back in 2006 I think it was, after reading The Celestine Prophecy. The character, Kado, just came to life in my mind. I knew from the beginning he wouldn't be the main character, but maybe the main character's mentor. The story slowly developed over the next few years after that.
JC: Where did the idea come from to do this series in a serialized format? You know Stephen King did the same with Green Mile.
RS: Actually, yes. It was Stephen King who originally inspired me to write a serialized version of the story. I wanted to do it like a TV series though, rather than publishing chapters. That's why I call them episodes. Like I said, originally I wanted to write novels, but I was afraid to put all the effort into a novel that wouldn't do well. I felt like I needed some practice in the self-publishing world before taking on such a huge venture, so this seemed the best way to do that. It's been a great experience for me and now I finally feel ready to write the novels.
JC: The series seems to slowly creeping down a darker path as we progress. Will there be a light at the end or can you not reveal that yet?
RS: It's going to get darker, but yes, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. :-D
JC: I’ve asked other authors this question before and now it's your turn. How do you come up with character names? Do your character names mean anything?
RS: Actually, I cheat. I use name generators. Sometimes I change the spellings of the names I find, but I would never get anything accomplished if I had to come up with the names on my own. They don't have any special meaning or anything. I just choose names that sound good to me.
JC: The Shadow Stalker Series is of course fantasy. What is your draw to fantasy?
RS: I've loved fantasy since I was a kid. It was the only thing I really enjoyed reading. The first fantasy novel I ever read was The Hobbit, and I was hooked ever since.
JC: A lot of issues with some people is finding time to write. How do you find time to write?
RS: I just write when I can really. Every spare moment I have during the day, I spend writing. I have to go to school with my daughter 4 days a week because she can't go on her own. I volunteer in the library there and 4 hours a day while I'm there is dedicated to writing as well.
JC: Everybody can write. We learn to write in school. Do you believe though it takes a special person to be a quote: “Writer?”
RS: No, I believe anyone can be a writer. All it takes is desire and lots and lots of practice. Learning to be a great writer is a lifetime endeavor. I think anyone who is willing to put in the effort can do that. I think it's been said that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert or master at something. So just strive to spend at least 10,000 hours doing the thing you love and you will be great at it. :-D
JC: Now time for my famous fun question segment! Ready?
RS: Absolutely!
JC: Paperback or digital?
RS: Both, digital for a new book, paperback if I really like it and intend to read it over and over and over…
JC: Computer or notebook?
RS: Computer for my actual writing, but a notebook for working out story ideas and doing timelines and stuff.
JC: Coffee or Tea? Yes random I know.
RS: Depends on my mood and the weather. Generally speaking I like tea in the summer and coffee in the winter.
JC: Favorite Author?
RS: It changes regularly, but right now it's Lindsay Buroker.
JC: Worst book you ever read?
RS: I don't remember the title, but it was a freebie on Kindle. I didn't even make it through the first chapter, and that's saying something with me. If the story is good, I can usually overlook bad grammar and stuff, but this one was just bad all around.
JC: Have you ever fallen asleep reading a book?
RS: Yes, quite often. And when I'm reading on my tablet, it tends to be very painful if I'm lying on my back.
JC: Ever fallen asleep writing?
RS: No, I can honestly say I've never done that. I daydream a lot though.
JC: Best interview you’ve EVER done, huh?
RS: It was a lot of fun, yes! :-D
JC: Thank you Renee for taking time to sit down with me.
RS: No problem! I hope your readers have enjoyed it and will consider having a look at my blog and signing up to my newsletter: http://reneescattergood.com. I have a bad habit of giving away a lot of freebies. ;)
DON'T forget to get hooked onto the Shadow Stalker Series! Check out all past issues, and the new release of Shadow Stalkers Episode 7: Bound by Fate! Available now FREE at smashwords.com!
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Auren escapes the Dark Isle to find things are worse on Appolia than she imagined. Very few have survived the invasion of the Galvadi Empire, and even her best friend, Jade, has gone missing.
While attempting a rescue, Auren is captured and faces abuse and torture at the hands of her enemies. She knows as long as she can hide her true identity, she might succeed in helping the Coalition, but one of the Galvadi knows she is the delohi-saqu. For his silence, she is forced to pay the ultimate price.
Renee Scattergood, author of the fantasy series, Shadow Stalker, and novella, Demon Hunt, lives in Australia with her husband and daughter. Aside from writing, she loves reading (Fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her daughter. Find out more about her, and sign up for her newsletter on her blog: http://reneescattergood.com
Connect with Renee at:
Renee Writes: http://reneescattergood.com/ - my personal website and blog.
Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/ - a blog where I feature indie and small press authors.
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2
Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
Social Media:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118427336236369690813/+ReneescattergoodAuthor/posts
Thanks so much for all your support, and the interview! It was a lot of fun! :-D
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