Today I'm thrilled to bring you an author interview with Ilana Walters, author of The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt (Hartlandia #1)
First, here's some info on the story.
Synopsis:
Ten-year-old Stanley Delacourt loves his quiet life in the peaceful village of Meadowwood. At least, he does until his best friend is killed. Then the town library—where Stanley lives and works—is burned to the ground. The individuals responsible for both tragedies are a nasty group of soldiers. They work for the kingdom’s new leader, Christopher Siren. With the grown-ups too fearful to take action, Stanley vows to confront Siren. He plans to get answers and demand justice. Little does he know that his journey will involve sword-wielding knights, kidnapper fairies, and dark magic.
Stanley has only two allies back home: a witch named Meredith, and a young apothecary called Sophie. Can they help him discover the reason behind Siren’s crimes and end this terrible reign? Or is Stanley set to become the next victim in the tyrant’s evil plot?
If you enjoy the fantasy works of Rick Riordan, Lemony Snicket, or Philip Pullman, then explore the world of Stanley Delacourt today!
Sounds like a great story doesn't it?? I'm definitely looking forward to reading it. Be on the lookout for my review in the upcoming months And now, the interview:
Meet Ilana Walters
Ilana Waters is a freelance writer who lives in New Jersey. When not creating content for websites, she can be found working on novels and short stories—as well as nibbling string cheese. She once pet-sat an electric eel, and enjoys walking in circles around the park for no particular reason.
Her first book—The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt: Book I of Hartlandia—is a middle-grade fantasy. It is available at Amazon, Barnesandnoble, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords. Ilana is currently writing Book II of the Hartlandia trilogy, due out in 2013.
The Interview:
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? What was your "aha" moment?
I’ve wanted to be writer since I was six years old. My first grade teacher said I was good at writing, so I figured that’s what I should do (this really tells you something about the power of labels). I didn’t take writing seriously as a career until a couple of years ago. I figured it was now or never. I chose “now.”
Where did the inspiration for The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt: Book I of Hartlandia come from?
All right, I know this sounds silly, but it came to me in a dream. Really--it did! I woke up and knew the basic plot and three of the main characters. The rest of it is loosely based on equal parts life experience and wish fulfillment.
Who is your favorite author?
Hmmm . . . there are too many to choose just one, but off the top of my head I can think of Lemony Snicket, Michael Ende, Philip Pullman, and Diana Wynne Jones.
Do you have a writing routine? A special pen, a certain type of music, time limits?
When I can no longer justify procrastinating, I write. Er, yeah; that’s pretty much my routine. >.<
Do you enjoy edits/rewrites, or do you not like them?
Believe it or not, I really like making my work the best it can be! And there’s always something satisfying about finishing a project, because then you can move on to something new.
Which character in The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt: Book I of Hartlandia was your favorite to write and why?
I think it was Sophie, because I could see her so clearly in my mind. And she blows up at people the way I wish I could sometimes, so that was easy to write.
How do you come up with your character names?
Well, most of them were done for me as part of the dream. But Stanley’s name actually has a special, magical meaning that will only be revealed in the trilogy’s third book. So stay tuned!
What is the hardest part of being a writer?
I’m sure the “hard” parts are different for everyone. Personally, I find coping with the randomness of the business very difficult at times. You never know what will do well or poorly, and sometimes there seems to be no logic to it. But I suppose that could be said for much of life, no?
Why did you choose to write a fantasy book over other genres? What drew you to the fantasy genre?
I’m allergic to reality; facts make me itch. Plus, I love the sheer freedom of the genre. You can literally do/be/say whatever you want. You’re not hemmed in by irritating things called “facts.” You can create any scenario or outcome you desire. I can definitely live with that!
When you're not writing, what are your other hobbies/passions?
Procrastinating writing. I have taken procrastinating to an art form! Okay, okay: coffee, reading, and cats. I’m a writer—what else did you expect?
Are you working on any new projects?
Oh my, yes! I have plans for many, many, many new books! The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt is the first in a trilogy. I also have a short story and a novella coming out that are set in the same world. Finally, I’m doing a YA vampire paranormal romance—because I heard there was a shortage of those. ;-)
Quick Fire round:
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke Zero, or regular Pepsi if I’m having a calorie splurge.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
I can’t believe you even asked—chocolate, of course! Sorry, vanilla lovers. ;-)
Rainy winter days or blazing hot summer days?
Oh, blazing hot summer—definitely!
Hard Copy or e-book?
Depends—hard copy at home, e-book for travel/errands.
Favorite book?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith
Last book you read?
The Seven Tales of Trinket, by Shelley Moore Thomas. Outstanding!
What's a quote that inspires you?
“Two men look out through the same bars; one sees the mud, the other sees the stars.”
What's your favorite comfort food?
All of them!
Connect With Ilana:
I can be cyber-stalked at these fine locations:
1 comment:
Thank YOU, Melissa, for having me on your blog! I hope your readers get a kick out of the interview. :-)
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