REALM OF BEASTS by Angela J. Ford

Recently I reviewed the book REALM OF BEASTS by Angela J. Ford and also had this interesting and very unique opportunity of getting to know such an amazing woman and author. I've put up the interview session here for the enjoyment of you all in hopes that you all will like this woman as much as I have. I had asked her a few questions and she had cheerfully answered the lot (I never thought she would be willing to answer so many, but she did to my internal amazement! Kudos to her!)

1.    What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

I’m sure there are many unethical practices in the industry and it’s a uphill battle fighting against them. My focus has been to avoid the negativity and focus on the positive and doing what I can to make sure I’m producing and marketing my best work.

2.    What are common traps for aspiring writers?

It’s too easy to get caught up in what others are doing. I’ve seen too many writers suffer from the inferiority complex which keeps them from diving into their work and creating something uniquely their own. Instead they focus on what everyone else is doing and that’s often a creative block.

3.    Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

My best work is when I am original and write the book I want to read. As an avid reader it’s easier to write what readers what to read because I am one. I love the fantasy genre and know what resonates for me in a story, and that’s what I try to write for my readers. In order to be an excellent writer, one must first become a reader.

4.    Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

Connections! My work is all about connections. I brainstormed the Four Worlds when I was a teenager and set out with the goal to write a core series of 4 books and have sub series and stand-alone that connect to the events in the world. I have about 3,000 years of history to write before I get to the grand finale.

5.    What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?

I have no idea - it is such a digital age I get most of my information from blogs and podcasts.

6.    What novel do you feel is highly underappreciated?

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip. The prose in her books is gorgeous and the story lines are fantastic.

7.    Did you come across any specific challenges in writing this book?

One of my big challenges was determining how much of the character arc to show in book one versus the entire series. Realm of Beasts serves as a brief introduction to the characters and gives the readers of sense of their reactions in different situations. Further books will show their grow as they learn more about who they are and the way the world views them.

8.    What motivated you to become an author?

I grew up reading stories and telling stories, and that motivated me to create my own tales and share them with others. I’ve always had a rapt audience in my four sisters who enjoy all of my stories and offer constructive criticism. At first I started writing for them but then I found other readers also enjoyed my stories which encouraged me to publish my books.

9.    How did you come up with the idea for the  books?

Some of my ideas came from dreams but more often than not, from books I’ve read. My idea for The Five Warriors came from reading the Bible. There’s a section on King David and his Mighty Men who accomplished amazing feats. I decided to write a story about warriors who seemed invincible and could accomplish the impossible because of their great power.

10.When you develop characters do you already know who they are before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? 

Typically I know their name, what they look like and a bit of background information. I try to map out their personality but often once I begin to write, the characters fully develop under my fingers.

11.When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but one day I just sat down and decided to become a writer.

12.Writers are often associated with loner tendencies; is there any truth to that?

Yes and no. I am an extrovert and I like to be around people. I get my best writing done in coffee shops, at the airport, basically anything that gets my out of my environment and out around people.

13.What is the most important thing about a book in your opinion?

The message it gives the reader along with the entertainment. I believe each book carries a message whether it gives the reader hope, encouragement, relief, entertainment or something else, I hope each of my books contain some eye-opening nugget regarding the world around us.

14.Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Write. Honestly, sit down and write. The best way to become proficient at anything is by practice, and the sooner you sit down and start writer, the sooner you’re on your way to become a bestselling author.

15.What books have influenced your life the most?

The Bible has so many amazing stories that are often overlooked and forgotten, it’s been a great inspiration for writing and life in general.

Lord of the Rings was an eye opening epic fantasy and really encouraged me to take writing to the next level.

16.Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?

My flagship book is The Five Warriors and currently I’m working on the sequel to it. It’s a spin off that doesn’t follow the main plot line but focuses on what happened after the main events that took place in The Five Warriors.

17.Whose work do you enjoy reading the most?

One of my favorite authors is J.T. Lawrence, she writes futuristic cyberpunk and urban fantasy. I honestly love everything she puts out!

One of my favorite traditional fantasy authors is Patricia A. Mckillip.

18.What is your view on co-authoring books?

I’d love to - once I figure out how to actually plot out my novels and follow that plot line. I always get caught up in chasing rabbit trails but it would be fun and challenging to work with another author.

19.What would you say are your interesting writing quirks?

I usually don’t write for very long - I like to brainstorm before a writing session and then sit down and crack out 1500-2000 words in an hour.

20.What were the most surprising things that you learnt while creating your book?

How much fun it is! It’s like going on an adventure with only a vague idea of what is going to happen and discovering all these unique and sometimes terrifying things. I love it when I get a brilliant idea that will twist the plot on readers. My book: Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword has an interesting plot twist at the end.

21. What do you think about the eBook revolution?

It’s fantastic! I love how easy it is to download books and read them. As a reader, I usually download around 25-50 books a month. As an author it has done wonders for increasing books sales. The audio book revolution will be next.

22. Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, I have a box full of short stories that haven’t been published yet. I’ll re-write those stories and release them a little later.

23.Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Here’s something not well known, I’m actually left-handed. I was also home schooled.

24.Million dollar question, when will you be publishing your next work?

February of 2019! I usually publish three books a year so readers don’t have too long to go without new material.

25. What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

Phew! That’s a hard question. I guess just read my reviews and you’ll see it all. Readers tend to either love my books or hate them, there’s very little middle ground. Of course, someone calling my books boring and worthless is a little harsh, but on a positive note, the kind words from my fans make all the different.

26.What has been the best compliment?

Fan mail makes my day. I get really encouraged whenever someone sends me a note and tells me they love my book and I should keep writing!

27.What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans?

How much they love the characters and their quirks.

28.What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

There’s an army commander in The Five Warriors, named Ackhor, who is very overbearing and controlling.

29.What would the main character in your book have to say about YOU?

They would probably freak out and ask: Why do all these bad things keep happening to me?

My response: It’s all for a reason, you’ll see at the end.

30.What would you want to say to your fans?

A heartfelt thank you for your support, thank you for buying, reading and reviewing my work. It makes my day and there is more coming soon!

-----

I'm sure you all are as excited for her new release as I am! Let's pray that it will touch us as much as her previous works did. Best of luck Angela!