I’d like to thank Sherry Ficklin for joining me today
on Pedantic Phooka Book Reviews. Sherry is the author of a new paranormal series called Palmetto Moon.
Please enjoy my interviewwith Sherry below, and click the following link for my review of the first book in her series: Born of Blood.
1. Sherry, what was your inspiration behind for the story Born of Blood?
Born of Blood began it’s life as a writing exercise. The premise was, ‘you are trapped in a burning building. Describe the scene.’ From there it completely took on a life of its own.
2. It seems like we’ve been set up for a bit of a love triangle with Rayne, Caleb and Sophie. Which of the men would you choose if you were Sophie?
If it were me, I’d fall hopelessly into Caleb’s arms. But she won’t. There’s too much baggage there, too much she has to let go of before she could ever be with him again. I think she sees Rayne as a potential fling, but not as a long-term relationship. They have great chemistry. I mean, it’s like a force of nature. She and Caleb are beyond that point of infatuation and are settled into a place where they are very comfortable with each other. I think that comfort comes at the expense of other things. She’s still getting to know Rayne. I suppose the big question will be, will she like what she finds? At the end of the day, right now at least, neither is a good fit for her long-term.
3. I was surprised when I learned the identity of the killer in Born of Blood. Did you plan for this twist all along, or was it something that grew as you wrote?
No, it was always that person. The why of it changed a bit as the writing went along. But yes, it was that character from the very beginning. I’m glad you were surprised though. I’m always afraid someone will figure it out early and ruin the surprise.
4. I felt that there was an underlying theme of equal rights throughout your book. Were you hoping to leave your readers with a particular message or inspiration?
I’m glad you picked up on that. There is a very strong undercurrent of tolerance. I really think one of the things that makes Sophie great is that while it’s not a lifestyle (or death style?) that she would choose for herself, she accepts the vampires for what they are. Being a human doesn’t make you a good person and being a vampire (or whatever) doesn’t make you a bad one. Everyone is defined by their actions. She deals with people accordingly.
5. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve been lucky to have a really supportive group of friends and family. They always pick me up when I’m down and they are such a huge, wonderful safety net for me that I feel like I can do anything, reach for any star, because I know they will always be there to catch me if I fall short. But it was my husband who first suggested I try to get published. Ha! Five years of chaos and microwave dinners later I bet he’s sorry now!
6. Do you have a favorite author? What are your top three favorite books or series to read?
I have a LOT of favorite writers, some classic and some contemporary. One of the perks of being a writer is that I get to know lots of other writers and a lot of the time I get early looks at their books. My most recent favorites are Elizabeth Meuller (author of Darkspell) and Rick Riordan (of Percy Jackson). I read voraciously, all the time. When I’m out of new books, I go back to my favorites, Harry Potter and Dark Hunters.
7. If you could live in the world of a novel, which would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a really tough one. I suppose it’d have to be the Harry Potter books. There’s just so much magic in that world. I could use more of that sometimes.
8. What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing?
Editing. It makes the books so much better, but it’s a bit like trying to judge your children. You tend to love everything about them so cutting and changing things is hard for me.
10. What is your next project and when might we see it?
Right now I’m working on the next Palmetto Moon book and a YA steampunk/time travel novel. I literally have no idea when they will be done but I hope by the end of the year. The final book in my YA fantasy series, Hindsight, comes out next spring.
11. I know it is difficult for new writers to gain an audience. Are there any other new writers that you are particularly excited to read, or whom you would like to recommend to the blogiverse?
CJ Hill, Elizabeth Mueller, and Jo Ramsey are a few of my recent finds. So talented! They do YA, and they are all amazing.
To learn more about Sherry and her writing projects, click the following link to visit her website: Sherry Ficklin
