Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Pemry Janes
Book Title: The Living Sword 2 & 3
Released: 01/09/20 & 08/06/21
Genre: High Fantasy
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Living Sword 2 & 3”?
Janes: There wasn't any one thing that got me inspired to write The Living Sword. I'd spent some months simply coming up with the world it takes place in and suddenly I realized I had a story I could tell. After that, writing the first book went very quickly.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Janes: When I start a story, I usually start with the world it will take place in and from there I work on characters and plot. So worldbuilding is a big part of my books.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Janes: I go and write something else. Doesn't always work, but I do end up with another seed for a story. There are now several stories I can start on once I'm finished with the Living Sword series.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Janes: My main tip is to write and keep writing. You can only get better with practice. I would also suggest to post your first couple of stories somewhere free to get feedback. I myself got my practice in writing fanfiction and I'd written something like 200,000 words before I tried my hand at The Living Sword and self-published it.
If "The Living Sword Series" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Janes: Haven't given it much thought, but I would want them to be unknown actors and the two leading actors would have to be non-European. And I would want Misthell to be voiced by Patrick Stewart.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Janes: I take my inspiration from a variety of sources, both historical and fantasy. Fans of Skyrim for example might find the name of Leraine's teacher familiar. Other times, the name just pops into my head as I create the character.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Janes: Fantasy is my favorite genre but Science Fiction is a close second and the Murder Bot Diaries is my favorite series right now.
What are you working on next?
Janes: I'm slowly writing the final part of the Living Sword series right now and I hope to publish it this year. If people want to stay up to date on that they can join my newsletter. They'll also get a free short story out of it.
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