Winterview with Author Sarah J. Sover

To celebrate 13 weeks of winter, Hàlön Chronicles will be conducting one interview a week for 13 weeks. We’ve also partnered with additional artists and authors for a few surprises throughout the winter. Join us on the hashtag #13Winterviews, or check out our blog hop for a sneak peek at who’s on the roster in the coming weeks.

Hosted by: K. J. Harrowick

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

As a stay-at-home mom, I’m living proof that too much child programming leads to a few loose screws. Or maybe they were always loose, I can’t remember anymore! When I’m not a pregnant hermit, I enjoy blues dancing and metal concerts, but life these days consists of some writing, a little reading, raising a vibrant 4 year old, and binging bad superhero spin-offs on Netflix.

2. What types of books do you write, and why?

I write adult fantasy. It’s my happy place, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else, though I’ll always write whatever possesses me. The world can be overwhelming, and fantasy offers me the ability to deal with real issues in a wondrous world where anything is possible, frequently with elements of humor.

3. What were your early influences, and how does this manifest in your work today?

Strangely, as a teen, I only read classic literature and poetry with some trysts into metaphysical studies. I didn’t branch into genre fiction until college, and I still feel like I’m playing catch-up. As a result, my influences are cross-genre. Favorite books include The Alchemist, The poetry of John Donne, The Count of Monte Cristo, Mistborn trilogy, The Secret Garden, and The Lies of Locke Lamora. I also take inspiration from music and movies.

4. Are there aspects of the craft that excite you more than others?

I’m a pantser who drastically underwrites the first draft, so the most exciting part for me is when I finish the bones and start adding meat. The novel taking shape is the biggest thrill for me, and it’s what drives me. I can’t stand having to be derailed for note-taking and research, unless that research involves watching heist flicks with my husband and a hoppy IPA (true story). Other than that, querying is pretty awful, but I think that’s the general consensus.

5. What books or websites are your go-to places while editing?

I go back and forth between Scrivener and Word. I like seeing my text in different formats to allow it to feel fresh.

6. Tell us about your writing space (music/snacks/interruptions/etc.)

I have a desk in the corner of a quiet room, but I rarely use it. Most frequently, I sit at the table or on the couch with my laptop while my kid plays in the yard. Though I’m a music lover, I can’t write with music or I’ll find myself belting out Broadway tunes or head-banging instead of focusing. So, I guess my writing space is my pub-inspired dining room.

7. Tell us about your current WIP or your latest book release.

My current WIP is jokingly entitled Fairy GodMURDER on my desktop. It’s about a fairy godmother going rogue to avenge the death of her first charge at the hands of a serial killer. I’m still in the laying bones stage, so it’s slow-going, but once I get through the first draft, I expect to have the rest knocked out within six months or so.

Curious to know more about Sarah? Be sure to visit her Facebook Page or connect with her on Twitter.

Don’t forget to check out this year’s Winterviews and partner interviews. You can also follow this blog and be the first to know when new content is released.