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Rose Garcia Interview 4/20/2013 9:45:20 PM
YA author Rose Garcia discusses her debut novel and the writing life! LTS: Fans of YA fantasy will enjoy this week’s author feature! I’d like to introduce you to the lovely and talented Rose Garcia, author of the Transhuman Chronicles.
I’d like to begin by having you share a little information about yourself with our readers, Rose. You are a woman of many talents. What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
RG: When I’m not writing, I’m completely immersed in my family. We love to see movies, watch our favorite T.V. shows, hang out with friends, or take weekend trips to the beach. There’s never an idle moment around here!
LTS: I know you’re a lawyer by profession, but when did writing stories come into your life. Was it always a dream to become a published author?
RG: Because I’ve always loved to read and write and excelled as a student, it was a natural progression for me to pursue a career in law. (Also, because I love to argue!) And as much as I enjoyed the practice, something was missing. Every now and I again I’d mention to husband that I wanted to write. (He’s my biggest fan.) It wasn’t until after 9-11 that I realized life was too short to not be doing what I REALLY wanted to be doing. So, I left law and jumped into writing and I haven’t looked back since!
LTS: I was intrigued by the title of your debut novel, Final Life: Book One of the Transhuman Chronicles, so I had to take a peek and read an excerpt. I can see why you’re getting such great reviews! What was the inspiration behind this story and can you tell us a little bit about your teen protagonist, Dominique?
RG: It’s cliché I know, but it all started with a dream I had about a girl in a red desert with a cloaked figure holding a knife to her throat. I kept wondering about that dream, imagining the story of the girl, asking myself who the cloaked figure was and why they were in the red desert. Hence, Final Life was born! As for my protagonist, Dominique, she’s an average girl caught up in anything but an average situation. I love how she’s super freaked out about what’s happening to her, yet is strong enough to take bold steps to take charge of her destiny.
LTS: Without giving away too much, can you reveal what’s in store for the readers when they crack open Final Life: Book One of the Transhuman Chronicles?
RG: What’s in store? A lot! Past lives, love interests, mystery, suspense, death, ghosts, and so much more!
LTS: The road to publication is difficult at the best of times. What made you decide on taking the indie route and self-publishing this novel?
RG: I started out wanting to go the traditional publishing route of getting an agent, but when I started querying, the publishing world had started to shift. Bookstores were closing, e-books were on the rise, and small indie publishing houses started sprouting left and right. As a result, agents were getting more selective and tight with their lists and what they wanted. Many complemented my writing and style, but passed on my story for various reasons. Knowing I had something really good on my hands, I decided to self-publish, and I’m so glad I did!
LTS: What is the best part of being an indie author? The worst part?
RG: The best part is being in complete control of my writing career. The worst part? I’m not so sure really. I guess not having my books in traditional bookstores, but really that’s not so bad due to the rise of e-books. And if someone wants a hard copy of my book, it’s available on Amazon.
LTS: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?
RG: The most important thing I’ve learned so far is that every writer needs to immerse themselves in the writing world. This can be done by joining local writing groups and attending meetings. Once you do that, you’ll have a pulse on the publishing industry, improve your craft, and find critique partners; all of which are super important.
LTS: Still on the subject of writing styles, are you a plotter or pantser? The readers would like to know if you tend to plot out your story line in great detail or if your writing is more organic with the characters and events unfolding as you write.
RG: I’m a combo! I loosely outline what I want to happen in each chapter. I say loosely because sometimes the characters will just do what they want to do! And I’m totally cool with that.
LTS: Some authors meditate, others need to fuel up on coffee or listen to music. Do you have any rituals, ones that can be shared with the readers, that you must do before you hunker down for a writing session?
RG: Before entering my writing cave, I must have two cups of coffee. Then, as I’m writing, I must have mood music, gum, and big glass of water.
LTS: At one time or another, most writers hit the wall and their work stalls because of the dreaded writer’s block. What do you do to get around or over this mental wall to resume writing?
RG: Whenever I have writers block, I consult with my creative team—my husband and two kids! They are avid readers and super creative and usually have tons of ideas. They’re awesome!
LTS: Who is your favourite author and how has he/she inspired you to write or influenced your writing style or choice of genre?
RG: I love the creepy suspense of Stephen King, the strong female characters of Terry Goodkind, the mystery and magic of JK Rowling, and the life or death seriousness and grit of Suzanne Collins. I’ve also recently fallen in love with the prose and world building of David Anthony Durham.
LTS: What do you foresee in your future over the next five years and do you hope to branch out from YA into other genres? Can your fans expect a sequel to Final Life: Book One of the Transhuman Chronicles in the near future?
RG: Right now I’m finishing up the sequel to Final Life! I’m also working on a new project, also YA, that I’m absolutely in love with. As for branching out from YA, who knows! But I’m not in a hurry to do so. I love the angst and desperation and high emotion that comes with the YA territory.
LTS: For more information about Rose and her Transhuman Chronicles check out:
Website: www.rosegarciabooks.com
Follow Rose on Twitter: .roseonprose
Where to buy the book: My books are available at every e-book outlet. For links, and to see my awesome book trailer, go here→ http://www.rosegarciabooks.com/books/
