My Love for Books: Author Interview

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Author Interview – Rebecca Ethington

When did you first know you could be a writer? When people started buying Kiss of Fire – and actually kept buying it, and liked it. The book has done remarkably well, and only by word of mouth advertising. I would have never imagined the success that this book has seen. It’s like a dream come true.

What inspires you to write and why? My grandmother. She loved books, as if owning a book store wasn’t proof enough. I like to think that every book I write would go on her ‘top ten’ list, but I want it to be worthy to be there.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? Any. Really. I just write the stories in my mind, and I have so many that stretch over every genre – it’s crazy! I am really excited to write them all too.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? I think the most challenging bit about writing, especially in the case of Eyes of Ember, is not being able to type fast enough. Lol There are so many challenging bits, making the manuscript plot hole free, creating believable characters, pacing.. it goes on. But that’s all frosting, the stuff you perfect at the end. For me, getting the story out can be frustrating. Sometimes my fingers just don’t move fast enough.

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Writing Eyes of Ember really taught me the value of my family. I never would have expected to get so much support and encouraging words! It was really a great reminder as to how awesome my family really is.

Do you intend to make writing a career? You know, it was always in the back of my mind as something I would really enjoy doing. Who would have thought I would actually be good at it, and that people would love what I do. So yes, I have many more stories to tell, and I am excited to do it!

Have you developed a specific writing style? One of the things that my reviewers tell me is that they love my writing style. I never really tried to have a specific style, I just kind of wrote the way I feel – but I guess people love it, so I will keep doing it!

What is your greatest strength as a writer? My ability to story tell, to create words, to have believable dialog. I spent so many years on stage, writing scripts, and at story telling festivals. All of those things have really given me a unique perspective on how to tell a story.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it? I run. I turn on the Lady Gaga station on Pandora, turn on an audio recorder and I run on a treadmill. As I run, I talk, recording everything, until I have figured out where to go next. I really love running; it truly clears your mind and helps me to see the path that the story needs to follow.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? Right now I am working on the third book in the Imdalind Series. The last thing I wrote was: “What’s going on in your brain, my love?” I asked her quietly in Czech, knowing that even if she was alert enough to hear me, she wouldn’t understand.”